Trial Court Staff Attorney - 22011415

*Applications and resumes will be reviewed as they are received.  Interested candidates are encouraged to apply early.

The essential function of the Trial Court Staff Attorney position is research and writing of legal memoranda, draft opinions, orders and reports; conduct legal research; review briefs and case files in numerous areas of law, including appeals from county court (both civil and criminal), complex civil litigation, constitutional questions, complex family law cases and criminal matters, including post-conviction motions and related civil matters such as petitions for extraordinary relief filed by or on behalf of sentenced inmates, pretrial detainees and other litigants.

Work is performed under the general supervision of the Circuit’s Senior Staff Attorneys, Court Administrator and Judges, and is reviewed in progress, as necessary, and upon completion.

Examples of Work Performed

·         Conducts legal research of substantive and procedural legal matters, and drafts/prepares legal documents, such as opinions, judgments, post-conviction orders, memoranda or orders concerning extraordinary writs;

·         Drafts proposed orders for motions filed in and issues arising during death penalty cases; drafts proposed orders imposing a life-or-death sentence in death penalty cases;

·         Reviews files, evidence, depositions, pleadings, motions, legal briefs and memoranda of law, proposed orders and other related documentation in order to advice judges in a variety of legal areas;

·         Provides immediate legal research and recommendations required by judges conducting court sessions;

·         Attends staff meetings to exchange information; attends technical or professional workshops, seminars or conferences to improve professional skills; attends hearings as required;

·         Assists the circuit court appellate division by drafting bench briefs and/or appellate opinions.

Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school.    

Requires membership in the Florida Bar within one year of hire. 

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities 

This position requires knowledge of the legal system; criminal and civil court processes and procedures, and the knowledge, skills and abilities listed below. 

Knowledge: Legal principles, statutory and case law, court rules and procedures, legal publications, Florida State Courts System.

Skills: Manual legal research; computerized legal research, including Westlaw and Lexis-Nexis; legal writing and drafting.

Abilities: Reason logically and analytically; grasp, comprehend and analyze complex legal issues and complicated factual details; digest and communicate ideas and concepts orally and in writing; exercise discretion, confidentiality, impartiality and honesty.

Annual Salary: $67,183.44 for members of the Florida Bar. $60,683.52 if awaiting results of the Florida Bar or prior to taking the Florida Bar Exam. 

*The successful candidate will be hired at the minimum salary

Submit a current and complete State of Florida Application, resume, cover letter, writing sample, law school transcripts and copy of Florida Bar card:

Human Resources Manager
Court Administration
Judge Lynn N. Silvertooth Judicial Center
P.O. Box 48927
Sarasota, Florida 34230

Faxed and emailed applications will be accepted.

Fax: 941-861-7904

Email:  [email protected]

*If you do not submit a State of Florida application, you will not be considered.  If you have submitted a State of Florida application directly to the Twelfth Judicial Circuit within the past 12 months, please indicate--you do not need to submit it again.

The successful applicant will be subject to a Criminal Background Check.  The Florida State Courts System is a criminal justice agency.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, age, national origin, or disability.  If you need an accommodation in order to participate in the application/selection process, please call 941-749-3600 ext. 1791.

Pursuant to 110.205(2)(c) of the Florida Statutes, employment with the State Courts System is not covered under the Career Service System and all employees of the State System serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority and do not attain tenure rights.