District Court Staff Attorney

In 2008, the Florida Legislature authorized the creation of a specialized Workers’ Compensation Unit at the First District Court of Appeal. The First District has exclusive, statewide, jurisdiction over all workers’ compensation appeals and extraordinary writ petitions. The Unit’s staff attorneys prepare summaries of cases for the court’s judges. This includes reviewing the case file, summarizing the facts and arguments, analyzing the issues involved, and recommending a disposition. Staff attorneys also assist in drafting opinions, conduct legal research, assist with speeches and presentations, and perform other duties as assigned by the Chief Judge or Director of the Unit.

Salary

• $67,881.12 - $86,592.18/year

Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited law school is required, top 25% and law journal or moot court experience preferred.

Experience in the practice of workers’ compensation law preferred. Membership in good standing with The Florida Bar required.

Competencies

Excellent legal research, writing, and analytical skills. Ability to work independently. Ability to maintain a large caseload and meet deadlines. Knowledge of legal principles, statutory and case law, and court rules and procedures. Ability to grasp, comprehend, and analyze complex legal issues and complicated factual matters. Ability to perform exacting work, attentive to details. Ability to digest and communicate ideas and concepts. Ability to exercise discretion, confidentiality, impartiality, and honesty in handling matters before the court. Ability to work effectively with judges and court staff.

Other Information

Staff Attorneys are paid according to the Florida State Court System Appellate Staff Attorney Pay Plan, which currently provides as follows:

• Staff Attorney- $67,881,12 annually (less than one year of experience practicing law subsequent to passing the Florida Bar examination)

• Sr. Staff Attorney- $76,980.18 annually (at least two years’ experience practicing law subsequent to passing the Florida Bar examination)

• Career Attorney- $86,592.18 annually (at least five years’ experience practicing law subsequent to passing the Florida Bar examination, or five years’ experience as a law clerk/staff attorney)

How to Apply

Submit a State of Florida application, cover letter, resume, list of references, law school transcript (unofficial copy acceptable), and writing sample to: jobs_@jobs.flcourts.org

THIS POSITION IS OPEN UNTIL FILLED.

If you need an accommodation in order to participate in the application/selection process, please call (850) 488–8136 in advance. The First District Court of Appeal is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability. The successful applicant will be subject to a criminal background check.