Staff Attorney in Tallahassee, Florida at Leon County Clerk of Courts and Comptroller's Office

At the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller’s Office, you can:

• Take pride in delivering high-quality public service
• Contribute to an organization that values professionalism and accountability
• Participate in structured professional development
• Support court operations and essential public services in Leon County

Benefits Package Includes:

• Paid holidays and leave benefits
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage options
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Florida Retirement System participation
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457b)
• Life and disability coverage options

Starting Salary Notice:
Initial appointments are typically made at or near the minimum of the approved pay range, consistent with budget authorization and internal equity.

Position Overview:

The Staff Attorney provides professional legal counsel and services to the Clerk’s Office by rsearching legal issues, advising leadership, supervising assigned legal support staff, and coordinating legal service initiatives to ensure operations comply with applicable laws, court rules, and governing requirements.

The position oversees assigned access-to-justice and Low Bono Center operations, supports external legal service partnerships, and exercises independent legal judgment within the authority of the Clerk.

Legal Research & Advisory Services
Conducts legal research and prepares memoranda, written opinions, and recommendations. Interprets statutes, rules, and case law affecting Clerk responsibilities. Advises leadership on legal implications of operational decisions and risk exposure.

Litigation & Legal Coordination
Prepares or reviews pleadings, responses, and legal documentation. Coordinates with outside counsel and supports legal proceedings involving the Clerk. Coordinates with external legal service providers and access-to-justice initiatives and oversees internal coordination of Low Bono Center operations.

Contracts & Compliance
Reviews, drafts, and evaluates contracts, agreements, and legal documents. Advises staff regarding public records, regulatory compliance, and statutory obligations. Identifies legal risk and recommends corrective or preventive actions.

Staff Supervision & Program Oversight
Provides supervision, work assignment, performance oversight, and guidance to assigned legal support staff; participates in hiring, training, and disciplinary processes as appropriate.

Assignments may vary based on organizational need.

Legal Knowledge
Knowledge of legal research methods, statutory interpretation, court procedures, and public-sector legal requirements.

Analytical Skills
Ability to analyze legal issues and develop defensible recommendations.

Communication Skills
Ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly to non-legal personnel and leadership.

Professional Judgment
Ability to exercise independent professional judgment and maintain confidentiality in sensitive matters.

Required Education
Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.

Required Experience
Experience performing legal research, analysis, and advisement.

Required Licensure or Certification
Active member in good standing with The Florida Bar and must maintain membership throughout employment.

Equivalent combinations of experience and licensure requirements will not substitute for Bar membership.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience in governmental law, court operations, or public-sector legal services.
Experience in civil, criminal, administrative, or regulatory practice areas.
Experience advising executive leadership or elected officials.

CONDITIONS OF JOB OFFER & EMPLOYMENT

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of:

Maintenance of active Florida Bar membership in good standing

Background screening as applicable

Verification of eligibility to work in the United States (E-Verify)

Pre-employment drug testing

Maintenance of required licensure or certification, if applicable

Driver’s License may be required if assigned duties involve travel between Clerk locations

90 - Day Introductory Period

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in an office environment and may require attendance at meetings, hearings, or court proceedings as necessary. Schedule flexibility may be required during litigation or time-sensitive legal matters. Professional confidentiality and ethical standards must be maintained at all times.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY & REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

The Leon County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of any status protected by federal, state, or local law. The Clerk’s Office provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law. Applicants requiring accommodation during the application or selection process should notify Human Resources.