The Florida Legislature
The Florida Senate

Job Title

Attorney (Criminal Justice)

General Summary

Provides legal work in the examination and preparation of legislation, legislative programs, legal instruments, opinions, or other documents; conducts research to assist a higher level attorney or staff director; and provides counsel and advice to legislative committees.

Examples of Work Performed

• Researches and drafts legislative bills and amendments in technically complete language, under supervision.
• Drafts objective staff analyses of proposed legislation. 
• Monitors the progress of legislation through committees of reference and on the floor.
• Provides legal counsel and advice to legislators and legislative committees on legal matters including the development of legislation and legislative programs; interprets state and federal legislation related to programs of any governmental unit.
• Recommends needed changes to legislation based upon trends in case law, agency comment or citizen request.
• Conducts legal research concerning the interpretation of Florida Statutes and on other matters in question for Legislators and staff; answers telephone inquiries and composes routine responses to constituents.
• Maintains communications with agency heads, or their assigned deputies, assistants, and agency general counsel.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of legal terminology.
• Knowledge of Florida laws and legal procedure.
• Skill in reading comprehension, analysis, research, and organization.
• Ability to provide legal counsel.
• Ability to interpret state and federal legislation, laws, and rules.
• Ability to employ legal reasoning and to foresee possible legal problems.
• Ability to communicate effectively and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to take action in situations which lack clear direction.
• Ability to take initiative on independent research projects.
• Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with the public, press, and lobbyists.
• Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to use independent judgment when releasing information to the public.
• Ability to collect and analyze data.
• Ability to conduct meetings and to make presentations.
• Ability to perform legal writing and prepare various legal documents.
• Ability to research legal documents and legal references.

Minimum Qualifications

Attorney in good standing with The Florida Bar.

Salary

Application Deadline

Open until filled.

Submission of Application

Interested parties may send a cover letter, resume and completed Florida Legislature Employment Application to:

Amanda Stokes, Staff Director
Senate Committee on Criminal Justice
Re: Attorney
404 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1100

or e-mail: stokes.amanda@flsenate.gov

Applications are available through the Florida Legislature's web site Online Sunshine and in Room 701 of the Claude Pepper Building.

Accommodation for Disability

If an accommodation is needed for a disability, please notify Human Resources at (850) 488-6803.