Overview
The Florida Commission on Human Relations is seeking a Senior Attorney to provide legal support in enforcing the state's civil rights laws. This role involves guiding the agency in interpreting and applying laws related to discrimination and ensuring investigations and agency actions meet legal standards. The position supports outreach and education efforts by contributing to legal training and helping staff and the public understand their rights and responsibilities.
Responsibilities
- Represent the Commission in civil litigation, administrative, and other legal proceedings.
- Prepare legal documents, conduct legal research, and provide advice on legal issues and transactions.
- Determine whether statutory violations occurred in cases investigated by the agency.
- Review investigative reports for legal sufficiency and prepare determinations and other legal documents for approval.
- Collaborate with investigation managers to improve work product and revise reports according to legal criteria.
- Review case files and recommended orders from the Division of Administrative Hearings to draft proposed final orders for commissioner approval.
- Represent the agency in legal proceedings before the Division of Administrative Hearings, First District Court of Appeals, and other forums under close supervision.
- Respond to inquiries from agency staff, complaint parties, and the public regarding legal issues related to employment discrimination, retaliation, public accommodations, whistle-blower retaliation, and fair housing.
- Prepare and conduct legal training modules on topics related to discrimination and retaliation.
- Review public records requests.
Requirements
- Admission to the Florida Bar and membership in good standing.
- Minimum of two (2) years of professional experience in legal practice, legal research, teaching law, or administrative/judicial hearings.
- Knowledge of rules of evidence, investigative techniques, court procedures, and requirements.
- Ability to use deductive reasoning, communicate effectively, and make detailed verbal presentations.
- Ability to collect and analyze evidence, maintain confidentiality, and make independent decisions.
- Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments, analyze information, conduct fact-finding interviews, and take statements.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Preferred Qualifications
- Degree in business administration, public administration, or business management.
- Experience in employment discrimination law and/or housing discrimination law.
- Experience drafting and editing complex documents.
- Experience managing a large caseload.
- Experience drafting proposed final orders.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary: $61,740.64 annually.
- Annual and sick leave benefits.
- Nine paid holidays plus one personal holiday each year.
- State group insurance options including health, life, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance.
- Retirement plan options with employer contributions.
- Flexible spending accounts.
- Tuition waivers.
Location
- This is a remote position.
- Official office address: 4075 Esplanade Way, Room 110, Tallahassee, FL 32399.
Additional Information
- The selection process may include a skill assessment and/or oral interview.
- Applicants must clearly define qualifying responses, work experience, and hours worked in their candidate profile.
- Submission of a current resume, cover letter, and writing sample (2-5 pages) is required.
- Employment is contingent upon passing a level two background screening including fingerprinting and FBI criminal history check.
- Male applicants born on or after October 1, 1962, must be registered with the Selective Service System or have an exemption.
- Reasonable accommodations are available upon request in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
- The workplace is drug-free; employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing.