DISTRICT COURT STAFF ATTORNEY - 22004401

Requisition No: 843550 

Agency: State Courts System

Working Title: DISTRICT COURT STAFF ATTORNEY - 22004401

 Pay Plan: State Courts System

Position Number: 22004401 

Salary:  AGENCY TO UPDATE 

Posting Closing Date: 06/20/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Description

The primary function of Appellate Staff Attorneys is to assist judges in the disposition of legal issues.   The Appellate Staff Attorney position is an excellent entry level position allowing attorneys (especially graduating 3Ls and recent law school graduates) to become familiar with appellate state court practices and procedures by working with appellate judges, central staff attorneys, and the Clerk.   This is a great position for those interested in appellate practice. 

Outstanding analytical, research, and writing skills are required.  For each case, you will be expected to analyze the legal and factual issues presented, perform independent legal research to confirm what legal principles govern, and, by applying those principles, set forth an objective, unbiased conclusion. You must be able to write legal memoranda in a clear, organized fashion to inform the court about the issues, arguments, and controlling law. You must have a firm grasp of basic legal principles with the ability to expand your current base of legal knowledge into many different areas. You will be expected to have expertise in proofreading and citation formatting. All work will be done impartially, confidentially, promptly, and professionally. You must be able to work effectively with others, including accepting and providing constructive input.

The ideal candidate will work in-person at the courthouse.  However, a hybrid and/or remote work option is available for the right candidate. 

This position is available for a two-year term.  However, this position may potentially lead to an ongoing position if desired. 

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Member of the Florida Bar in good standing at the time of hire or within one year after hire.
• Strong academic record.
• Excellent research, writing, and oral communication skills.
• Law review/journal membership, moot court participation, court system / teaching / research work experience, or commitment to public service preferred. 

Salary:

Starting annual salary is commensurate with years of experience in the practice of law after admission to the Florida Bar:

0-2 yrs.:   $ 67,881.12

2-5 yrs.:   $ 76,980.18

5+ yrs.:    $ 86,592.18

Graduating 3Ls and recent law school graduates will be hired at $67,881.12 annually.

(*) We offer a complete benefits package including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.  We also offer participation in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, Tuition Waiver (public colleges and universities) and Employee Assistance Program.

How to apply: 

Submit a cover letter, resume, law school transcript, at least one writing sample, and a completed State of Florida Employment application to:

Judge Kansas R. Gooden

c/o Marcia White, Appellate Judicial Assistant

Third District Court of Appeal

2001 SW 117th Avenue

Miami, Florida 33175

Email: whitem@flcourts.org

THE POSITION IS SUBJECT TO A SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF A BACKGROUND SCREENING.

THE THIRD DISTRICT COURT OF APPEAL IS A DRUG FREE WORKPLACE AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.  WE DO NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF RACE, RELIGION, COLOR, SEX, AGE, NATIONAL ORIGIN, OR DISABILITY.

IF YOU NEED AN ACCOMMODATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE APPLICATION/SELECTION PROCESS, PLEASE CALL THE CONTACT PERSON AT THE NUMBER INDICATED FOR EACH RESPECTIVE POSITION. PERSONS USING A TDD MAY CALL THE CONTACT PERSON THROUGH THE FLORIDA RELAY SERVICE AT 711.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.