Staff Attorney for Miami-Dade County Florida

About Lawyers for Children America

Lawyers for Children America (LFCA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing pro bono legal representation to indigent children. LFCA focuses on serving as attorneys ad litem for children and youth who have been abused or abandoned and are before the dependency court. Through recruiting, training, and supporting volunteer attorneys, LFCA ensures that vulnerable children and youth have strong legal advocates protecting their rights in dependency proceedings and other legal forums. In addition to direct legal representation in dependency court, LFCA represents children and youth holistically in multiple legal areas, such as education, disability, health, mental health, housing, public benefits, family, domestic violence, and other legal matters. LFCA works collaboratively with the legal community to improve outcomes for children as well as young adults transitioning out of foster care.

Position Overview

LFCA is seeking a full-time Staff Attorney in Miami-Dade County Florida to support pro bono lawyers and provide direct legal representation to children and youth as attorneys in dependency court and other legal proceedings. This position is primarily remote but will involve attendance at court hearings and trainings in Miami-Dade County when needed.

The Staff Attorney will provide legal guidance, case consultation, training, mentorship, and co-counseling to volunteer lawyers, ensuring that children and youth clients receive high-quality legal advocacy. This role involves collaborating with LFCA staff, volunteers, and community partners to protect the rights of children and youth.

The ideal candidate is a skilled attorney with a strong commitment to child advocacy and public interest work.

Key Responsibilities

• Recruit, train, and support pro bono lawyers representing children and youth as attorneys in dependency proceedings and other legal matters.
• Recruit, train, and support law students to match with pro bono lawyers and assist clients.
• Provide holistic legal advocacy to dependent children and youth, including in education, disability, health, mental health, housing, public benefits, family, domestic violence, and other legal matters.
• Assign, supervise, and co-counsel all pro bono cases to ensure high-quality legal advocacy.
• Manage and maintain an individual caseload of children and youth clients.
• Conduct legal research, draft motions, and prepare legal documents.
• Represent clients in hearings, administrative proceedings, and court staffings.
• Maintain client case files, notes, and other documentation required for representation and program reporting.
• Schedule and conduct pro bono trainings for lawyers & law students and legal rights trainings for youth.
• Meet with and build relationships with children and youth clients, ensuring their voices are heard in court and beyond.
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Member in good standing of the Florida Bar.
• Minimum of 5 years or more experience as a lawyer.
• Experience in child welfare strongly preferred. Experience in related civil legal representation is a plus.
• Excellent legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to child advocacy and social justice.
• Ability to work independently at times and also as an effective part of a team, including other attorneys, staff, and volunteers.

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Health and dental benefits.
• Paid Time Off, holidays, and sick leave.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Meaningful work in a supportive environment dedicated to improving the lives of children.

LFCA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit a resume to LFCA’s Administrative Assistant, Mikaila Reyes-Clark, at mreyesclark@lawyersforchildrenamerica.org. Please include “Staff Attorney for Miami-Dade Application – [Your Name]” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Health and dental benefits
• Paid Time Off, holidays, and sick leave
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Meaningful work in a supportive environment dedicated to improving the lives of children