The Juvenile Justice Center of Barry University School of Law in Orlando, Florida seeks a full time staff attorney to continue the work of improving the quality of delinquency representation in the state.

The Juvenile Justice Center seeks a staff attorney who wants to be a part of an organization that hopes to generate systemic change that will improve the quality of representation for children and allow for the State of Florida to be the model in which others will look to for guidance.  The staff attorney will be responsible for assisting with the training and support to the juvenile defenders through seminars, the creation of a newsletter and the monitoring of the listserv.  The Juvenile Justice Center is looking for a staff attorney that will promote best practices by providing consultation services and the implementation of pilot projects around the state.

Must have a minimum of three years representing children in the delinquency system.

Position to be filled ASAP.

Job Title: Staff Attorney
Grant Funded  
Salary Range  $45,000 - $54,000  
Division/Department Clinical Programs  
Immediate Supervisor Director of the Juvenile Justice Center  
 
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Staff Attorney will work with the Director of Juvenile Justice Center in improving the quality of representation of children in delinquency court.  This attorney will help to provide resources to the public defender offices in the state.  This person will also participate in the planning and execution of training programs with an emphasis on facilitating the integration of evidence-based practices.  Additionally, this attorney will provide assistance to the juvenile defenders and as a consultant with public defender offices.  It is expected that this attorney will have substantial trial experience representing children in the delinquency system.  Experience as an assistant juvenile public defender preferred to understand the best way to implement best practices under the everyday hardships of life as a public defender.  This position is grant funded.  The position terminates at the end of the grant unless additional funding is obtained.

RESPONSIBILITIES
• Create training programs;
• Assist with the coordination of the two live trainings for the assistant juvenile public defenders around the state;
• Moderate and assist with answers on the Listserv;
• Create the bi-monthly newsletter with case law updates and juvenile related articles;
• Maintain the content of the JJC web page and ensure the quality of accuracy of the motion & fact sheet bank;
• Monitor the participation of the juvenile defenders on the listserv, the live seminars and the Learn @ Lunch conference calls;
• Train lawyers and law students to represent children accused of crimes in Florida’s juvenile delinquency system;
• Assist with the creation and coordination of pilot projects;
• Develop with the administrative assistant a database and website to monitor the impact of the JJC;
• Work closely with the Florida Public Defender Association, the National Juvenile Defender Center and the Southern Poverty Law Center; Provide continuous training and consultations with defender offices to improve the provision of representation of children;
• Establish relationships with community agencies that serve youth in the delinquency system;
• In consultation with the Children and Families Clinic and public defender offices in the state, advocate for youth in a variety of systems, including DJJ and courts;
• Attend professional trainings to continue to learn best practices for representing children;
• Travel around the state for legislative reforms, training workshops and meeting with the public defenders;
• Work with Director in expanding the outreach to all Elected Public Defenders around the state including the JJC consultation services.

QUALIFICATIONS
• Appropriate knowledge of the standards of juvenile representation in both dependency and delinquency;
• Ability to make effective oral and written presentations;
• Ability to prepare and organize comprehensive project reports;
• Ability to prioritize, organize and manage multiple assignments according to project deadlines especially as related to the JIDAN projects and event planning;
• Appropriate expertise in computer technology;
• Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, administration and staff;
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and legal research tools.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
• JD degree required;
• Knowledge of the juvenile justice system.
• Experienced in working with children and families;
• Experience in working in a public defender office preferred;
• Skilled in interacting with persons of various social, racial, cultural, economic and educational backgrounds;
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and persuasively orally and in writing;
• Proven ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently;
• Must be able to work occasional evenings and weekends to meet with juvenile defenders and other juvenile stakeholders around the state;
• Must have insured, reliable and available transportation, and a valid FL driver’s license.

APPLICATION INFORMATION
Please send cover letter and resume to Carrie Lee by email to clee@mail.barry.edu or fax to (321) 235-8420.