Children's Legal Services Careers
CLS recognizes that our ability to advocate for Florida’s dependent children begins with hiring and advancing talented attorneys. CLS is looking for new and experienced attorneys who are energetic and motivated. CLS offers rewarding work in a collaborative team atmosphere with competitive wages and state benefits. If you are interested in joining a team of over 350 attorneys to make a difference in the lives of children, please consider the following opportunities.
Attorney Opportunities
From time to time, CLS has vacancies for attorneys throughout the State. Please visit People First for our current vacancies. When applying we require you to submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and a State of Florida application.
Attorney Benefits
Loan Forgiveness
- The Department of Children and Families Children’s Legal Services qualifies for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Annual, Sick, and Holiday Leave
- Paid vacation
On each anniversary date, you will be accredited 176 hours of annual leave. - Sick leave
On each anniversary date, you will be accredited 104 hours of sick leave. - Holiday Leave Nine paid holidays during the year. In addition, each employee is granted one personal holiday.
Bar Dues
- The Department pays for The Florida Bar annual dues for full-time attorneys, contingent upon agency approval.
Insurance and Retirement Plans
- Insurance Plans
Employees can choose from a variety of medical, dental, and vision insurance plans. - Retirement Plans
The Florida Retirement System has two options—a pension plan and an investment plan. - Basic Life Insurance
As a full-time employee, the state will pay 100 percent of the basic state sponsored life insurance plan. The benefit amount is $25,000 for all employees.
Internship Opportunities
We have internship opportunities throughout the state during the academic year and the summer.
Recruiting Events
The Children’s Legal Services recruiting department visits the law schools throughout Florida during the academic year. We visit all 12 Florida law schools during the on campus recruiting season in the fall. In the spring, we visit the Florida law schools that hold various table talks/career fairs. We have also had the opportunity to speak to student organization groups at their monthly meetings, participated in mock interview programs, and sat on panel discussions for different law school’s career services offices. If you are out of state and would like us to do a virtual presentation, we are able to assist you. If you would like to have us speak at your law school, please contact @email. We will be happy to share the great experience of working at Children’s Legal Services!