Job Description

Requisition No: 852943 

Agency: State Courts System

Working Title: TRIAL COURT STAFF ATTORNEY - 22008653

 Pay Plan: State Courts System

Position Number: 22008653 

Salary: Monthly $5,699.08 (Includes CAD) 

Posting Closing Date: 08/31/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator 

Position Title: TRIAL COURT STAFF ATTORNEY

Key West, Monroe County, Florida

Position Number 22008653

Annual Salary: $68,388.99*

*Salary includes a Cost Area Differential (CAD) as approved by the Office of the State Court Administrator.

Looking for a meaningful legal career in one of the most unique and scenic locations in the country? The  Sixteenth Judicial Circuit is seeking a  full-time Trial Court Staff Attorney to join our team in Key West, Florida —where public service meets coastal living.

Why Key West?
Known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural surroundings, Key West offers a truly one-of-a-kind work environment. Enjoy the opportunity to grow your legal career while living and working in a dynamic community that blends professional challenge with natural beauty and small-town charm.

About the Position:
The Trial Court Staff Attorney plays a vital role in supporting the judiciary by:

• • Reviews files, evidence, depositions, pleadings, motions, legal briefs, and memoranda of law, proposed orders and other related documentation in order to advise judges in a variety of legal areas;
  • Conducts legal research of substantive and procedural legal matters, and drafts/prepares legal documents, such as opinions, judgments, post-conviction orders, memoranda or orders concerning extraordinary writs;
  • Review motions for post-conviction relief brought pursuant to Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure Section 3.850;
  • Research the application and interpretation of the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration.
  • Conduct legislative research;
  • Perform research on specific questions of law as presented by judges sitting in the circuit civil, criminal, family, and probate divisions, and the county civil, criminal, and small claims divisions;
  • Perform other related duties as required;
  • Drafts proposed orders for motions filed in and issues arising during death penalty cases;
  • Provides immediate legal research and recommendations required by judges conducting court sessions;
  • Attends staff meetings to exchange information; attends technical or professional workshops, seminars or conferences to improve professional skills; attends hearings as required;
  • Assists the circuit court appellate division by drafting bench briefs and/or appellate opinions.

This position reports to the General Counsel and contributes directly to the effective operation of the courts.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited law school

• Membership in the Florida Bar is preferred
  (Applicants awaiting bar results or planning to take the Florida Bar must become a member within one year of hire)

Education and Training Guidelines: Graduation from an accredited law school and membership in the Florida Bar. Law School graduates awaiting the Florida Bar results or anticipating taking the Florida Bar will be expected to attain membership in the Florida Bar within one year of the date of hire.

Note: If the selected applicant is not a member of the Florida Bar at the time of hire, per the Florida Courts Salary Schedule, the salary base is 10% below the minimum, and the applicant must become a member of the Florida Bar within one year of hire. 

Salary:

$68,388.99 annually* , includes a Cost Area Differential (CAD)

*If the selected applicant is not a member of the Florida Bar at the time of hire, per the Florida Courts Salary Schedule, the salary base is 10% below the minimum, and the applicant must become a member of the Florida Bar within one year of hire. 

Benefits:

At the Administrative Offices of the Courts, Sixteenth Judicial Circuit, we believe our greatest strength is our people. It’s your commitment, talent, and dedication that enable our courts to operate with excellence and integrity every day. That’s why we invest in a comprehensive benefits package—designed with your health, well-being, and financial security in mind.

Whether you're building your career or supporting your family, our benefits are here to support you every step of the way. From health coverage and retirement plans to paid leave and professional development, we’re proud to offer resources that help you thrive while making a meaningful impact in our vibrant Key West community.

• Great working environment
• Growth and Development Opportunities
• Medical, Dental, Vision + other supplemental insurances offered through the State of Florida
• Sick + Vacation Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Membership with Florida State Retirement System (Pension or Investment)
• State of Florida Tuition Waiver Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Basic Term Life $25,000 (Free to Employee)
• Free Parking
• Professional development opportunities
• A supportive, collegial legal environment

How to Apply:

Bring your legal talent to a place where your work truly matters—Key West, Florida.
Join us in making a difference in the lives of others while enjoying a vibrant community and stunning coastal surroundings.

Interested applicants should submit an Application Packet to Personnel@Keyscourts.net or by U.S. Mail to 16th Judicial Circuit, Personnel, 302 Fleming Street, Key West, Florida 33040. State of Florida applications and complete job descriptions may be found at . 

The application packet must include:

• Resume
• State of Florida Application ( State-Employment-Application-2020.pdf )
• Cover letter
• List of Professional References

To apply for position openings, please review and comply with the instructions in the specific job posting. All applicants must submit a complete and current original application packet to be considered for the advertised vacancy. Please be advised that applying for a vacancy does not guarantee an interview or employment with the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit. Prior to an offer of employment, an applicant will be subject to verification of the information contained within the application, including a minimum of two professional (past employment) reference checks. The successful applicant will also be required to pass a criminal background check. 

For questions about the Trial Court Staff Attorney, please contact (305) 295-3652. 

In accordance with Section 110.205(2)(c), Florida Statutes, positions with the Florida State Courts System

(judicial branch) are not covered under the Career Service System. All Florida State Courts System employees are at-will employees and serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority and do not attain tenure rights.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, age, national origin, genetic information, or disability.

If you need an accommodation to participate in the application/selection process, please call the contact person at 305-295-3652 or as indicated for each position. Persons using a TTY/TDD may call the contact person through the Florida Relay Service at 711 or 1-800-955-8771.

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

ADA: If you need accommodations to participate in the application/selection process, please notify us in advance at (305) 295-3652; to make a call through the Florida Relay Service, you can dial 7-1-1

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.

This Organization Participates in E-Verify:  Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. The 16th Judicial Circuit participates in the U.S. Government’s Electronic Employment Verification Program (E-Verify) to assist in this required verification process. E-Verify is a program that electronically confirms an employee’s eligibility to work in the United States after completion of the Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9) upon hire within the first 3 days of employment. For information about E-Verify, please visit:  

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.

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