Children’s Legal Services
Careers

Children’s Legal Services Careers

Children’s Legal Services Careers

Overview

Children’s Legal Services (CLS) recognizes that the ability to advocate for Florida’s dependent children begins with hiring and advancing talented attorneys. CLS seeks both new and experienced attorneys who are energetic and motivated.

CLS offers rewarding work in a collaborative team environment with competitive wages and state benefits. If you are interested in joining a team of more than 350 attorneys and making a difference in the lives of children, please consider the opportunities below.

Attorney Opportunities

Children’s Legal Services (CLS) periodically has attorney vacancies throughout the state. Please visit People First (opens in a new tab) to view current openings.

When applying, please submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and a State of Florida application.

Attorney Benefits

Loan Forgiveness

  • The Florida 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 credited 176 hours of annual leave.
  • Sick leave: On each anniversary date, you will be credited 104 hours of sick leave.
  • Holiday leave: Nine paid holidays are provided each year. In addition, each employee is granted one personal holiday.

Bar Dues

  • The department pays annual dues for full-time attorneys to The Florida Bar, 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 offers two options—a pension plan and an investment plan.
  • Basic life insurance: Full-time employees receive 100 percent employer-paid basic state-sponsored life insurance with a benefit amount of $25,000.

Internship Opportunities

Internship opportunities are available throughout the state during the academic year and summer.

Recruiting Events

CLS recruiters visit law schools throughout Florida during the academic year and all 12 Florida law schools during the on-campus recruiting season in the fall. In the spring, we visit Florida law schools that host table talks and career fairs. We have also spoken to student organizations at monthly meetings, participated in mock interview programs, and served on panel discussions for law school career services offices.

If you are out of state and would like a virtual presentation, we are able to assist you. If you would like us to speak at your law school, please contact Jennifer.Maes@myflfamilies.com . We are happy to share the experience of working at Children’s Legal Services.