Salary: See Position DescriptionLocation : Tallahassee, FloridaJob Type: Salaried Full-TimeJob Number: 202400132Office: Office of Public CounselOpening Date: 12/19/2024Closing Date: 1/15/2025 5:00 PM EasternGeneral SummaryAs Florida's utility consumer advocate, the Florida Legislature's Office of Public Counsel effectively represents the interests of Florida's customers in high-profile rate cases filed by Florida's regulated utility companies. You will work independently in a cooperative environment as part of a litigation team of two attorneys and one accountant. You will support your litigation team as they prepare for trial and conduct a handful of week-long hearings per year. You will support the preparation of electronic discovery, court filings, depositions of expert witnesses, the participation of expert consultants, and appeals. Responsibilities involve assisting in the preparation of legal documents and other filings, customer calls, scheduling, and hearing support. In-town travel is occasionally required, but out-of-town travel is not anticipated. This is a position of special trust and responsibility as you will be bound by nondisclosure agreements that prohibit you from disclosing privileged legal matters in dockets where the amounts in controversy frequently exceed a billion dollars. Our hearings are all public and televised. This position will develop your paralegal and hearing support skills as you grow in ability and experience. This position is not remote. Examples of Work Performed
- Handles complex legal filings and special assignments; performs research and prepares drafts of legal documents and official correspondence. Reviews records and reports which require action and recommends solutions or courses of action.
- Assists in formulating and formatting legal documents and filings, rules, regulations and policies of the organization, interprets and administers policies as directed.
- Investigates subject matter and prepares replies.
- Defines and investigates problems; formulates methods of resolution.
- Assists attorneys in conducting daily administrative activities; acts in matters where authority has been delegated.
- Represents attorneys at meetings and conferences as authorized.
- Performs general office administrative duties.
- Responsible for preparing correspondence, notices, motions, briefs and other legal meeting materials, recording and reporting out meetings. Drafts correspondence and legal documents, as delegated.
- Assists in formulating spreadsheet files and other software documents .
- Performs other related duties as required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of administrative procedures and practices.
- Knowledge of legal research techniques.
- Knowledge of legal and administrative terminology.
- Ability to pay attention to detail and review work for accuracy and quality of content.
- Ability to work cooperatively as a team member and to contribute to the efficient internal functioning of the unit.
- Ability to take initiative to start and complete tasks without additional prompting from your litigation team.
- Ability to collect, analyze and interpret data.
- Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.
- Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
- Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with the demands of the public.
- Ability to handle confidential information.
- Ability to understand and apply rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
- Ability to prepare reports, correspondence and maintain records.
- Ability to utilize problem-solving techniques.
- Ability to train others.
Minimum QualificationsA bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and three years of administrative experience.A master's degree from an accredited college or university can substitute for one year of the required experience.Preferred QualificationsDocument preparation, paralegal, or legal assistant experience is preferred.SalaryThe Legislature offers a competitive benefit package.Application DeadlineJanuary 15th, 2025. Anticipated start date is February 1, 2025Submission of ApplicationQualified applicants should apply at or send a completed legislative application and resume to:Office of Public Counsel Claude Pepper Building 111 West Madison Street, Suite 812 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1400Applications can also be emailed to the Public Counsel: Accommodation for DisabilityIf an accommodation is needed for a disability, please notify Human Resources at (850) ###-####.The Florida Legislature offers a lucrative benefits package, including affordable health insurance options, free dental, long-term disability and employee life insurance, competitive retirement. Employees also have access to a college tuition waiver program, an employee assistance program, paid annual and sick leave, and paid holidays.Here is a sample Total Compensation Statement as an employee of the Florida Legislature. The annual salary amount used in this example is $40,000. All values are based on individual (opposed to family) plans.