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Government lawyers Section Chairs : AlexaCline – OfficeoftheStateAttorney & ChristianKatchuk – 13thJudicialCircuitCourt
As an appellate attorney at the Florida guardian ad Litem office , my role allows me to use my passion and skills to make a meaningful difference . The office provides high-quality , independent legal representation for abused , abandoned , and neglected children in both the courtroom and the community . I help these children move one step closer to a safe , permanent home — something every child deserves . despite the emotionally challenging nature of the work , it brings purpose and fulfillment to my days .
My morning begins with a brief walk outside to set a positive tone for the day . With a cup of coffee in hand , I review my calendars , to-do lists , and emails before diving in . Mornings are my most productive time , so I minimize distractions and immerse myself in reviewing case records and crafting briefs .
A few times a week , this focused work may be interrupted by an appellate staffing session . The guardian ad Litem appellate team works closely with our trial attorneys to ensure that the child ’ s best interests are always at the forefront . When we determine it is
in the child ’ s best interest , I take action by initiating appellate review , joining others ’ appeals , or drafting answer briefs in support of the trial court ’ s ruling . While the first goal in dependency cases is family reunification , much of my time is spent drafting answer briefs in termination of parental rights ( TPR ) cases , where the trial court has determined that a child cannot safely be reunited with a parent .
Completing an appellate brief requires significant effort : reading briefs , reviewing the appellate record and trial transcript ( which often totals thousands of pages ), conducting legal research , and writing the brief . As a guardian ad Litem attorney , my job is to tell the child ’ s story , ensuring the appellate court receives the information and arguments necessary to make the best possible decision for the child .
Weekly team meetings allow us to discuss difficult cases and ensure that each child is thoroughly represented . I consult with colleagues and my supervisor , who reviews my work and provides valuable feedback . After editing and proofreading , we file the brief and await the court ’ s decision . In 2024 , the office was successful in more
than 97 % of the appellate decisions we received .
The office offers monthly training sessions , which have already proven invaluable for my cases . I also work on special projects , such as updating the practice guide for defending Best Interests ( dBI ). dBI provides pro bono opportunities for attorneys to write answer briefs in TPR appeals , with full support from our appellate team .
Since 2017 , our pro bono attorneys have worked on over 740 cases . If you ’ re interested in pro bono opportunities , I ’ d love to chat ! Please feel free to email me or visit www . guardianadlitem . org .
My work at the Florida guardian ad Litem office combines my passion for advocacy with the intellectual satisfaction of appellate practice . It ’ s meaningful and exactly the kind of work I envisioned for myself . n
Ihelpthesechildren moveonestepcloser toasafe , permanent home — something everychilddeserves .
Author : Mercy Almaguer – Florida Guardian ad Litem Office
Join Us at Upcoming Government Lawyers Committee meeting and events . Additional details can be found at : www . hillsbar . com / events .
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