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Child Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

State of Indiana

Child Services Attorney

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$75K/yr

The Child Services Attorney provides legal advice and legal services to the Central Office, County Offices, and staff for juvenile law related to Child Welfare, Child Support, and personnel matters.

State of Indiana

Child Services Attorney

Evansville, IN · On-site

$75K/yr

The Child Services Attorney provides legal advice and legal services to the Central Office, County Offices, and staff for juvenile law related to Child Welfare, Child Support, and personnel matters.

State of Indiana

Child Services Attorney

La Porte, IN

$75K/yr

The Child Services Attorney provides legal advice and legal services to the Central Office, County Offices, and staff for juvenile law related to Child Welfare, Child Support, and personnel matters.

State of Indiana

Child Services Attorney

Terre Haute, IN · On-site

$75K/yr

The Child Services Attorney provides legal advice and legal services to the Central Office, County Offices, and staff for juvenile law related to Child Welfare, Child Support, and personnel matters.

State of Indiana

Child Services Attorney

Lafayette, IN · On-site

$75K/yr

The Child Services Attorney provides legal advice and legal services to the Central Office, County Offices, and staff for juvenile law related to Child Welfare, Child Support, and personnel matters.

State of Indiana

Child Services Attorney

Lafayette, IN · On-site

$75K/yr

The Child Services Attorney provides legal advice and legal services to the Central Office, County Offices, and staff for juvenile law related to Child Welfare, Child Support, and personnel matters.

State of Indiana

Child Services Attorney

Evansville, IN · On-site

$75K/yr

The Child Services Attorney provides legal advice and legal services to the Central Office, County Offices, and staff for juvenile law related to Child Welfare, Child Support, and personnel matters.

State of Indiana

Child Services Attorney

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$75K/yr

The Child Services Attorney provides legal advice and legal services to the Central Office, County Offices, and staff for juvenile law related to Child Welfare, Child Support, and personnel matters.

State of Indiana

Child Services Attorney

Boonville, IN · On-site

$75K/yr

The Child Services Attorney provides legal advice and legal services to the Central Office, County Offices, and staff for juvenile law related to Child Welfare, Child Support, and personnel matters.

State of Indiana

Child Services Attorney

Boonville, IN · On-site

$75K/yr

The Child Services Attorney provides legal advice and legal services to the Central Office, County Offices, and staff for juvenile law related to Child Welfare, Child Support, and personnel matters.

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Child Attorney information

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$53.5K

$118.9K

$193K

How much do child attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for child attorney in the United States is $118,886.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,500.00 and $139,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a child attorney?

Child attorneys, also known as child advocacy lawyers or guardians ad litem, are legal professionals who represent the interests of children in legal proceedings. Their primary role is to ensure that a child's rights and best interests are protected during cases such as custody disputes, child abuse or neglect cases, and foster care placements. They investigate the child's situation, speak on their behalf in court, and may recommend actions to the judge. Child attorneys often collaborate with social workers, psychologists, and other professionals to gather information and support the child's needs. Their ultimate goal is to help secure a safe, stable, and supportive environment for the child.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a child attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Child Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, state bar licensure, and a strong understanding of family and child welfare law. Familiarity with legal research databases, case management systems, and courtroom technology is typically required. Excellent communication, empathy, and negotiation skills help build trust with young clients and advocate effectively for their best interests. These competencies are crucial for navigating complex legal proceedings and ensuring that children's rights and welfare are protected.

What are some common challenges faced by child attorneys when representing minors, and how can these be addressed?

Child Attorneys often encounter the challenge of balancing the child's expressed wishes with their best interests, especially when the two may not align. Communicating effectively with children of varying ages and backgrounds can also be complex, requiring patience and specialized skills. Additionally, Child Attorneys must navigate sensitive family situations and coordinate with social workers, courts, and other professionals. Building trust with young clients and staying informed about child welfare laws are key to overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between Child Attorney vs Child Advocate?

AspectChild AttorneyChild Advocate
CredentialsJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar admissionNo formal legal credentials required
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, courts, legal officesNonprofit organizations, community programs
Employer & IndustryLegal industry, courts, government agenciesChild welfare organizations, advocacy groups
Search & Comparison IntentLegal representation, court casesChild rights, support services

While both Child Attorneys and Child Advocates work to support children's best interests, Child Attorneys are licensed legal professionals who provide legal representation in court. Child Advocates focus on supporting and advocating for children's needs through community and social services without necessarily providing legal counsel.

What cities are hiring for Child Attorney jobs?

Cities with the most Child Attorney job openings:

What states have the most Child Attorney jobs?

States with the most job openings for Child Attorney jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Child Attorney jobs?

For Child Attorney jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Child Attorney jobs near you

Child Services Attorney

Fort Wayne, IN • On-site

State of Indiana
Public Administration • 10K+ employees
Learn more about State of Indianaexternal

$75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

State Of Indiana rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 191 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

 Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Department of Child Services:

Join a group of passionate, dedicated public servants to support one of Indiana’s most critical missions!

The Department of Child Services helps children who are victims of abuse or neglect and strengthens families through services that focus on family support and preservation.  We pursue permanency for children and families through reunification, guardianship, and adoption.  Our services also encompass foster care, child support, and transitional support for those adjusting to adulthood.  Our culture is built upon our MVP foundation:


Mission:  Champion Indiana’s future by protecting children and strengthening families with compassion and determination.
Vision: Every child in Indiana thrives in a safe, loving, forever home.
Purpose: Ignite hope.  Cultivate joy.

Role Overview:

The Child Services Attorney provides legal advice and legal services to the Central Office, County Offices, and staff for juvenile law related to Child Welfare, Child Support, and personnel matters.  You will also assist and represent DCS in court and administrative issues.  Specific areas of representation include Child In Need of Services (CHINS) cases, Termination of Parental Rights (TPR), Adoptions, Foster Care Licensing Actions, and other child safety issues.  You will work closely with Family Case Managers to prepare for court hearings and may serve as legal counsel for internal employment issues. This position provides immediate trial experience and does not encompass billable hours. The schedule for this position is Monday-Friday, 37.5 hours a week.

This position is in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and will serve Allen County, and surrounding counties as needed.

Indiana accepts the Uniform Bar Exam!  Follow this link to learn about the Uniform Bar Exam and state jurisdictions.

Salary:

This position traditionally starts at an annual salary of $75,010.00 but may be commensurate with education and job experience.  Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

A Day in the Life:

Responsibilities include:

  • Advises Department of Child Services staff on various program and legal areas as assigned.
  • Child Services Attorneys are responsible for managing all phases of discovery and leading courtroom litigation in support of child welfare cases. 
  • Drafts and reviews legal correspondence.
  • Serves as a liaison to the Attorney General on litigation and tort claims matters.
  • Drafts and reviews legislation and administrative rules.
  • Performs legal research and writing assignments.
  • Provides general legal support for the Office of General Counsel.
  • Conducts legal training for Family Case Managers, attorneys, and others as requested.
  • Litigates Children in Need of Services and Termination of Parental Rights cases in State Courts representing the agency in such actions.
  • Handles administrative matters and hearings as assigned.
  • Organizes and manages caseload in preparation for hearings and/or litigation.
  • Generates appropriate pleadings, motions, discovery, and responses.
  • Delegates to and provides support for any legal support staff.
  • May be required to participate in committees, groups, or teams such as screen-out committees.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of the employee's activities, duties, or responsibilities. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours that  may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

What You'll Need for Success:

Credentials:

  • Doctorate of Jurisprudence.
  • Indiana Bar Admission with license in good standing OR admission to the bar of any state within the United States with license in good standing and willingness to obtain temporary foreign license status under the conditions and limitations of rule 6.1 of the Indiana Rules for Admissions to the Bar and the Discipline of Attorneys pending admissions to the Indiana Bar.

Additional qualifications:

  • Strong legal research, writing, and litigation skills.
  • Strong communication and public speaking skills.
  • Ability to apply relevant statutes, case law, and rules.
  • Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees that includes: 

  • Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
  • Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
  • Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
  • Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
  • Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
  • A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
    • 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
    • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
    • Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
    • 12 paid holidays, 14 in election years
  • Education Reimbursement Program
  • Group life insurance
  • Referral Bonus program
  • Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
  • Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
  • Free Parking for most positions
  • Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.

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