Assistant City Attorney

Under the general direction of the City Attorney, provides a wide range of professional legal services to the City Commission, City departments and various boards and committees.  Performs related administrative and professional work as required.

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•  Assists the City Attorney as legal counsel for the City in all municipal areas.
• Represents the City and its officers and employees in litigation matters, including preparation of pleadings, briefs, motions and other documents in preparation for trial of cases and handling of appeals.
• Appears before all federal and state courts and administrative agencies on behalf of the City.
• Reviews, drafts and approved ordinances, charter amendments, resolutions, contracts, deeds, leases, permits, licenses and other legal documents.
• Prepares written legal opinions and renders legal advice to City Commission, boards, committees and City departments.
• Interprets federal, state, county and City statutes, ordinances, charters, rules, regulations, court decisions, etc.
• Confers with and renders assistance to City departments in establishing departmental policies by developing and applying legal points and procedures; recommends changes in policies and procedures in order to meet legal requirements.
• Attends meetings of the City Commission, boards and committees to advise on legal matters.
• Conducts legal research as needed.
• Analyzes and reports to affected City departments on proposed and enacted legislation.
• Handles public inquiries. 
• Performs related duties as required.

• Knowledge of legal principles and procedures, including civil, appellate and administrative law and procedures, court rules and rules of evidence, methods of legal research, including computer research.
• Must have the ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
• Must be able to analyze and prepare a wide variety of legal documents.
• Conduct research on legal problems and prepare sound legal opinions.
• Prepare and present cases in court.
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with other employees and members of the public.
• Have thorough knowledge of the methods, procedures and policies of the Department as they pertain to the performance of duties of the position.
• Have knowledge of the organization, practices, procedures and resources of City departments, boards and committees.
• Knowledgeable in the laws, ordinances, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position.
• Has knowledge of legal principles and procedures, including civil and administrative law and procedures.
• Has knowledge of court rules and rules of evidence.
• Has knowledge of the methods of legal research, including computer research.
• Has knowledge of standard human resources practices and procedures.
• Has knowledge of proper English usage, punctuation, spelling and grammar.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to analyze and prepare a variety of legal documents.
• Ability to conduct research on legal problems and prepare sound legal opinions.
• Able to effectively present cases in court.
• Able to perform multiple tasks and work effectively on a tight deadline as necessary.
• Ability to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency.
• Possess the mathematical ability to handle required calculations.
• Is able to maintain effective relationships with personnel of other departments, professionals and members of the public through contact and cooperation.

Must have membership in the Florida Bar. Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school. 3-5 years in Municipality or County setting.

(A comparable amount of training, education or experience may be substituted for the above qualifications.)

Licenses and Certifications:

Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Florida driver's license by date of hire.