City Attorney

City Administration ◄ Back to All Categories City Attorney Under the administrative direction of the City Manager, performs skilled administrative work serving as the chief legal officer for the City, City Management, and City departments. The City Attorney is responsible for providing legal representation in accordance with federal, state, and municipal laws. The position is responsible for providing legal representation in the areas of code enforcement, utilities, police and fire, finance and taxation, purchasing, engineering, real property, land use and zoning, and other areas of municipal law. Responsible for preparing and presenting cases in federal and state courts and administrative proceedings. Is responsible for providing advice to City elected officials, board members, and staff with respect to legal considerations. Performs related work as required.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Provides legal advice, opinions, and representation for all City departments in matters involving litigation, administrative proceedings, public meetings, and other forums. Plans direct and supervise the activities of the city attorney office. Drafts legislation for presentation to Legislature and provides annual legislative updates to staff and City Council. Advises police, fire, and code enforcement. Attends City Council and board meetings, public meetings, and court hearings. Represents the City and City Council in litigation and appeals in Federal and State courts. Prepares and reviews all contracts, leases, easements, agreements, bid documents, resolutions, ordinances, and other legal documents in which the municipality is concerned, and shall endorse approval of each. Provides guidance on public records, open meetings (Sunshine Law), ethics, conflicts of interest, procurement, union matters and risk management matters. Provides legal support related to land use, zoning, development agreements, code enforcement, and municipal operations. Conducts legal research and prepares written legal opinions. Advices on election-related legal matters as required by law

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Undergraduate Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree and degree of Juris Doctorate from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association, A minimum of ten (10) years of legal experience that includes administrative and local governmental law, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Of the ten (10) years legal experience requirement, five (5) years must be in Florida local government practice.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR REGISTRATIONS

Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver's license. Applicants who possess a valid out of state driver's license must obtain the Florida driver's license within 10 days of employment. In the event of a hurricane, major storm, natural or manmade disaster that may threaten the area, the employee will be required to perform emergency duties as directed. Must be admitted to practice law in Florida and be a member of the Florida Bar; must be admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida, within three (3) months of hiring.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Thorough knowledge of municipal codes and charters, state and federal laws and regulations, court decisions, and any other regulations as applied to the functions of municipal government. Thorough knowledge of Florida and Federal court rules and procedures and the method and practice of pleading and of effective techniques in the presentation of cases. Thorough knowledge of principles of law and ability to apply modern principles to municipal problems and of organization and management. Knowledge of state law governing public records and the meeting of public governmental bodies. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, local government employees, and the public. Ability to prioritize tasks. Ability to perform research utilizing a variety of data and information; compiling records and reports. Ability to draft legal documents, complex contracts, deeds, leases, easements, real property closing statements, agreements, ordinances, and resolutions. Ability to work regularly scheduled hours, as well as additional meetings outside of regular working hours. Ability to comprehend computer programs and word processing; ability to operate modern office equipment. Special Requirements

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
• Ability to hear and understand conversation in various tones of voice, as well as accents.
• Ability to work and solve problems under pressure and stress with extreme accuracy.
• Ability to walk, stand, climb, stoop, kneel, crouch and sit for periods longer than 30 minutes.
• Ability to record and deliver information and to follow and give verbal and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of technical or professional languages including legal, and governmental terminology.
• Ability to coordinate hand and eyes in using automated office equipment and to operate motor vehicles.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull items which weigh up to 50 pounds

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

• Works primarily in an office setting with standard office equipment (computers, printers, calculators, etc.).
• Works a standard Monday-Friday schedule, though extended hours may be required during
• peak periods (e.g., City Council meetings, Council
• Workshops, Budget Workshops and Special meetings.).
• Alternative work schedules may be offered at the discretion of upper management.
• Interacts with colleagues, customers, and management in a professional manner.
• Works with sensitive financial information requiring discretion.

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