Senior Assistant Attorney

Overview

TARGET SALARY: $117,138 - $187,420 DOQ

Under limited direction, the Senior Assistant City Attorney leads the City’s civil litigation matters. The majority of cases consist of tort defense, focusing on vehicle accidents and slip and fall cases. This position may also be involved in defending other civil actions on behalf of the City or its employees. The latter scope of representation may involve the defense of police officers and firefighters.

As time permits, this position also advises City departments on various issues involving local governance and transactional matters. While a candidate with government experience is ideal, the City is willing to train a talented lawyer in the art of local government law.

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Conducts, performs, and assists in various legal research concerning legal problems or projects.
• Serves as lead counsel for the City and various City employees, potentially including elected officials, in litigation, mediation, and potentially through appeals as time and skillset permit.
• Performs assignments independently and makes legal recommendations as to settlement amounts and other substantive decisions requiring client approval.
• Develops initial pleadings, discovery documents, motions, briefs, and other legal documents in matters involving litigation of a routine nature.
• Conducts planning investigations independently and negotiations on behalf of the City to resolve legal problems.
• Collaborates and works closely with other attorneys in the preparation of legal opinions regarding more complex legal questions.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the City Attorney.

A valid State driver's license is required. Possession of a State of Florida license as a practicing attorney and admission to the Florida Bar.

Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor Degree or equivalent with admission to the Florida Bar PLUS Five (5) years of professional experience as an attorney, which includes a minimum of two (2) years of experience pertaining to tort litigation; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

• Modern legal office practices, procedures, and application of law and procedures.
• Constitutional Law, Sunshine Law and Public Records Law, and general municipal law among other areas.
• Operations, management, and overall function of the Attorney's Office.
• Legal research and legal software.
• Federal and Florida laws, local legislation, and administrative law.
• Office practices, procedures, and equipment.
• Record keeping, report preparation, filing methods, and records.
• General office policies and procedures; computers and general office equipment.

• Organizing work and setting priorities to meet deadlines.
• Completing tasks given both orally and in writing.
• Conducting research and coordinating assigned projects.
• Drafting legal instruments, proposed legislation, and legal opinions.
• Assembling and evaluating technical and operational data relating to the department.
• Formulating conclusions and recommendations.
• Establishing and maintaining strong office relationships.
• Operating a computer and related software.