Job Description

The position reports directly to the General Counsel or a supervising Attorney IV. This position provides legal support to various clients regarding contracts, government operations and other transactional matters. Work assignments include intense negotiating and drafting contracts (procurement contracts, construction contracts, grants contracts, permits, licenses, etc.) real estate and finance documents, interlocal agreements, legal opinions, resolutions, ordinances and other legal documents. Preference is given to attorneys with strong experience in real estate matters, but is not required. This position will also provide legal support to various City boards, commissions, and agencies. Knowledge in sunshine law, ethics and public records is preferred but not required. Work is performed under the direction of the General Counsel or a supervising Assistant General Counsel IV as designated by the General Counsel and is reviewed through conferences, inspection of documents and evaluation of results obtained.

Examples of Work

• Schedules, assigns, monitors, reviews, mentors and evaluates the work of assigned staff.
• Performs sophisticated legal research and prepares opinions on various legal issues.
• Interprets and applies legal principles and precedents in resolving complex legal issues.
• Negotiates, prepares, drafts, revises and approves contracts, deeds, easements, purchase and sale agreements, loan documents, property exchange agreements, development agreements, leases, licenses, resolutions, ordinances and other legal documents.
• Reviews documents and renders opinions as to their legal validity and/or acceptability.
• Prepares proposed legislation and makes recommendations to repeal, amend or revise existing laws.
• Advises clients on legal matters.
• Represents the Office of General Counsel (OGC) in hearings and at various internal board hearings and appeals.
• Attends meetings of the City Council, boards, agencies and OGC clients.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to gain knowledge of City Ordinances and Charter provisions relating to the authority and functions of Consolidated Government, established precedents and sources of legal reference applicable to county and municipal activities.
• Ability to gain knowledge of municipal, county, state and federal case law, statutory and regulatory law as it relates to City government and other OGC clients.
• Ability to interpret and apply legal principles and precedents in resolving complex legal issues.
• Ability to effectively communicate and express ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to conduct research on complex legal issues and prepare related legal opinions.
• Ability to analyze and prepare ordinances, contracts and other legal documents.
• Ability to schedule, assign, monitor, review and evaluate the work of subordinates.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Open Requirements/Supplemental Information

• Graduation from an accredited law school.
• Possession of a Florida license to practice law.
• Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in the practice of law.
• Professional legal experience in government is preferred.
• Admissions and memberships in other organizations or to practice before courts may be required depending upon the respective practice group.