Assistant City Attorney/ Litigation

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS OF WORK

The purpose of this position is to assist the City Attorney in supervising and administering the activities of the Law department regarding litigation cases, and in the performance of a wide variety of difficult professional legal duties which include providing services for all municipal departments, the City Council, advisory boards, and Mayor; accomplishing difficult legal activities primarily involving major litigation and appeals. This position will predominantly entail the attorney representing the City in federal and state court litigations and will have the normal duties involved in representing parties in a lawsuit including significant responsibilities in responding to complaints and discovery, and in preparing and representing the City in hearings and trials.

ESSENTIAL EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

The following illustrates examples of some of the essential duties and responsibilities of the Assistant City Attorney /Litigation. There may be other essential functions, not listed below, in order to accomplish the tasks as presented by the City Attorney.

• Investigate case details and gather/develop enough testimonials and documentary evidence to defend the City against a lawsuit and to file lawsuits on behalf of the City as approved by City Council.
• Interview witnesses and other parties, read depositions and analyze any pertinent information before a trial.
• Participate in preliminary court hearings before trials.
• Represent clients in court litigations, arguing on a client’s behalf to a jury and/or judge.
• Responsible for keeping close contact with all personnel affected by the suit, informing office personnel of all major decision points, and preparing all necessary legal documents.
• Maintain calendar hearings and deadlines, organize case files, and manage logistics.
• Conduct interrogatories and other discovery requests.
• Reviewing and analyzing allegations of criminal violations, developing strategies and coordinating with the various departments depending on the litigation matter.
• Preparing and presenting cases for administrative, state and local proceedings.
• Performs other related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Considerable knowledge of Federal, State, and municipal civil laws and of constitutional law affecting municipal government.
• Court procedures and rules of evidence, legal research procedures and forms.
• Ability to acquire thorough knowledge of the City Charter and ordinances and to apply legal knowledge to varied problems.
• Analyze and prepare a wide variety of legal documents.
• Analyze and brief court decisions, provisions of City ordinances, Federal and State statutes.
• Reconcile conflicting provisions of laws and court decisions.
• Express ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing; use excellent English.
• Follow oral and written instructions; work effectively with other employees.
• Meet the general public with courtesy and tact.
• Skill in conducting research on complex legal problems, preparing sound legal opinions, preparing and presenting cases in court.
• Knowledge of the principles and concepts related to local government law is preferred.
• High degree of independence, initiative, communicate effectively, handle several assignments concurrently and develop and maintain effective and positive working relationships.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The following are some of the physical requirements associated with this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made by the City to enable an individual to perform the essential duties/functions of the position.

• Must have ability to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public through the use of telephone and personal contact as normally defined by the ability to see, read, talk, stand, hear, hands to finger dexterity, handle, feel or operate objects, read and write English.
• Physical capability to effectively use and operate various items of office equipment; such as but not limited to a personal computer, calculator, copier and fax machines.
• Work is performed indoors within a quiet to moderately noisy environment.
• Must be able to lift, carry and or push articles weighing up to 20 lbs.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• A minimum of five (5) years of litigation experience preferably in local government.
• Must be an active member in good standing of the Florida Bar.
• Preference for Admission to practice in US District Court for the Southern District of Florida.
• Trial experience at the state or federal level desired.