GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CLASS

Under the general direction of the City Attorney, the Assistant City Attorney provides comprehensive in-house legal services to the City Commission, all City departments, and various boards and committees. This position is responsible for researching, analyzing, and applying federal, state, and local laws, judicial decisions, and administrative procedures.
Key responsibilities include the legal representation of the City and its officials, preparing and reviewing legal documents such as ordinances, contracts, and leases, and providing legal advice to City officials and departments. The Assistant City Attorney also plays a crucial role in developing and enforcing regulatory policies, attending City Commission and Municipal Board meetings to advise on legal matters, participating in hearings, and conducting legal research. This position requires performing a wide range of difficult professional legal duties, regular interaction with the general public on behalf of the City, and maintaining professional relationships with other agencies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following list summarizes the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. Other essential functions not listed below may be assigned by the City Attorney or Deputy City Attorney for the efficient operation of the department.

• Assists the City Attorney as legal counsel for the City in all municipal areas.
• Attends public meetings and hearings of the City Commission, boards, and committees to advise on legal matters.
• Reviews and drafts various legal documents, including contracts, leases, legal opinions, and memoranda, as assigned by the City Attorney or Deputy City Attorney.
• Assists in establishing or interpreting departmental policies and procedures to comply with legal requirements and recommend appropriate changes as necessary.
• Conducts legal research, analyzes proposed and enacted legislation, and maintains up-to-date knowledge of developments in relevant areas of law.
• Provides legal guidance and opinions to departments and employees regarding the interpretation or application of Federal and State statutes and caselaw, and local ordinances, rules, and regulations, including the Charter of the City of Lakeland and its Land Development Code, Resolutions, and internal policies.
• Maintains effective working relationships with staff, including close contact with all personnel affected by legal matters.
• Engages in conflict resolution with staff, citizens, or legal representatives as reasonably necessary to protect the City’s interests by mitigating liability and risk.
• Represents the City Attorney in the absence of the City Attorney and Deputy City Attorney.
• Participates on behalf of the City in limited/non-complex litigation, as may be required before federal and state courts and administrative agencies.
• May be required to work alternate hours as necessary for the efficient operation of the department.
• Position designated as Mission Critical.

QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE)

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Member in good standing of the Florida Bar.

• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Must maintain a valid telephone number.
• Three (3) years of experience practicing law, preferably in - or on behalf of - state or local government agencies preferred.
• Specialized experience in real estate/land use, contracts, quasi-judicial/administrative procedures, regulatory development and enforcement, and procurement preferred.
• Knowledge of issues unique to the State of Florida, specifically Florida’s Public Records Act and Government-in-the-Sunshine Laws preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

• Organization, attention to detail, prioritization, time management, and ability to handle several assignments concurrently.
• Highly effective written, verbal, electronic, and visual communication abilities for various audiences, including non-lawyers.
• Capacity to handle complex and sensitive matters with a high degree of independence, initiative, responsiveness, and discretion.
• Skill in negotiating, drafting, and reviewing contracts and other legal documents, conducting complex legal research, and providing sound legal opinions.
• Ability to perform under deadlines and in response to emergencies.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, departments, professionals, and members of the public.
• Ability to acquire a thorough knowledge of the City Charter, ordinances, and land development code and to apply legal knowledge to varied problems.
• Ability to relate to people beyond giving and receiving instructions, including applying consistent courtesy and tact in considerable public contact and/or adversarial situations.
• Sound judgment and interpretation based on acquired knowledge in circumstances where limited standardization exists.
• Extensive knowledge of legal principles and procedures, including familiarity with court rules, evidence rules, and legal research resources and methods.
• Ability to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency.
• Knowledge of, or willingness to learn and follow, Federal, State and City laws, regulations, methods, procedures, policies, practices and terminology as they pertain to the performance of duties of the position.

• Office-based work. Requires effective communication and interaction with employees and the public, including telephone and personal contact.
• Must be physically capable of using and operating various office equipment, including a personal computer, and potentially lifting, carrying, or pushing articles weighing up to 10 lbs.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.