Public Records Staff Attorney

The Public Records Staff Attorney will be responsible for coordinating the City’s responses to sizable, complex, sensitive, or otherwise non-routine public records requests; serving as a subject matter expert and resource to City employees on public records law; and assisting in the development of City-wide policies, procedures, and standard forms to improve and streamline the processes for receiving, analyzing, and responding to public records requests.

The Public Records Staff Attorney will assist the City Attorney in providing legal services for the Mayor and City Council, City officials, the City Manager, and all City departments; will respond to subpoenas, evidence preservation requests, and discovery requests; and may also perform projects/tasks as directed by the City Attorney. Work will be performed under the direction and supervision of the City Attorney.

• Monitor the City’s receipt, review, analysis, processing, and response to sizable, complex, sensitive, or otherwise other non-routine public records requests, including coordinating, as necessary, across City departments. Proactively engage in communication with requestors to resolve ambiguities, keep all relevant City personnel updated on the status of pending public records requests, ensure there is staff follow-up on such public records requests, and ensure the City’s responses to such requests are well-documented.
• Perform legal research and draft memoranda, as necessary, regarding Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, and other applicable law to provide guidance to City staff regarding responses to public records requests.
• Develop policies and procedures to improve the City's efficiency and effectiveness, and reduce processing times, in responding to public record requests. Create forms to be used for public records response process that help to ensure clarity, completeness, and compliance with applicable law.
• Develop and implement training programs for City staff regarding public records law in order to enhance compliance. Serve as a City-wide resource to help staff understand their public records obligations.
• Monitor amendments to public records laws and statutes in Florida.
• Handle additional assignments and projects as directed by the City Attorney.

Knowledge of:

• Experience and knowledge of, or a demonstrated interest in, Florida’s public records laws.
• The methods of conducting legal research.

Skilled in:

• The ability to analyze caselaw, and to prepare, or to learn to prepare, legal memoranda, ordinances, resolutions, agreements, and other legal documents.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present complex ideas effectively.

Ability to:

• Provide litigation services and/or support.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.

• J.D. degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Member of The Florida Bar in good standing.
• Valid State of Florida Class “E” Driver’s License

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated interest (through coursework, certifications, internships/clerkships, or otherwise) in the practice of local government law, administrative law, or related fields.
• Experience in a records management role, ideally in a government setting or law firm.

POST OFFER PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING REQUIREMENTS

Final offer and employment are contingent upon successful completion of the following post-offer, pre-employment screening items:

• Criminal Background Check
• Employment Verification
• Education Verification
• Certification/License Verification