Assistant County Attorney

Job TitleUnder executive direction, the purpose of the position is to perform professional work advising various County boards, agencies, departments and offices as assigned on legal matters and representing the County in court when necessary. Employee functions in a journey professional capacity to act as general legal counsel in assigned areas on issues with legal implications, and representing such interests in court, as necessary. Areas of responsibility include, but are not limited to, employment law, real estate law, and civil rights. Employee supervises and reviews the work of departmental clerical and support staff. This position is a member of the Senior Management Service Class (SMSC) in the Florida Retirement System (FRS).Essential Job FunctionsThe list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.Serves as legal counsel to the Board of Commissioners, County Manager, elected officials, Agency and Department Heads, members of the County's management staff, and other County employees and entities as assigned; attends various meetings to provide advice and legal counsel.Develops and recommends policies, procedures and actions based on legal knowledge and experience, interpretation of legal documents, and analysis of County liability.Investigates claims for and against assigned departments, programs and boards, and makes recommendations for the settlement of claims, as appropriate.Reviews, investigates and responds to citizen complaints alleging County duty or failure to act, the County's management staff, and other County employees and entities as assigned; attends various meetings to provide advice and legal counsel.Prepares or reviews and/or edits contracts, deeds, leases, resolutions, ordinances and other legal documents as required.Conducts litigation in suits for and against assigned officials, departments, programs and boards; prepares pleadings, discovery and briefs; researches legal issues; conducts or defends depositions of witnesses; conducts investigations; prepares and tries cases; appeals adverse judgments.Researches and gathers facts, checks investigation reports, reviews files, answers correspondence, prepares responses to legal requests.Participates in the preparation and presentation of seminars, workshops and training initiatives on various legal issues as required.Conducts or supervises investigations, including interviewing witnesses and reviewing documents.Supervises and reviews activities of assigned administrative support staff member; resolves problems as non-routine situations arise; may perform performance appraisals.May perform a variety of administrative functions, e.g., budget work and verifications, screening and recommendation applicants for professional employment, administration of internal employment opportunities program, purchasing and implementation.Maintains current knowledge of legislative trends and developments for application to areas of responsibility.Performs duties as assigned/necessary which are related, or logical in assignment to the position.Minimum QualificationsEducation: Juris Doctor Experience: Candidates must have at least two (2) years of legal experience. Experience in Florida local government law preferred. Miscellaneous:A writing sample must be included with your resume.Must possess and maintain a valid FL driver's license.Hybrid work option is available.Excellent benefits, including participation in the Florida Retirement System, low health insurance premiums, and life, dental, and disability insurance.Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesAbility to effectively supervise a staff comprised of professional support staff responsible for carrying out County legal activities. Knowledge of pertinent federal, state and local laws and rules and regulations governing areas of assignment. Knowledge of methods, techniques and strategies applied to receipt, evaluation and disposition of cases; knowledge of methods and techniques used to interface pre-trial investigation information with trial work. Knowledge of the body of available and current information resources applicable to the assignment area for legal research purposes and for special projects as may be assigned; knowledge of related methods and techniques used to conduct legal research, including research computer programs and related software. Skill in conducting legal research; drafting legal documents; conducting effective presentations; and identifying and investigating the facts of legal matters. Skill in problem resolution, decision making, legal negotiation, arbitration, and mediation. Interpersonal, leadership, planning, management, and communications skills; ability to communicate professionally verbally, in writing, and in presentations. Ability to interpret rules, regulations, and policies for effective decision-making in accordance with established precedent. Ability to plan, assign, direct, and review the work of others in a manner conducive to full performance and compliance with established policies, procedures, and regulatory standards applicable to the work. Ability to utilize personal computers, standard office equipment and standard software applications, e.g., word processors, database software, spreadsheet applications. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and communications with internal customers, external entities, members of the judiciary, co-workers and the public. Ability to organize work, establish priorities, meet established deadlines, and follow up on assignments with a minimum of direction.Physical Demand RequirementsPhysical Demand: Light20 pounds maximum lifting.Frequent (up to 2/3 of the work time) lifting, carrying up to 10 lbs.If less lifting is involved will require significant walking/standing.If mostly sitting is involved will require push/pull on arm or leg controls.Expressing or exchanging ideas by spoken word or perceiving sound by ear.Good eyesight for production or safety of self and others.Physical agility is required in kneeling, bending, stooping, and reaching.Required to have clear vision at distances of 20 inches or less.