Assistant City Attorney

The City Attorney's Office at the City of Fort Lauderdale seeks an Assistant City Attorney III - Litigation Attorney / Premises Liability / General Negligence Defense The successful candidate will join the City Attorney’s Office in the litigation group representing the City’s interests regarding premises liability and general negligence defense in various judicial and administrative proceedings, including cases in state and federal courts, appellate courts and administrative hearings. This includes all aspects of motion practice and related hearings, Case Management Conferences, depositions, and mediations, pre-trial hearings, including arbitrations and mediations, negotiate settlements and other legal agreements on behalf of the City. This is a non-classified "at-will" position and not subject to Civil Service Rules or any collective bargaining agreement. This is a Management Category II position which includes ten (10) additional Management Vacation Days and a Vehicle Allowance of $390/month. Defend personal injury matters, including filing answers, responses, motions and summary judgment. Propound and respond to discovery requests. Coordinate with various City departments to obtain the information necessary to respond to discovery requests. Coordinate with various City departments to investigate incidents and accidents as part of defending the City in litigation or potential litigation matters. Assist City employees, as needed, in preparation for depositions and trial in cases where the City is a party, or the employee is a witness in cases where the City is not a party. Assist and advise the Risk Management Department, and its adjusters, as needed, on pending matters from a litigation, liability, and cost perspective. Conduct comprehensive legal research on a multitude of issues to prepare well-grounded legal advice and opinions for the City Attorney, City Commission, departments, and related entities. Advise and assist the City Attorney with pending or potential litigation matters. Prepare litigation related Resolutions and Ordinances. Direct the work for and supervise paralegal and administrative assistants. Attend City Commission meetings, and other meetings, as assigned. Perform related work as required. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school. License to practice law in the State of Florida in both state and federal courts, in accordance with the Florida Bar Association requirements. Three (3) - Five (5) years of 1st or 2nd chair trial experience, jury, or bench. Three (3) - Five (5) years of experience in drafting and arguing motions, attending mediations and taking depositions, including expert depositions. To claim Veterans’ Preference, candidates must attach to the application a copy of military separation papers (DD214) and service-connected disability documentation (if applicable) to meet eligibility requirements as stipulated by Florida Statues. For additional information, please refer to the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs. (link: PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Experience in municipal or related government law is preferred, but not required As public servants, employees may be required to work immediately before, during, and/or after an emergency. All employees must be available and able to work assigned shifts as determined by their Department Heads. The City of Fort Lauderdale receives a high volume of applications, so not every applicant who meets the minimum qualifications will be guaranteed an interview. Candidates are selected for interviews based on how closely their education and work experience match the specific requirements of the position. Applicants will be subject to an extensive selection and screening process, which may include, but not be limited to evaluation of training and experience; written; oral and performance-based testing; skills assessment; interview; employment check, background investigation; medical examination; and drug screen. For Public Safety positions, the process additionally includes polygraph examinations and psychological evaluations. The expected duration of the selection process varies by position. All applicants, including current City of Fort Lauderdale employees, need to fully detail their work experience on the employment application. Applicants must ensure that all required documents submitted are in a format that is acceptable, clear, and legible. It is the applicant’s responsibility to update their online profile with accurate personal information, work history, education, and certifications each time they submit a new application. Incomplete applications may result in disqualification. The City of Fort Lauderdale is an Equal Opportunity, Veteran’s Preference Employer and Drug Free Workplace. #J-18808-Ljbffr