Attorney At Law

Job TitleThe City of Eustis is seeking a trustworthy, responsible individual who, under the direction of the City Commission, performs professional legal services and advice for the City Commission, City Manager, City Boards, and City Departments to protect the legal interests and assets of the City at the highest level of professionalism, ethics, and dedication.Essential Job FunctionsThe City Attorney shall serve at the pleasure of the majority of the Commission, and shall act as the legal advisor to, and attorney and counselor for the City and all its officers in matters relating to their official duties. The City Attorney shall serve as chief legal advisor to the City Commission, the City Manager and all city departments and offices; shall represent the City in all legal proceedings; The function involves primary responsibility for performing legal research, preparing opinions, and advising City officials;Plans, coordinates, and directs the legal activities of the City. Work duties require close coordination with the City Commissioners, officials from other governmental units, and the City Manager;Represents the City in all legal matters, including the bringing and defending of suits, where insurance counsel is not available or utilized;The City Attorney is expected to attend special meetings, workshops, and budget meetings, if requested;Advises the Commission and City Departments in reference to legal questions; provides staff assistance, legal research, and counseling;Drafts contracts, resolutions, ordinances, and development agreements at the request of the City Commission and City Manager;Acts as co-counsel in complaints, suits or controversies for the City if special counsel is employed;Prosecutes and defends the City on all complaints, suits or controversies in which the City is a party; Maintains legal files and provides the City Manager copies of pertinent pleadings and orders in all litigation the City Attorney is handling for the City; provides a brief written report on the status of litigation and other legal matters, quarterly;Knows principles and practices of civil law, methods and practices of pleading and of effective techniques in presentation of cases in court, the state statutory law, and constitutional law;Knows all areas of municipal law, including, but not limited to, establishment of special taxing districts, negotiation of state-imposed Consent Orders and other areas of municipal law;Ability to draft legal instruments, propose legislation, and legal opinions; Must have the ability to present such material orally and/or in writing, in a clear, logical manner;Keeps abreast of statutes, regulations, codes, and applicable case law in all areas of responsibility at their sole expense;Prepare ordinances, resolutions, contracts, legal property documents, written policies and procedures, correspondence, and other written documentation necessary for the legal support of City functions and duties;Process administrative fines or lien settlement requests;Must show proof of competency in land use law and be able to represent the City on such matters;Excluded from these services should be specialized legal areas of law which the City would typically outsource. Such examples would include, but not limited to, tax law, finance and pension and employee benefits, intellectual property, creation of a special district such as fire, civil rights and labor and employment law;All services shall be provided in compliance with Florida Statutes Section 112.313;RequirementsKnowledge, Abilities, and Skills: Modern legal practices and application of law. Interpret and apply Federal and Florida Law, Florida Sunshine Law, Public Records Law and Land Use/Zoning Law, Environmental Law, Law Enforcement and areas of municipal law. Legal research and modern legal software. Ability to prepare ordinances, legal documents, and render legal opinions. Generally, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm; Minimum Qualifications: The City Attorney shall meet the following qualifications criteria: Graduation from an accredited law school in the United States; must also have a minimum of three (3) years municipal/local governmental experience; must be Board Certified in City, County, and Local Government law and must also show competency in Land Use law. Additional consideration may be given to applicants with more extensive education, training, or experience. The final candidate may be required to pass a drug test and medical exam.The City's application is required. The online application is the preferred method, but printed applications are also available in person at 109-A East Orange Ave, Eustis. Office hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday.