Assistant City Attorney II

City of Ocala•Fl 34471, FL

14h•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant City Attorney II serves as an assistant to the City Attorney and performs highly responsible legal work involving a broad range of complex municipal legal matters. The position assists in providing comprehensive legal services to the City Council, City Manager, departments, boards, and commissions. This position provides direct assistance to the City Attorney on special projects and assignments and may, at times, act on behalf of the City Attorney in their absence. The Assistant City Attorney II also performs a wide variety of administrative and managerial functions necessary for the efficient and effective operation of the City Attorney’s Office, including coordination of office procedures and records management. Work is characterized by a high degree of professional independence, judgment, and responsibility in addressing complex legal, factual, and policy issues affecting municipal government operations.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school; or admission to the Florida Bar plus a minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible professional legal experience.
Extensive experience practicing law in the public sector, with demonstrated expertise in local government law.
At least three (3) years of supervisory or management experience overseeing attorneys.
Significant experience handling complex litigation and/or complex legal matters related to local government operations.
Possession of a valid Florida Driver’s License (or Commercial Driver’s License, if required by assignment).
Ability to work varied schedules, including evenings, weekends, emergency operations, and disaster response assignments as required.
Must maintain active membership in good standing with The Florida Bar.
Thorough knowledge of Florida municipal law, administrative law, constitutional law, and local government regulations.
Strong knowledge of legal research methods, case law analysis, and statutory interpretation.
Ability to apply computer systems, legal research tools, and standard office software applications.
Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex legal issues clearly and effectively to non-legal audiences.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, employees, court officials, and the general public.
Strong analytical skills and the ability to make sound legal judgments under pressure.

Nice To Haves

Experience advising elected officials, constitutional officers, or large municipal organizations.
Experience managing or leading a public sector legal office or division.
Experience in high-exposure litigation, appellate advocacy, or policy-driven legal work.
Additional certifications, skills, or credentials may be required depending on assignment.

Responsibilities

Exercises some administrative supervision over subordinate attorneys, paralegals, and clerical personnel, and provides guidance to other attorneys on assigned matters.
At the direction of the City Attorney, acts on behalf of the City Attorney in their absence, including attending meetings, rendering legal opinions, and representing the office in official matters.
Represents the City and its departments in litigation, including appellate matters, involving significant financial exposure or complex legal issues.
Serves in an advisory capacity, conducting legal research and developing opinions involving complex factual, legal, and policy issues requiring extensive analysis and evaluation of expert information.
Prepares, reviews, and approves ordinances, resolutions, leases, contracts, interlocal agreements, and other proposed legislation of a complex or unique nature.
Develops legal strategy and serves as lead counsel in litigation and legal matters of substantial importance involving significant financial or policy implications.
Makes independent legal determinations on matters of substantial importance, subject to review for consistency with policy, precedent, and overall effectiveness.
Conducts independent investigations, negotiations, and legal analysis on high-priority matters affecting the City.
Represents the City Attorney’s Office, elected officials, and departments in conferences, hearings, trials, and other proceedings.
Assigns, supervises, and reviews the work of subordinate attorneys and staff.
Provides direct assistance to the City Attorney on special projects, initiatives, and administrative functions.
Interacts regularly with elected officials, executive leadership, and senior attorneys in both the public and private sectors.
Performs other related duties as assigned.