Assistant City Attorney / City Attorney's Office #9351

City of Cape Coral•City Of Cape Coral, FL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general direction of the City Attorney, provides a wide range of professional legal services to City Council, all City departments and various boards and committees. Researches and analyzes federal, state and local law and judicial decisions. Performs related administrative and professional work as required. During an Emergency Situation: If assigned, employees in this classification will be required to report and carry out duties as directed for the duration of an emergency. Depending on the nature of the emergency, this may require working around the clock for several days on short notice.

Requirements

Requires a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
Must have a membership in the Florida Bar.
Knowledge of legal principles and procedures, including civil, appellate and administrative law and procedures.
Knowledge of general laws, ordinances, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position.
Knowledge of court rules and rules of evidence.
Knowledge of methods of legal research, including computer research.
Knowledge of standard human resources practices and procedures.
Knowledge of proper English usage, punctuation, spelling and grammar, and the application of such to a variety of formats and styles; editing principles and techniques.
Skill in critical thinking.
Skill in written, verbal, electronic, and visual communications for effective expression and clarity.
Skill in the operation of various computer or other electronic devices and applications, to include Microsoft Office Word and Excel.
Skill in organization, attention to detail, prioritization, and time management.
Ability to learn and follow Federal, State, and City laws, regulations, methods, procedures, policies and practices and terminology as they pertain to the performance of duties of the position.
Ability to analyze and prepare a wide variety of legal documents.
Ability to conduct research on legal problems and prepare sound legal opinions.
Ability to prepare and effectively present cases in court.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisor, support staff, other departments, professionals, and members of the public.
Ability to learn the organization, practices, procedures and resources of City departments, boards and committees.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Ability to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency.
Ability to relate to people beyond giving and receiving instructions, to include applying consistent courtesy and tact in considerable public contact and/or confrontational situations.
Ability to adapt to performing under frequent deadlines and/or in response to emergencies.
Ability to apply sound judgment and interpretation based on acquired knowledge in circumstances where limited standardization exists.
Ability to utilize various modern computer word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
Ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality of sensitive information received and processed.
Ability to utilize a variety of modern office equipment, i.e., computers, facsimile machines, copiers and scanners.
Ability to organize and review work for efficient results and accuracy.

Nice To Haves

Specialized experience in employment/labor law, contracts, procurement, and government financing is preferred.
Knowledge of issues unique to Florida local government law such as public records and government in the sunshine is essential.

Responsibilities

Assists the City Attorney as legal counsel for the City in all municipal areas.
Represents the City and its officers and employees in litigation matters, including preparation of pleadings, briefs, motions and other documents in preparation for trial of cases and handling of appeals.
Appears before all federal and state courts and administrative agencies on behalf of the City.
Reviews, drafts and approves ordinances, charter amendments, resolutions, contracts, deeds, leases, permits, licenses and other legal documents.
Prepares written legal opinions and renders legal advice to City Council, boards, committees and City departments.
Interprets federal, state, county and City statutes, ordinances, charters, rules, regulations, court decisions, etc.
Confers with and renders assistance to City departments in establishing departmental policies by developing and applying legal points and procedures; recommends changes in policies and procedures in order to meet legal requirements.
Attends meetings of the City Council, boards and committees to advise on legal matters.
Conducts legal research as needed.
Analyzes and reports proposed and enacted legislation.
Maintains professional contact with other agencies as applicable.
Performs other related duties as required.