Assistant City Attorney/ Litigation
About The Position
The Assistant City Attorney assists the City Attorney in supervising and administering the Law Department’s litigation activities and other municipal causes of action. The position performs difficult professional legal duties for municipal departments, the City Council, advisory boards, and the Mayor, primarily involving major litigation and appeals. The attorney predominantly represents the City in federal and state court litigation, including responding to complaints and discovery and preparing for and representing the City in hearings and trials. The role also protects the City’s interests in foreclosure proceedings, bankruptcy matters, and other creditor-rights proceedings involving accounts owed to the City.
Requirements
- Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
- At least five years of litigation experience, preferably in local government.
- Active membership in good standing of the Florida Bar.
- Considerable knowledge of federal, state, and municipal civil laws and constitutional law affecting municipal government.
- Knowledge of court procedures, rules of evidence, legal research procedures, and legal forms.
- Ability to acquire thorough knowledge of the City Charter and ordinances and apply legal knowledge to varied problems.
- Ability to analyze and prepare a wide variety of legal documents; analyze and brief court decisions and provisions of City ordinances and federal and state statutes; and reconcile conflicting laws and court decisions.
- Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing, and use excellent English.
- Ability to follow oral and written instructions and work effectively with other employees.
- Ability to interact with the public courteously and tactfully.
- Skill in researching complex legal problems, preparing sound legal opinions, and preparing and presenting cases in court.
- Ability to work independently, show initiative, communicate effectively, handle multiple assignments concurrently, and develop and maintain positive working relationships.
Nice To Haves
- Litigation experience in local government.
- Admission to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.
- Trial experience at the state or federal level.
- Knowledge of principles and concepts related to local government law.
Responsibilities
- Represent the City in foreclosure actions and related proceedings to protect and enforce its liens, assessments, and other municipal interests.
- Initiate foreclosure proceedings on behalf of the City.
- Represent the City as a creditor or other interested party in bankruptcy proceedings.
- Advise City departments on creditor rights, collection remedies, and other collection activities.
- Investigate case details and gather or develop testimonial and documentary evidence to defend the City against lawsuits and, with City Council approval, file lawsuits on its behalf.
- Interview witnesses and other parties, review depositions, and analyze relevant information before trial.
- Participate in preliminary court hearings.
- Represent clients in court litigation, presenting arguments to a jury and/or judge.
- Maintain close contact with personnel affected by lawsuits, inform office personnel of major decision points, and prepare necessary legal documents.
- Maintain calendars of hearings and deadlines, organize case files, and manage logistics.
- Conduct interrogatories and other discovery requests.
- Review and analyze allegations of criminal violations, develop strategies, and coordinate with departments as appropriate to the litigation matter.
- Prepare and present cases in administrative, state, and local proceedings.
- Perform other related work as required.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
