Assistant City Attorney

City of Plant City•City Hall, FL

11h

About The Position

Under the general direction of the City Attorney, the Assistant City Attorney provides comprehensive legal services to the City Commission, City departments, and various boards and committees. The position researches, analyzes, and applies federal, state, and local laws, judicial decisions, and administrative procedures. Work is reviewed through oral and written reports, discussion, and results obtained. The Assistant City Attorney also oversees the City Attorney’s Office in the City Attorney’s absence.

Requirements

Juris Doctor degree from an accredited college or university.
At least five years practicing law, or four years practicing law with a Master of Laws (LLM) in urban affairs or a closely related field.
At least five years of experience in local government law.
License to practice law in Florida and good standing with The Florida Bar.
Valid Florida driver’s license and insurability by the City’s current insurance provider.
Complete National Incident Management System (NIMS) training within one year of employment, as required according to job duties and responsibilities.
Knowledge of applicable municipal law.
Skill in preparing briefs and other legal documents.
Organization, attention to detail, prioritization, time management, and ability to handle several assignments concurrently.
Effective written, verbal, electronic, and visual communication skills for a variety of audiences, including non-lawyers.
Ability to acquire a thorough understanding of the City Charter, ordinances, and land development code and apply legal knowledge to varied problems.
Ability to prepare and analyze comprehensive legal documents.
Ability to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the City Attorney.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the City Commission, City Attorney, City Manager, City Clerk, department heads, and City boards.

Nice To Haves

At least five years of experience in real estate/land use development, contract drafting, quasi-judicial or administrative procedures, procurement, or environmental law.
Board Certification in City, County and Local Government Law.

Responsibilities

Prepare and review contracts, bonds, and other written instruments involving the municipality.
Assist the City Attorney in providing legal counsel to the City in municipal matters.
Review and draft legal documents, including contracts, leases, legal opinions, and memoranda, as assigned.
Conduct legal research, analyze proposed and enacted legislation, and stay current on developments in relevant areas of law.
Prepare or review ordinances, codes, resolutions, deeds, pleadings, requests for proposals or bids, contracts, leases, and other legal documents.
Prepare reports, correspondence, and documents concerning questions of law and legal procedures as directed and approved by the City Attorney.
Attend City Commission, advisory board, and other public meetings as assigned to provide legal guidance.
Prosecute violations of the City Code of Ordinances on behalf of the City.
When authorized by the City Attorney, prosecute and defend complaints, suits, and controversies in which the City is a party.
Subject to the City Attorney’s review and authorization, provide opinions on legal questions relating to the powers and duties of the City Commission, City Manager, department heads, and other officers or board members.
Subject to the City Attorney’s review and authorization, carry out other professional duties required by City Commission ordinance or resolution or prescribed for City Attorneys under Florida law.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Oversee the City Attorney’s Office in the absence of the City Attorney.