Assistant City Attorney

City of St. Cloud•City of St. Cloud, FL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of St. Cloud is seeking an experienced, collaborative attorney to serve as our next Assistant City Attorney. This is an exceptional opportunity to join the City's executive leadership team and provide strategic legal counsel that directly influences policy, operations, and the future of one of Central Florida's fastest-growing communities. In this role, you'll report to the City Manager while working closely with the City Attorney (an external contractor) for day-to-day guidance. You'll be a go-to legal advisor for City leadership and departments, providing practical counsel on contracts, procurement, legislative matters, regulatory compliance, and complex municipal issues. You'll also serve as Acting City Attorney as directed and supervise the Legal Assistant. We're looking for an attorney who combines sound legal judgment with a collaborative, solutions-focused approach and who is committed to public service. The ideal candidate embraces our core values of Accountability, Empowerment, Innovation, and Ownership, building trusted relationships while helping the City navigate opportunities and challenges with confidence. If you are an experienced attorney seeking a leadership role where your legal expertise will directly influence policy, operations, and the future of a thriving municipality, we encourage you to apply.

Requirements

Juris Doctor degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.
Must be an attorney eligible to practice law in Florida with an active Florida Bar license, in good standing with, and without formal disciplinary action, from the Florida Bar.
Minimum of three (3) to five (5) years of progressively responsible experience practicing law, with preference for experience in Florida municipal, county, or local government law.
Prior experience supervising, mentoring, or providing formal work direction to administrative or legal support staff is preferred; the ability to delegate effectively and provide clear, constructive guidance to support staff is expected of this position.
Demonstrated experience in contract drafting, negotiation, and review; experience with public procurement law is preferred.
Experience with Florida's Government-in-the-Sunshine Law and Public Records Act preferred.
Must possess and maintain a valid State of Florida Driver's License with an acceptable driving history.

Nice To Haves

Experience supervising, mentoring, or providing formal work direction to administrative or legal support staff.
Experience with public procurement law.
Experience with Florida's Government-in-the-Sunshine Law and Public Records Act.

Responsibilities

Reviews contracts and agreements for goods and services procured through the City's procurement process, ensuring legal sufficiency, compliance with applicable law, and protection of the City's interests.
Supervises the Legal Assistant position, providing day-to-day direction, work assignments, and performance guidance, in close collaboration with the City Attorney.
Drafts, reviews, and negotiates contracts and agreements with vendors, developers, consultants, franchisees, and other parties, including interlocal agreements, service agreements, leases, licenses, and development agreements.
Prepares and reviews legislative documents including ordinances, resolutions, and other agenda materials for City Council meetings, ensuring legal accuracy and compliance with the City Charter, Florida Statutes, and applicable law.
Attends City Council meetings, public hearings, advisory board meetings, and other public meetings as directed by the City Attorney; acts in the capacity of City Attorney in the City Attorney's absence.
Reviews and drafts a variety of legal documents including contracts, leases, easements, deeds, legal opinions, and legal memoranda as assigned by the City Attorney.
Conducts legal research, analyzes proposed and enacted federal and state legislation, monitors developments in municipal and administrative law, and maintains current knowledge of legal trends relevant to City operations.
Provides legal guidance, opinions, and advice to City departments and employees regarding the interpretation and application of federal and state statutes, case law, and local ordinances, rules, and regulations, including the City Charter, Land Development Code, Resolutions, and City policies.
Assists City departments and personnel in responding to public records requests under Florida's Public Records Act, ensuring timely compliance, proper assertion of applicable exemptions, and adherence to Government-in-the-Sunshine requirements.
Assists outside counsel as assigned, including supporting discovery responses and monitoring litigation progress, and coordination with risk insurance carriers and risk management staff.
Reviews and provides legal guidance on City policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure compliance with applicable legal requirements; recommends revisions as necessary.
Participates in and facilitates legal training for City staff, departments, and officials on topics relevant to municipal law, public records, ethics, and other areas as directed.
Performs other related duties as assigned by the City Attorney and City Manager.