Attorney – Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee

Florida Legislature•Tallahassee, FL

About The Position

This position functions as an expert on matters related to Florida’s local governments, with a specific focus on growth management and housing, and is responsible for local bills. Under the supervision of the staff director and policy chief, the attorney applies this expertise to research and prepare bill analyses, reports, legislation, and amendments; respond to inquiries; develop correspondence; and provide counsel and advice to legislative committees. Pursuant to sections 112.3144 and 112.3145, F.S., the person in this position must electronically file a Form 1 – Statement of Financial Interests with the Florida Commission on Ethics within 30 days of hire.

Requirements

Good standing with The Florida Bar for attorneys.
Knowledge of home rule authority, growth management and housing, legal terminology and legal research methods, Florida laws and legal procedure, and the committee subject area.
Excellent writing skills and skill in reading comprehension, analysis, research, and organization.
Ability to interpret state and federal legislation, laws, and rules; employ legal reasoning and foresee possible legal problems; and communicate effectively and concisely, verbally and in writing.
Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with legislators and their staff, the public, and lobbyists; produce quality work under pressure; and plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments.
Ability to conduct in-depth, carefully documented, credible analysis under minimal supervision and within established deadlines; collect and analyze data; work cooperatively as a team member; research legal documents and references; and exercise discretion and confidentiality.
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and three years of professional experience in research, analysis, program planning and evaluation, or administrative work. A master’s degree may substitute for one year of the required experience, and a doctorate may substitute for two years. Relevant professional experience may substitute year-for-year for the required college education.

Responsibilities

Analyze and objectively summarize proposed legislation to determine its effectiveness and the impact of its passage on the state, local governments, and other entities and individuals.
Conduct state and federal legal research and analyze and interpret state and federal laws and regulations, as well as local ordinances and resolutions.
Draft legislation and amendments to legislation.
Monitor and coordinate the progress of committee legislation through committees of reference and on the floor.
Monitor the implementation of legislation by the Executive branch and local governments, and its interpretation by the Judicial branch, to ascertain whether legislative intent is met.
Keep abreast of new and ongoing issues in the assigned area by monitoring agency rulemaking, collecting resource materials, attending workshops and conferences, reading industry publications, and communicating with agency and local government personnel.
Prepare oral and written reports on research and committee work, including end-of-session committee reports, interim projects, and oversight reports.
Respond to inquiries, develop correspondence, and provide counsel and advice to legislative committees.
Perform other related duties as required.
Electronically file a Form 1 – Statement of Financial Interests with the Florida Commission on Ethics within 30 days of hire.