Attorney

State of Florida•TALLAHASSEE, FL

About The Position

The Attorney works in the Florida Senate Committee on Finance and Tax, providing legal support in examining and preparing legislation, legislative programs, legal instruments, opinions, briefs, and other documents. The role conducts research to assist a higher-level attorney or staff director and provides counsel and advice to legislative committees. Prior tax experience is not required, but applicants should demonstrate aptitude for analyzing tax issues, government financial matters, and revenue estimates. The position requires electronic filing of a Form 1 – Statement of Financial Interests with the Florida Commission on Ethics within 30 days of hire, pursuant to Florida Statutes sections 112.3144 and 112.3145. Salary is commensurate with experience, and the Legislature offers a competitive benefits package. The position is open until filled.

Requirements

Be an attorney in good standing with The Florida Bar.
Demonstrate knowledge of legal terminology and Florida laws and legal procedure.
Have skill in reading comprehension, analysis, research, and organization.
Be able to provide legal counsel and interpret state and federal legislation, laws, and rules.
Be able to employ legal reasoning and foresee possible legal problems.
Be able to communicate effectively and concisely, orally and in writing.
Be able to take action in situations that lack clear direction and take initiative on independent research projects.
Be able to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments and establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Be able to use independent judgment when releasing information to the public.
Be able to collect and analyze data, conduct meetings, and make presentations.
Be able to perform legal writing and prepare legal documents, and research legal documents and references.

Responsibilities

Assist with legal research in evaluating state statutes and preparing legal opinions on questions submitted by authorized persons.
Prepare and draft routine contracts, agreements, and related legal documents for authorized parties.
Draft legislative bills, resolutions, and amendments in technically complete language under supervision.
Provide legal counsel and advice to legislators and legislative committees on less complex legal matters, including development of legislation and legislative programs.
Interpret state and federal legislation related to programs of governmental units.
Recommend legislative changes based on trends in case law, agency comment, or citizen requests.
Research the interpretation of Florida Statutes and other matters for legislators and staff; answer telephone inquiries and compose routine constituent responses.
Assist in representing the Legislature in legislative or administrative hearings under the supervision of more experienced attorneys.
Handle administrative litigation on matters relating to education; research and prepare legal opinions; draft routine pleadings and briefs related to ethics and elections issues; and conduct discovery through depositions, interrogatories, and requests for production of documents.
Review agency action under Chapter 120, the Administrative Procedures Act, to identify instances of invalid exercise of delegated legislative authority.
Monitor Florida court cases and administrative decisions and advise agencies accordingly.
Review statutes passed each session and notify agencies of those that may require administrative rule promulgation, repeal, or amendment.
Maintain communications with agency heads and their assigned deputies, assistants, and agency general counsel.
Perform other related duties as required.