Deputy City Attorney

City of Coconut Creek•Coconut Creek, FL

12h•Onsite

About The Position

Performs work as a recognized subject matter expert in the City Attorney’s office. Provides legal advice and counsel to the City Commission, City Manager, City Staff, and City Advisory Boards. The employee attends meetings of the City Commission and advisory boards, as necessary, represents the City before various local and state departments and other governmental subdivisions, reviews and/or prepares routine legal documents and legal opinions, as well as assists the City Attorney in more difficult and complex questions and problems. Supervision is exercised over legal and clerical staff, which includes training and evaluating work performance. General direction is received from the City Attorney however; significant latitude is provided requiring the use of initiative and independent judgment. Position requires a high level of critical thinking and ingenuity in bringing successful resolution to unusually complex and strategic situations and issues.

Requirements

Juris doctor degree from an accredited school of law
Ten (10) or more years’ experience practicing in the area of City, County, and Local Government law or related field
Must be an attorney at law in good standing in Florida
Possess a license to practice law in the state of Florida

Nice To Haves

Board certification in City, County, and Local Government law is preferred, but not required
Related field includes: land use/zoning, labor and employment, real estate, litigation/ trial experience, eminent domain, procurement/public finance, grants, contract drafting and administration, public records/ Sunshine law, civil litigation relating to Section 1983 liability, workers’ compensation, personal injury law, construction law, police, fire, or other local government related experience
Knowledge of the principles, methods, materials, and practices of legal research (Westlaw and Lexus/Nexus)
Knowledge of the laws of Florida and considerable knowledge of local, state and Federal statutory law
Skill in conducting research on complex legal issues and preparing sound legal opinions
Considerable knowledge of the sources and availability of current legal decisions, opinions, rulings and statutes
Considerable knowledge of legal instruments in applicable fields of law
Skill in Microsoft Office products (Word, Outlook, and Excel)
Skill in providing good customer service
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Ability to interpret and apply legal principles and precedents in resolving complex legal problems
Ability to multi-task while working with tight deadlines and shifting priorities
Ability to prepare cases for civil litigation
Ability to analyze and define problems, identify alternative solutions, estimate consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals
Ability to organize work for timely completion
Ability to conduct thorough legal research and prepare various legal documents and summaries
Ability to express ideas clearly and to communicate effectively, orally and in writing
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, City officials, representatives of private businesses, service and civic organizations, and the public
Ability to assign and supervise work of subordinates in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale
Ability to regularly attend work and arrive punctually for designated work schedule
Understand the opportunities and risks of using artificial intelligence in the legal field

Responsibilities

Advises the City Commission, City Manager, City staff, and City boards as may be required, relative to legal matters affecting the City
Attends City Commission meetings and workshops, Planning and Zoning Board meetings and other Advisory Board meetings as needed
Conducts investigations and interviews based upon alleged or potential legal problems of a routine nature, and prepares reports or opinions based upon findings made
Reviews contracts
Prepares legal opinions, drafts ordinances, resolutions, contracts, deeds, leases, and other legal documents
Represents various departments in legal matters as directed by the City Attorney
Responds to and resolves sensitive and complex inquiries and complaints including: responding to requests of the City Attorney, City Manager, and elected officials for information and interpretation
May present issues to the City Commission as needed or directed by the City Attorney
Assists City Attorney in the preparation of legal opinions regarding more complex legal questions
Assists in the preparation and defense of all civil cases involving the City including preparation of initial pleadings, discovery documents, motions and other litigation documents as needed; reviews claims and complaints by or against the City; works with other legal specialists hired by the City for special and/or complex cases
Assists the City Attorney in conducting legal research concerning complex problems or projects and prepares reports, memoranda and draft opinions containing proposed or recommended courses of action or solutions; handles appeals as needed
Assists the City Attorney in providing guidance to and reviewing the work of other attorneys retained by the City; enforces and makes recommendations regarding city policies and procedures
Meets with City officials, City employees, and the public as needed
Performs other related duties and functions as may be assigned by the City Attorney