Senior Assistant County Attorney

Alachua County•Gainesville, FL

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

Alachua County seeks a Senior Assistant County Attorney to join its well established, collaborative in house legal team. This position is ideal for an attorney who values teamwork, public service, and the opportunity to serve as a trusted advisor within a dynamic local government environment. The ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional written and oral communication skills, a disciplined work ethic, and the ability to convey legal guidance clearly and effectively to clients at all organizational levels. The successful candidate will work cooperatively with County staff, contribute to consensus building, support timely, practical solutions to operational needs, and be able to manage assigned matters independently with sound professional judgment. While subject matter expertise is expected in assigned areas, the Senior Assistant County Attorney may be asked to handle matters outside their primary practice areas. The role includes litigation responsibilities and regular appearances before public boards, including in televised settings. A flexible, hybrid work schedule may be available based on client needs and office operations. Candidates must be licensed to practice law in Florida and be in good standing with The Florida Bar. This is highly responsible, professional legal work in assisting the County Attorney with a variety of legal issues, providing legal analysis and advice to the Board of County Commissioners, the County's administrative staff, various County-related agencies and boards and committees. The Senior Assistant County Attorney takes all legal action necessary to achieve County goals and protect County interests; involves specialization in certain legal fields; assignments include matters of substantial importance. An employee assigned to this classification is required to litigate in designated areas of assignment. Work is performed under the direction of the County Attorney and is reviewed through conferences, reports, and observation of results obtained.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree
Membership in the Florida Bar Association
Five years of progressively responsible legal experience which must include litigation experience, at least three (3) years of which have been largely devoted to the attorney's area(s) of specialization so that, when combined with the applicable training, the attorney possesses intermediate to advanced level of knowledge in federal, state and local law regulations and practices in the area of the attorney's specialization.
At least five years of experience in public procurement and related transactional matters; or at least five years of experience in real estate matters, including acquisitions, sales, leases, transfers, or real-property disputes.
Must be able to demonstrate proficiency within six months of assuming this role for technical skills necessary to use software and platforms to communicate effectively with staff, colleagues and court officials virtually.
Must be able to maintain internet connection from remote site and maintain security and confidentiality of communications and records.
Successful completion of a criminal history background investigation.
Successful completion of a drug screen.
Resume
Cover letter
List of professional references
Applicants must submit a cover letter describing their relevant experience and interest in the position.

Nice To Haves

Experience in both public procurement and real estate matters is a plus.
Board certification in a relevant area of law, including, but not limited to City, County and Local Government Law, is highly desirable but not required.

Responsibilities

Advocates building organizational culture through aligning decisions with the County's core values.
Independently prepares pleadings, discovery documents, motions, briefs and other legal documents in matters involving litigation of a complex and difficult nature and of substantial importance, obtains and evaluates expert testimony and participates in settlement negotiations, serves as trial counsel for the County when needed.
Supervises and coordinates the activities of subordinate employees including determining work procedures and schedules; issuing instructions and assigning duties; reviewing work; recommending personnel actions; conducting performance reviews; and conducting departmental training and orientation.
May supervise Assistant County Attorneys, Interns and/or Externs on specific projects and assist the County Attorney with review of formal legal opinions and attorney work product prepared by Assistant County Attorneys, Interns and/or Externs to ensure accuracy, efficiency and compliance with County Attorney and legal standards.
Drafts or files a variety of documents, which may include: contracts, deeds, resolutions, policy recommendations, legal correspondence, motions, memoranda of law, briefs, pleadings, legal opinions and/or other legal documents.
Conducts legal research regarding complex problems and/or projects; prepares reports and memoranda, drafts opinions containing proposed or recommended courses of action or solutions.
Interprets and applies legal principles and precedents in resolving complex legal issues.
Reviews documents and renders opinions as to their legal validity and/or acceptability.
Advises and assists County officers with legal matters.
Represents departments, officials, boards and commissions in matters that require the professional services of an experienced attorney.
Prepares resolutions, ordinances and other proposed legislation of a unique or complex nature.
Attends meetings of the county commission, boards, agencies and other County Attorney's Office clients; may require attendance at meetings outside of normal working hours.
Demonstrates leadership and evaluates, develops and motivates employees.
Performs the duties listed, as well as those assigned, with professionalism and a sense of urgency.