SENIOR ATTORNEY - 42000986

State of Florida • Gainesville, FL

52d • $65,000 - $100,000

About The Position

This position's headquarters is negotiable within Gainesville, Florida and Tallahassee, Florida.
The Senior Attorney filling this position will represent and advise various programs within the Department, with a focus on the Division of Plant Industry and the Division of Animal Industry. The Division of Plant Industry works to detect, intercept, and control pests that threaten Florida’s native and commercially grown plants and agricultural resources. Relevant provisions of law include portions of ch. 369, 570, 581, 586, and 593, Florida Statutes. The Senior Attorney will also provide legal assistance to the Division of Animal Industry, which enforces animal health regulations in Florida and protects the state from animal pests and diseases.
Relevant provisions of law include portions of ch. 534, 570, 585, and 828, Florida Statutes.

Requirements

• Admission to the Florida Bar and two (2) years of professional experience in the practice of law, legal research, teaching law or in administrative or judicial hearings.

Responsibilities

• Renders requested legal advice and counsel to the Commissioner, the commissioner's staff, and other employees of the department.
• Handles complex cases on all levels of trial and appellate courts in the state and federal system as well as administrative proceedings under the Florida Administrative Procedures Act. Agency cases generally involve enforcement actions, defense of rules and statutes, mandatory or prohibitory injunctions, and contract matters. Reports to the General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel on the department's cases, their movement or resolution.
• Handles contract matters, real estate proceedings, legal opinions and legal research. Conducts legal research of highly complex problems involved in the various functions of the department and the Commissioner's office. Prepares, reviews, and approves contracts, leases, deeds, or other legal instruments. Handles or counsels the handling of real estates closings regarding department property.
• Attends staff meetings and renders requested legal advice and counsel to the Commissioner, and other department staff involved with implementing the statutory responsibilities of the Commissioner and the department. Stays abreast of litigation and court decisions which might affect statutes under which the department carries out its responsibilties.
• Represents the Commissioner, the General Counsel's office, and the department in liaison with the Florida Attorney General and other state and federal agencies. Represents the Commissioner, the General Counsel's office, and the  department at judicial and organized bar functions.
• Attends meetings of various legislative committees considering proposed legislation of interest to the Commissioner and the department and drafts or supervises drafting of legislation of interest to the Commissioner and the department. Monitors proposed legislation for impact upon the Commissioner and the department, and advises the Commissioner, the General Counsel's office, and the department's staff.
• Drafts rules and regulations, conducts conferences, workshops, and public hearings, and institutes and conducts rule adoption procedures. Monitors outside attorneys retained to represent the Commissioner and the department in litigation. Performs other related duties as required.

Benefits

• Annual and Sick Leave benefits;
• Nine paid holidays and one Personal holiday each year;
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision and other supplemental insurance options;
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions (For more information, please visit www.myfrs.com;)
• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• Tuition waivers;

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees