Class Specification Details

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

Under general direction of the City Attorney, provides a wide range of professional legal services to City Council, all City departments and various boards and committees.

Researches and analyzes federal, state and local law and judicial decisions.

Performs related administrative and professional work as required.

Responsibilities and Reporting During an Emergency Situation: If assigned, employees in this classification will be required to report and carry out duties as directed for the duration of an emergency. Depending on the nature of the emergency, this may require working around the clock for several days on short notice.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description. The duties of an Assistant City Attorney may include any or all of the duties listed below depending upon the area of law assigned to the incumbent.

• Assists the City Attorney as legal counsel for the City in all municipal areas.
• Reviews, drafts and approves ordinances, charter amendments, resolutions, contracts, deeds, leases, permits, licenses, agreements and other legal documents.
• Represents the City and its officers and employees in litigation matters, including preparation of pleadings, briefs, motions and other documents in preparation for trial of cases and handling of appeals.
• Appears before all federal and state courts and administrative agencies on behalf of the City.
• Prepares and presents cases for administrative, state, and local proceedings.
• Prepares written legal opinions and renders legal advice to City Council, boards, committees and City departments.
• Interprets federal, state, county and City statutes, ordinances, charters, rules, regulations, court decisions, and related legal authorities.
• Confers with and renders assistance to City departments in establishing departmental policies by developing and applying legal principles and procedures.
• Recommends changes in policies and procedures in order to meet legal requirements.
• Serves as primary or backup legal counsel to various City boards and committees.
• Reviews public records requests and inquiries and provides legal guidance on compliance.
• Conducts legal research as needed.
• Analyzes and reports proposed and enacted legislation.
• Maintains professional contact with other agencies as applicable.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Education and Experience

• Progression through levels based on City government expertise, institutional knowledge, ability to work independently, market/legal niche value, and depth/breadth of knowledge in legal areas.

Assistant City Attorney I

• Salary Range: $104,582.40 Minimum - $162,094.40 Maximum.
• 0 years of experience in municipal government law.

Assistant City Attorney II

• Salary Range: $116,958.40 Minimum - $182,272.00 Maximum.
• Six (6) years of experience in municipal government law.

Assistant City Attorney III

• Salary Range: $131,393.60 Minimum - $203,673.60 Maximum.
• Over ten (10) years of experience in municipal government law.

Licenses or Certifications

• Requires a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Must have membership in the Florida Bar.

OTHER JOB REQUIREMENTS

• None.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• None.

ADDITIONAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED: KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Constitutional Law, Sunshine Law, Public Records Law, and general municipal law, among other areas.
• Legal principles and procedures, including civil, appellate and administrative law and procedures.
• General laws, ordinances, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position.
• Court rules and rules of evidence.
• Methods of legal research, including computer research.
• Standard human resources practices and procedures.
• Proper English usage, punctuation, spelling and grammar, and the application of such to a variety of formats and styles; editing principles and techniques.
• Principles and concepts related to local government law.

Skill in:

• Critical thinking.
• Written, verbal, electronic, and visual communications for effective expression and clarity.
• The operation of various computer or other electronic devices and applications, including Microsoft Office Word and Excel.
• Organization, attention to detail, prioritization, and time management.

Ability to:

• Learn and follow Federal, State, and City laws, regulations, methods, procedures, policies, practices and terminology as they pertain to the performance of duties.
• Analyze and prepare a wide variety of legal documents.
• Conduct research on legal problems and prepare sound legal opinions.
• Prepare and effectively present cases in court.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, support staff, other departments, professionals, and members of the public.
• Learn the organization, practices, procedures and resources of City departments, boards and committees.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency.
• Relate to people beyond giving and receiving instructions, to include applying consistent courtesy and tact in considerable public contact and/or confrontational situations.
• Adapt to performing under frequent deadlines and/or in response to emergencies.
• Apply sound judgment and interpretation based on acquired knowledge in circumstances where limited standardization exists.
• Utilize various modern computer word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
• Exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality of sensitive information received and processed.
• Utilize a variety of modern office equipment, i.e., computers, facsimile machines, copiers and scanners.
• Organize and review work for efficient results and accuracy.
• Follow oral and written instructions and work effectively with other employees.

MINIMUM STANDARDS REQUIRED

WORK ENVIRONMENT/ CONDITIONS

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Tasks are performed in a common office environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The position is generally sedentary. Employees sit most of the time, but may walk or stand for brief periods. Tasks may require some unassisted lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of lightweight objects up to 20 pounds. Tasks may require prolonged periods of visual concentration or keyboard/mouse use.

Requires the ability to speak, hear (perceive sound) and/or signal people to convey and exchange information; differentiate between colors or shades of color; read a variety of materials, at times complex; apply principles of rational problem-solving; record and deliver information; explain procedures; issue and follow oral and written instructions; and communicate effectively and efficiently in Standard English.

Job Grade

Pay Grade 45-47-49

Bargaining Unit Code

SA

Hourly Min

$50.28

Hourly Max

$97.92

Annual Min

$104,582.40

Annual Max

$203,673.60

Safety Sensitive

No

Fingerprinting Required

Yes