City Attorney

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Job Characteristics

The City of Eustis is seeking a trustworthy, responsible individual who, under the direction of the City Commission, performs professional legal services and advice for the City Commission, City Manager, City Boards, and City Departments to protect the legal interests and assets of the City at the highest level of professionalism, ethics, and dedication.

Examples of Machines, Tools, and Equipment Used: General office and computer equipment

Supervision Received: Per ordinance, the City Attorney works at the will of the City Commission and is expected to exercise considerable initiative and independent professional judgment.

Essential Job Functions

• The City Attorney shall serve at the pleasure of the majority of the Commission, and shall act as the legal advisor to, and attorney and counselor for the City and all its officers in matters relating to their official duties. The City Attorney shall serve as chief legal advisor to the City Commission, the City Manager and all city departments and offices; shall represent the City in all legal proceedings; and shall perform any other duties prescribed by the Eustis City Charter, by ordinance or upon request of the City Commission;
• The function involves primary responsibility for performing legal research, preparing opinions, and advising City officials;
• Plans, coordinates, and directs the legal activities of the City. Work duties require close coordination with the City Commissioners, officials from other governmental units, and the City Manager;
• Represents the City in all legal matters, including the bringing and defending of suits, where insurance counsel is not available or utilized;
• Attends all meetings and workshops of the Commission and other committees and boards of the Commission, as required. Regular meetings of the Commission are held on the first and third Thursday of each month, beginning at 6:00 pm. The City Attorney is expected to attend special meetings, workshops, and budget meetings, if requested;
• Advises the Commission and City Departments in reference to legal questions; provides staff assistance, legal research, and counseling;
• Drafts contracts, resolutions, ordinances, and development agreements at the request of the City Commission and City Manager;
• Reviews and approves contracts, resolutions, and ordinances generated by City staff prior to consideration by the City Commission;
• Represents the City during negotiations for the purchase of rights of way and other property needed by the City;
• Acts as co-counsel in complaints, suits or controversies for the City if special counsel is employed;
• Represents the Code Enforcement Board and Historical Preservation Board;
• Conducts investigations, compels appearances and makes reports, at the request and direction of the City Manager and/or the City Commission;
• Prosecutes and defends the City on all complaints, suits or controversies in which the City is a party; is responsible for prosecuting and defending the City in civil action when no counsel is provided by liability insurance or when the City’s exposure exceeds its insurance coverage; is responsible for representing an employee or elected official of the City when named in a suit as a result of their official duties;
• Maintains legal files and provides the City Manager copies of pertinent pleadings and orders in all litigation the City Attorney is handling for the City; provides a brief written report on the status of litigation and other legal matters, quarterly;
• Keeps the City Commission informed of legislation or judicial opinions that have potential impact on the City by way of memorandum, including regular updates on Florida Legislative Session bills of concern and any recommended courses of action on the part of the City;
• Answers all Commission and Charter Official-initiated requests for information and advice in a timely fashion;
• Knows principles and practices of civil law, methods and practices of pleading and of effective techniques in presentation of cases in court, the state statutory law, and constitutional law;
• Knows all areas of municipal law, including, but not limited to, establishment of special taxing districts, negotiation of state-imposed Consent Orders and other areas of municipal law;
• Ability to draft legal instruments, propose legislation, and legal opinions; analyze, appraise, and organize facts specific to cases. Must have the ability to present such material orally and/or in writing, in a clear, logical manner;
• Keeps abreast of statutes, regulations, codes, and applicable case law in all areas of responsibility at their sole expense;
• Prepare ordinances, resolutions, contracts, legal property documents, written policies and procedures, correspondence, and other written documentation necessary for the legal support of City functions and duties;
• Process administrative fines or lien settlement requests;
• Must show proof of competency in land use law and be able to represent the City on such matters;
• Excluded from these services should be specialized legal areas of law which the City would typically outsource. Such examples would include, but not be limited to, tax law, finance and pension and employee benefits, intellectual property, creation of a special district such as fire, civil rights and labor and employment law;
• All services shall be provided in compliance with Florida Statutes Section 112.313;
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills:
Modern legal practices and application of law. Interpret and apply Federal and Florida Law, Florida Sunshine Law, Public Records Law and Land Use/Zoning Law, Environmental Law, Law Enforcement and areas of municipal law. Judicial procedures, methods of pleading and effective defense and case presentation. Legal research and modern legal software. Ability to prepare ordinances, legal documents, and render legal opinions. Ability to negotiate effectively. Capable of organizing work, setting priorities to meet deadlines.

Other Related Requirements:
Working Hours:
Generally, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm; must have the ability to work at each City Commission meeting and any other meetings as directed by City Commission which may be outside of normal business hours.

Minimum Qualifications:
The City Attorney shall meet the following qualifications criteria: Graduation from an accredited law school in the United States; must be a member in good standing of the Florida Bar and have been admitted to practice in all courts of the State of Florida for at least three (3) years; must be able to practice in the Federal Court system; must also have a minimum of three (3) years municipal/local governmental experience; must be Board Certified in City, County, and Local Government law and must also show competency in Land Use law. A valid Florida driver’s license with an acceptable driving record is required.

Supplemental Information

Physical Demands:
This is primarily sedentary work with some periods of moderate physical effort. Requires sitting for long periods of time; walking short distances; bending and reaching; good finger/hand dexterity and hand/eye coordination; good eyesight, hearing, and speech; occasional lifting to 35 pounds and occasional carrying/pushing/pulling up to 35 pounds.

Salary Information:

$108,748.62 to $161,653.94 per year; Depending Upon Qualifications; EXCELLENT benefits (Note: See Benefits Tab for more information). Only applicants with the most job-related qualifications will be selected for interview and further consideration. Additional consideration may be given to applicants with more extensive education, training, or experience. Following a thorough background investigation, including a criminal history and driver’s license check, the candidate will be given a conditional offer of employment. The final candidate may be required to pass a drug test and medical exam.