GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

This is highly advanced, responsible, administrative and professional position serving as the chief legal advisor to and attorney for the City, its elected and appointed officials and Charter Officers.  The City Attorney is charged with protecting the legal interests and assets of the city at the highest level of professionalism, ethics and dedication. 

The person filling this position shall be appointed by and serve at the will of the City Commission, report to the City Commission and work under the direction of the City Commission and City Manager. The City Attorney is expected to exercise considerable initiative and independent professional judgment.

MAIN JOB TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Protect the legal interests of the City in the conduct of its day-to-day business.
• Provide legal counsel to the City Commission, the Charter Officers, all City departments, the Alachua Community Redevelopment Agency and all other City boards and committees.
• Prosecute and defend all suits, complaints and controversies for and on behalf of the City; including, but not limited to, challenges to City ordinances, development approvals, employment actions, civil rights actions, torts, tax liability issues, the foreclosure of City liens and mortgages and the prosecution of municipal ordinances.
• Evaluate claims made against the City, ensure that all appropriate claims are timely filed with insurance providers and advise management or the City Commission on the advisability of settling cases and claims not covered by insurance.
• Evaluate the facts of specific cases or assignments, conduct legal research, provide legal opinions, memoranda and render legal advice and assistance.
• Interpret and apply state and federal law, case law, the City Charter and Code of Ordinances.
• Recommend major policy or procedure changes and coordinate intricate implementation strategies to comply with the requirements of law.
• Prepare ordinances, resolutions, policies regulations and procedures to be adopted by the City Commission and senior management, as appropriate.
• Provide guidance and advice to the City Commission, all Charter Officers and senior management related to or applicable federal, state, and local laws, pending legislation and judicial decisions of federal and state courts.
• Retain and monitor special counsel on behalf of the City as authorized by the City Commission.
• Negotiate, draft and review contracts, bonds and other legal instruments.  Review contracts, bonds and other instruments in writing where the City is to be a party and endorse on each approval as to form and legality.
• Recommend selection, promotion, discharge and take other appropriate personnel action concerning any staff assigned to the City Attorney.
• Prepare, submit, and monitor annual department budget.
• Attend meetings of the City Commission, its agencies, boards, and committees as assigned.
• Participate in professional organizations and attend seminars to maintain and expand proficiency in law and practice.
• Attend work on a continual and regular basis.
• Perform other related duties as set forth in the City Charter and Code of Ordinances. 

(These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed. Employee will be required to perform other job-related duties as required.)

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Graduation from an accredited college of law and membership in The Florida Bar, five (5) years of progressively responsible professional legal experience, of which at least two (2) years of experience shall be in the area of public sector and local government law. Board certification in City, County and Local Government Law preferred.   

CERTIFICATIONS OR LICENSES

Licenses

• Must be admitted to practice law in all Florida and federal courts. 
  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Thorough knowledge of legal principles, concepts and ability to apply them appropriately. 
• Thorough knowledge of federal, state and local laws, decisions of federal and state courts, including regulations and their enforcement as they relate to local government and municipal utilities rights, privileges and responsibilities.
• Possess thorough knowledge and application of Robert’s Rules of Order and City of Alachua Commissioners Rules of Procedure.
• Thorough knowledge of legislation pertaining to City, Federal and Florida administrative law including governmental regulations and their enforcement.
• Thorough knowledge of contracts and governmental procedures for the procurement of real estate and property rights, equipment, materials and services.
• Ability to handle administrative, trial and appellate work.
• Ability to analyze, evaluate and organize facts, evidence and legal procedures and to present information orally and in writing in a clear and logical form.
• Ability to negotiate effectively.
• Ability to prepare ordinances, legal documents and render legal opinions.
• Ability to deal tactfully with, establish and maintain effective working relationships with other officials and employees of the city, county, state, federal governments and the general public.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain security and confidentiality.
• Ability to plan, assign, review and supervise work of others.
• Ability to handle several assignments concurrently and prioritize effectively.
• Working knowledge of computers and relevant software.
• Ability to conduct legal research using paper and computer-based legal research tools.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• To perform successfully, an individual must possess certain physical abilities and be able to withstand work related environmental conditions. 

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

• Performing the duties of this position often requires lifting, carrying and pulling up to ten (10) pounds.
• Performing the duties of this position requires standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time.
  

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The successful applicant will not be permitted to practice law except on behalf of the City or engage in any other employment without the express consent of the City Commission.
• The successful applicant will be required to work and attend meetings outside regular business hours.

Reasonable accommodations will be made in accordance with existing ADA requirements for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability.

The statements contained herein describe the scope of the responsibility and essential functions of this position, but should not be considered to be an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other areas to cover absences or relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.