Assistant County Attorney - Real Estate - Eminent Domain
The primary purpose of this position is to assist the County Attorney in delivering legal services, advice, and counsel to Leon County Government, which includes the Board of County Commissioners, the County Administrator, and County Departments, as well as certain boards and agencies organized under the Board of County Commissioners.
NOTE: The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Prepares, reviews, and edits legal documents. Prepares and analyzes various legal documents, including legal opinions, agreements and contracts, mortgages, satisfactions, subordinations, releases, easements, deeds, leases, pre-suit eminent domain documents, policies, forms, bylaws, agenda items, resolutions, and ordinances, as well as general office documents such as letters and memoranda; prepares documents in accordance with established office and County policies and procedures; works with County staff as necessary to produce a high-quality, finished work product.
Provides legal advice and counsel. Serves as legal counsel for assigned divisions, boards, and/or committees; attends and participates in meetings and conference calls as needed to provide advice and counsel; interacts with County staff and the public in a tactful and professional manner.
Performs research, analysis, and writing. Performs or directs legal research and preparation of legal opinions; analyzes a variety of issues and provides the results both orally and in writing in an organized and concise manner; maintains a working knowledge of print and electronic research methods, including Westlaw.
Handles claims, complaints, and other matters. Coordinates and directs investigation of claims and complaints by or against the County; prepares and files pleadings in eminent domain proceedings and other matters in a variety of courts; prepares cases for trial and serves as trial counsel before administrative, county, state, and federal courts; attends depositions, mediations, and hearings; recommends action and takes such action as is necessary.
Maintains up to date legal knowledge and completes required continuing education. Stays current on legislative trends and developments for application to areas of assigned responsibility; completes the required number of continuing legal education hours and reports same to the Florida Bar in a timely manner; maintains a license in good standing with the Florida Bar.
OTHER IMPORTANT OR MARGINAL DUTIES
Effectively and efficiently operates personal computer, other office machines, and software. Maintains a working knowledge of the assigned personal computer and other office equipment, as well as all software assigned to this position, and informs supervisor when training is needed.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of administrative, local, state, federal, common, and constitutional law affecting county government; knowledge of ordinances and charter provisions relating to the authority and functions of county departments, boards, and agencies; knowledge of judicial procedures and rules of evidence; knowledge of established precedents and sources of legal reference applicable to county activities; ability to prepare and try civil law cases before administrative, county, state and federal courts; ability to analyze and prepare a variety of legal documents; ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; ability to conduct and direct research at an advanced level and produce a finished work product that requires recognition, evaluation, organization, analysis, and communication of relevant facts and legal concepts; ability to work independently, organize and prioritize assignments, and meet deadlines; ability to follow through on assignments without supervision and with attention to detail; extensive knowledge of business English, spelling, grammar and punctuation; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, county officials, and the general public. Sufficient computer skills to enable assignments to be completed in a timely manner. Working knowledge of personal computers, Microsoft Suite, Adobe Acrobat, Westlaw; knowledge of electronic document management systems in general; willingness to learn new software. Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations.
COMPLEXITY OF WORK
Work involves complex, varied, and frequently non-standardized tasks requiring the application of skills and practices in the areas of deductive reasoning and advanced research and analysis of case law, statutes, and other legal texts and the ability to translate the relevant research findings into written opinions for the client.
INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL CUSTOMER CONTACTS
Contacts are made with all levels of County employees, elected officials, business and government leaders, and the public for the purpose of furnishing, gathering, or exchanging information.
EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS USED
Use of personal computer, other office machines, and various software programs, including Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, Westlaw and County Law Document Management.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, and listen.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
- Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor Degree
- Must be a Licensed Attorney in good standing with the Florida Bar
- Minimum 4 years of experience practicing law in Florida, with two of those years in the areas of real estate or eminent domain
Necessary Special Requirements:
Must possess a valid Florida Driver's License and have a favorable driving record.
All Leon County employees (regular full-time and part-time, OPS, and PRN) are required to work before, during and after a Declared Local State of Emergency (DLSOE). Participation is considered a condition of employment.
Selection Guidelines:
Formal application, resume, rating of education and experience, oral interview, writing sample, and reference checks.
FLSA Status: Exempt. Position performs professional legal work, requiring membership in The Florida Bar. Work requires extensive study of the law and employee must exercise considerable discretion and independent judgment.
Established: August 17, 2021; April 27, 2022.