Assistant County Attorney

Alachua County, FL - Gainesville, FL

Full-time - Entry Level

Hybrid - Gainesville, FL

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

This is highly responsible, professional legal work in assisting the County Attorney with multiple legal issues, providing legal analysis and advice to the Board of County Commissioners, the County's administrative staff and various County-related agencies and boards and committees. The Assistant County Attorney takes all legal action necessary to achieve County goals and protect County interests; involves specialization in certain legal fields and assignments include matters of substantial importance. An employee assigned to this classification is required to litigate for areas of assignment. Work is performed under the direction of a higher-level supervisor and is reviewed through conferences, reports, and observation of results obtained.

Responsibilities

• Independently prepares pleadings, discovery documents, motions, briefs and other legal documents in matters involving litigation of a complex and difficult nature and of substantial importance.
• Obtains and evaluates expert testimony and participates in settlement negotiations, serving as trial counsel for the County when needed.
• Drafts or files a variety of documents, which may include: contracts, deeds, resolutions, policy recommendations, legal correspondence, motions, memoranda of law, briefs, pleadings, legal opinions or other legal documents.
• Conducts legal research regarding complex problems or projects; prepares reports and memoranda, drafts opinions containing proposed or recommended courses of action or solutions.
• Interprets and applies legal principles and precedents in resolving complex legal issues.
• Reviews documents and renders opinions as to their legal validity and/or acceptability.
• Advises and assists County officers with legal matters.
• Represents departments, officials, boards and commissions in matters that require the professional services of an experienced attorney.
• Prepares resolutions, ordinances and other proposed legislation of a unique or complex nature.
• Attends meetings of the county commission, boards, agencies and other County Attorney's Office clients; may require attendance at meetings outside of normal working hours.
• Demonstrates leadership and evaluates, develops and motivates employees.

Requirements

• 0-5 years of experience in the practice of law.
• Licensed to practice law in Florida and in good standing with the Florida Bar.
• Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree.
• Successful completion of a criminal history background investigation prior to employment.
• Successful completion of a drug screen prior to employment.
• Proficiency within six months of assuming this role for technical skills necessary to use software and platforms to communicate effectively with staff, colleagues and court officials virtually.

Nice-to-haves

• Interest in legal issues related to regulatory county codes and animal related issues.
• Experience or academic study of local government law.
• Strong writing and speaking skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively, present evidence and question witnesses through remote platforms.
• Ability to comfortably speak with media and appear in televised proceedings.

Benefits

• Opportunity to work remotely when not needed in-person.
• Flexible, hybrid work schedule consistent with the needs of the clients and the operations of the office.