City of Tampa

This is highly responsible professional legal work. This professional position assists the City Attorney in providing legal representation to the Mayor, the City Council, and all of the several departments, officers and boards of city government.  This position primarily involves the civil and administrative practice of law. 

This professional position assists the City Attorney in providing legal representation to the Mayor, the City Council, and all of the several departments, officers and boards of city government.  This position primarily involves the civil and administrative practice of law. Responsibilities will vary depending on the assigned Practice Group within the Legal Department and may include:  code development or revision; researching and drafting legal opinions; preparation and analysis of various legal documents, including contracts, grants, leases, policies, forms, agenda items, resolutions and ordinances as well as other legal instruments; consultation with departments on legal issues and problems; enforcement of violations of municipal ordinances before special magistrates and/or in Municipal Court; attending quasi-judicial meetings of the City Council and other administrative boards (e.g., code enforcement, historic preservation boards, variance review board, etc.); handling of litigation from inception to conclusion. The work is of a moderate degree of complexity,  requires the application of a moderate level of knowledge and skill, and is performed under the supervision of a higher level attorney; however, self-motivation, solution-oriented thinking and independence are emphasized. Supervision may be exercised over subordinate clerical employees. Work is performed in accordance with general policies and the established standards and practices of the legal profession and is reviewed by a higher level attorney or the City Attorney through examination of plans proposed and an evaluation of the results of completed assignments.

Duties will vary based on the Division but may include representing the City in a variety of issues of moderate to high complexity, including civil litigation, particularly in County Court or Circuit Civil Court; negotiating, constructing and drafting agreements; drafting resolutions and ordinances, often involving legal research and research of present City codes and ordinances; issuing City code interpretations and researching and drafting legal opinions; presentation, discussion and advocacy of various matters before City Council; meeting with City staff, citizens and private attorneys to achieve conflict resolution; and other work as assigned.

Extensive Knowledge of: methods and practices of legal research and the sources and availability of materials and information; preparation and review of complex legal documents and instruments involving substantial impact on City operations; legal procedures used before a variety of courts, boards, commissions, and administrative agencies; principles and practices of civil and criminal law; constitutional provisions, local ordinances, and operations; municipal government structure, operations, and jurisdiction; case preparation and litigation techniques; organization and analysis of case facts and legal precedents; correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary; interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy; technical aspects of field and specialty; City organization, operations, policies, and objectives; negotiation/mediation skills and techniques.

Mostly sedentary, indoors, requires extended use of computer, typing and viewing a monitor.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Juris Doctor degree, membership in good standing with The Florida Bar, and a minimum of three (3) years of legal experience, which may include experience in local government law.  Moderate degree of complexity. Work independently with supervision by a higher level attorney

Admission to the Bar of the State of Florida; compliance with mandatory Bar CLE requirements.

Possession of a valid drivers license.

Evaluation of education and experience. Drug testing is included in all pre-employment processing.

Employees may be required to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays and overtime as needed. During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.