Assistant City Attorney/ Litigation

About the Role

This position assists the City Attorney in supervising and administering the Law department’s litigation cases and other municipal-initiated causes of action. The Assistant City Attorney performs a wide variety of complex professional legal duties, providing services to all municipal departments, the City Council, advisory boards, and the Mayor. The role predominantly involves representing the City in federal and state court litigations, including significant responsibilities in responding to complaints and discovery, preparing for hearings and trials, and protecting the City’s interests in foreclosure, bankruptcy, and other creditor-rights proceedings.

Responsibilities

• Represent the City in foreclosure actions and related proceedings to protect and enforce the City’s liens, assessments, and other municipal interests.
• Initiate foreclosure proceedings on behalf of the City.
• Represent the City as a creditor or other interested party in bankruptcy proceedings.
• Provide legal advice to City departments concerning creditor rights, collection remedies, and other collection activities.
• Investigate case details, gather and develop testimonial and documentary evidence to defend the City against lawsuits and to file lawsuits on behalf of the City as approved by City Council.
• Interview witnesses and other parties, review depositions, and analyze pertinent information before trial.
• Participate in preliminary court hearings.
• Represent clients in court litigations, arguing on behalf of the City to a jury and/or judge.
• Maintain close contact with all personnel affected by lawsuits, informing office personnel of major decision points, and preparing all necessary legal documents.
• Maintain calendar hearings and deadlines, organize case files, and manage logistics.
• Conduct interrogatories and other discovery requests.
• Review and analyze allegations of criminal violations, develop strategies, and coordinate with various departments depending on the litigation matter.
• Prepare and present cases for administrative, state, and local proceedings.
• Perform other related work as required.

Requirements

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• Minimum of five (5) years of litigation experience, preferably in local government.
• Active member in good standing of the Florida Bar.
• Admission to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida preferred.
• Trial experience at the state or federal level desired.

Skills

• Considerable knowledge of Federal, State, and municipal civil laws, constitutional law affecting municipal government, court procedures, and rules of evidence.
• Ability to acquire thorough knowledge of the City Charter and ordinances and apply legal knowledge to varied problems.
• Analyze and prepare a wide variety of legal documents, brief court decisions, and reconcile conflicting provisions of laws and court decisions.
• Express ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing; use excellent English.
• Follow oral and written instructions; work effectively with other employees.
• Meet the general public with courtesy and tact.
• Conduct research on complex legal problems, prepare sound legal opinions, and present cases in court.
• Knowledge of principles and concepts related to local government law is preferred.
• High degree of independence, initiative, and ability to communicate effectively, handle several assignments concurrently, and develop and maintain effective working relationships.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to effectively communicate and interact with others through speaking, reading, and writing in English.
• Physical capability to use office equipment such as computers, calculators, copiers, and fax machines.
• Work is performed indoors in a quiet to moderately noisy environment.
• Must be able to lift, carry, or push articles weighing up to 20 lbs.