Assistant General Counsel

Job Summary

The Assistant General Counsel handles a diverse array of legal matters for all Port Departments. This position reports directly to the Vice President and General Counsel and assists in representing the Port in all legal aspects, including contractual, policy making and enforcement, real estate matters, regulatory compliance, employment and labor law, public procurement, litigation, environmental, security, general insurance matters, and public entity governance.

About the Role

This is a high-level professional position requiring a thorough knowledge of the laws concerning governmental entities in the State of Florida. The Assistant General Counsel exercises a high degree of independent judgment in the performance of duties and major policy matters.

Essential Functions

• Contract drafting, negotiation, management, and review of professional services agreements, construction contracts, interlocal agreements and MOUs, Real estate drafting, negotiation, management and review of commercial leases and assignments, purchase and sale agreements, development agreements, and easement agreements
• Understanding of procurement requirements and review of solicitation documents
• Providing timely counsel to the Port Director/CEO, Executive and Senior Management staff
• Assisting with the development of internal policies
• Assisting in the management of litigation and the supervision of outside counsel; communicating and coordinating with external legal representation
• Attending Port Authority Board of Commissioners’ meetings
• Providing guidance for compliance with all statutes, laws, rules, and regulations
• Coordination with local, state and federal entities on Port related matters
• Advising staff on public record requirements and assisting with responses
• Researching legal issues and preparing legal opinions and memoranda
• Preparing legislative summaries and analyzing bills for potential impact on the organization

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited school of law and member in good standing with the Florida Bar
• Must have a minimum of eight (8) years of legal experience, preferably for or working directly with local government entities
• Demonstrated experience with applicable Florida laws and regulations and local government matters including Florida Public Records Law and Sunshine Law
• Experience handling complex real estate transactions and commercial leasing
• Knowledge of construction law, procurement, environmental regulations, risk management, and the Americans with Disabilities Act
• Knowledge of principles, methods, materials, and practices of legal research work
• Knowledge of computer application programs and strong research skills
• Ability to gather, analyze, and apply legal data and evidence
• Ability to present legal statements effectively in oral and written form
• Ability to work under pressure and handle multiple priorities of complex and sensitive issues
• Must possess great organizational and time management skills
• Must possess excellent interpersonal skills and have the ability to interact effectively, confidently, and professionally with staff, other government officials, outside counsel, and the general public
• Must possess honesty, integrity, and sound professional judgment

Licenses / Certification Required

• Possess a valid Florida Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one within 30 days
• Member in good standing of the Florida Bar
• Able to secure a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)

Physical Requirement

• Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work
• May involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds)

Environmental Requirements

• General office environment
• Some travel required