Associate Counsel - Legal Services

About the role

The Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller’s office is seeking a distinguished professional to serve as an Associate Counsel in the Legal Services Department. This role involves researching, analyzing, and synthesizing local, state, and federal authority, as well as litigating in state and federal court on matters related to the Clerk’s Office. The Associate Counsel handles a high volume of confidential and sensitive issues requiring discretion and diplomacy. This position is remote work eligible on a hybrid basis.

Responsibilities

• Conducts in-depth legal research and drafts high-quality memoranda, motions, proposed orders, etc., on various areas of law, including administrative, bond, criminal, employment, foreclosure, public records, and tax deed law.
• Attends and represents the Clerk’s Office at hearings in state and federal court, including criminal bond forfeitures, foreclosures, quiet title actions, bankruptcy, public records issues, tax deed cases, garnishments, and general civil matters.
• Oversees public records requests and subpoenas, including coordinating with departments, reviewing documents for confidential or exempt information under Florida law, reviewing cost estimates, and supporting related requests from departments.
• Provides legal guidance to departments on a variety of matters as needed.
• Maintains an understanding and awareness of local, state, and federal issues affecting the Clerk’s Office.
• Acts as backup in the absence of Legal Counsel.
• Drafts responses to general correspondence.
• Exercises confidentiality and discretion in processing matters of a sensitive and confidential nature.
• Participates in administrative functions required by the Legal Services Department.
• Organizes a high workload appropriately while maintaining professionalism.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited university with membership in the Florida Bar Association in good standing.
• Two (2) years of recent and relevant legal experience required.
• Demonstrated and exceptional verbal and written communication skills, as well as high attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in litigation, criminal, and/or foreclosure law.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off and 17 paid holidays.
• Superior health care plans with lower costs to you.
• Retirement choices through the Florida Retirement System and deferred compensation plan.
• Award-winning wellness program that gives employees incentives, tools, social support, and strategies to adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.