Public Policy & Government Affairs Associate

Shumaker Loop & Kedrick is seeking an associate in west central Florida with 2+ years of experience to support its growing Public Policy & Government Affairs practice in Pasco, Pinellas, and Hillsborough counties. We are especially interested in candidates who are enthusiastic about local government and administrative law and eager to continue growing in this practice, and who have a genuine interest in serving public entities and supporting local communities. We are seeking candidates who bring a proactive mindset, initiative, a commitment to excellence, and a strong desire to build a long-term career with our team. This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney who wants to learn this area of law or who enjoys advisory work, public service impact, and building long-term relationships with local governments within a collaborative firm environment. Candidates must be admitted to the Florida Bar and be in good standing. Where You’ll WorkDade City is the preferred location for this position and candidates must reside in the vicinity of Pasco, Pinellas, or Hillsborough County. The firm offers a flexible, hybrid work environment while prioritizing collaboration and integration with the team. Occasional travel to attend governmental meetings and to meet with officials is required. What You’ll Do Advise and attend public meetings both during business hours and in the evening when necessary.Draft, review, and provide legal input on legal contracts, policies, ordinances, resolutions, and interlocal agreementsProvide guidance and ensure compliance with local, state, and federal law, and administrative rules, including public record and sunshine law, procurement and public contracts, ethics laws, state preemption, and local government legislative processes.Develop and implement strategies to mitigate legal exposure for the municipality and/or school board, in partnership with local staffRepresent both public and private clients in the areas of land use and zoning, publiccontract and procurement disputes, code enforcement and local ordinanceviolation litigation.Represent city and local governments in legal proceedings, including hearings, administrative reviews, arbitrations, mediations, and other proceedings Who We’re Looking For2+ years of legal experience, preferably in litigation, municipal law, government, or publicpolicy, but candidates with experience in employment/labor law, public finance, orreal estate will be consideredStrong legal research, legal writing, and advisory skillsKnowledge of and state court rules, including sunshine and public records laws, Administrative Code, Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH) proceedingsAbility to attend in-person or virtual city government meetings as neededExcellent interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to successfully collaborate with others and explain complex legal concepts to non-legal audiencesStrong time management skills and ability to organize and manage multiple prioritiesAbility to think critically and creatively, and maintain high standards of professionalism and client serviceAbility to maintain discretion with sensitive and confidential matters Who We AreWe’re not just another law firm - we’re something different. The attorneys at Shumaker are known for creating strong, collaborative working relationships with each other and with their clients. Shumaker attorneys experience true camaraderie, backed by a unique paralegal and staff infrastructure, that allows their practice to thrive. As one of the 200 largest law firms in the United States, we look for skilled professionals who want to build a lifelong career with us. Physical RequirementsSitting frequently, approximately six out of eight hours per day. Sitting position static for up to one-half hour at a time. Standing or walking frequently, up to six hours per day.Lifting and carrying up to 20 pounds occasionally, up to one hour per day.Bending and stooping occasionally, up to one-half hour per day. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities to ensure equal access to employment opportunities. If you require accommodations during the application or interview process, please let us know. Notice to Recruiters: We are not accepting unsolicited resumes from recruiters for this position. If you have any questions, please reach out to Jodi Bosak, Director of Attorney Recruitment at jbosak@shumaker.com. Kindly do not contact Shumaker attorneys directly regarding potential candidates. Equal Opportunity EmployerThis employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.