What are the responsibilities and job description for the In-House Legal Counsel position at Brevard County Sheriff's Office?
In-House Legal Counsel
Job Description
This is a highly responsible professional position that provides legal advice and representation to the Brevard County Sheriff's Office. Works under the direction of BCSO Chief Legal Counsel.
This position includes a one-time hiring bonus of $5,000 and a take-home agency vehicle.
Position Duties
The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.
- Represents the Sheriff of Brevard County, in his Official Capacity, in legal matters, including the bringing and defending of suits, reviewing and preparing matters, including but not limited to Risk Protection Orders and Asset Forfeitures.
- Advises the Sheriff and Agency units in reference to legal questions and matters.
- Prepares trainings, written legal opinions, policies, resolutions, and memoranda as assigned by the Sheriff, Undersheriff, Chief Deputy, or Chief Legal Counsel.
- Reviews existing contracts, ensuring all contractual obligations and specifications are as specified and in accordance with agency policies and procedures and any other applicable laws or regulations.
- Prepares accurate and informative legislation summaries containing the key points of the legislation and the potential impact on the agency.
- Reviews and responds to requests for public record information in a reasonable manner. Gathers all pertinent data, redacts statutorily designated non-releasable information as required, and provides accurate and sound legal opinions that are consistent with the public records laws and other appropriate legislation, policies and procedures.
- Reviews law enforcement seizures of currency, tangible personal property, vehicles and real property under state and federal forfeiture laws for legal sufficiency. Litigates forfeiture actions taken by the Sheriff's Office. Attends hearings on forfeiture actions, and keeps the Sheriff and staff informed of forfeiture actions taken by the Sheriff's Office.
- Communicates and coordinates with external legal representation on agency matters.
- Gathers facts, checks investigation reports, reviews files, and answers correspondence.
Minimum Qualifications
Graduation from an accredited school of law and a member of the Florida Bar. Five (5) years of experience as a practicing attorney in a governmental law enforcement agency. Contraband forfeiture litigation experience preferred.
Must possess a valid Florida Driver's License.
Must successfully pass complete a background investigation, including a fingerprint check, polygraph examination and drug screen.
Additional Information
Work is primarily performed in an office environment.
Work is conducted during normal business hours (Monday through Friday 8am - 5pm); afterhours, weekends, and holiday flexibility required to meet agency needs.
During an emergency, the Sheriff will determine who is considered an emergency responder and whose work is necessary to maintain the operation of law enforcement and correctional facilities. This determination is subject to change based on staffing and the operational needs of the agency.
Successful completion of a criminal background investigation including polygraph, reference/employment/neighborhood checks. submit to screening for illegal drug use prior to assuming position and will be subject to return to duty, post-accident and/or random and reasonable suspicion drug tests while employed with BCSO.
- The Brevard County Sheriff's Office is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, and sexual orientation, national origin, age (over 40), disability or genetic information in employment practices. We encourage veterans, service members and their spouses and family members to apply for employment with this agency, qualified applicants will receive preference and priority in hiring decisions. ADA requires the Sheriff's Office to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Job Applicants and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations.
