Police General Counselor/Legal Advisor

Join Our Team as a Police General Counsel/Legal Advisor

The City of St. Cloud, Florida, is seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable Police General Counsel/Legal Advisor to provide expert legal guidance on matters related to police operations. This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by ensuring legal compliance, mitigating risks, and supporting the integrity of law enforcement practices within our community.

As a key advisor to the Chief of Police, you will work collaboratively with the City Attorney and Risk Manager to protect the City’s interests while upholding the highest standards of public service. This position operates during normal business hours (Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM) with possible stand-by hours as needed.

At the City of St. Cloud, we are committed to our core values of Accountability, Empowerment, Innovation, and Ownership:

• Accountability – Ensure the Police Department operates within legal and ethical boundaries, providing sound legal counsel that promotes transparency and integrity.
• Empowerment – Support law enforcement professionals by equipping them with the legal knowledge needed to serve the community effectively and confidently.
•  Innovation – Proactively identify legal solutions that enhance police operations while maintaining compliance with evolving laws and best practices.
• Ownership – Take pride in safeguarding the City’s legal interests and contributing to a safe and just community.

If you are a highly motivated legal professional with a passion for public service and law enforcement, we invite you to apply and be part of a team that values excellence, collaboration, and community impact.

Apply today and help shape the future of policing in St. Cloud!

• Initiates and prosecutes lawsuits seeking the civil forfeiture of contraband property, including real property, motor vehicles, and cash.
• Coordinates with and assists, as needed, the City Attorney, retained liability defense and special counsel and risk management teams in defense of the City’s interests in lawsuits arising from police operations.
• Drafts police-related city ordinances for presentation to the City Council.
• Drafts contracts and other legal documents, including mutual aid agreements, to facilitate police operations.
• In coordination with the City Attorney and the City’s Human Resources and Risk Management teams, provides legal counsel consistent with applicable law and the City’s Personnel Rules and Regulations on matters related to police department, including the Fair Labor Standards Act, Police Officers' Bill of Rights, Public Records Law, and American with Disabilities Act.
• Reviews police department policies and procedures to ensure compliance with the law.
• Reviews proposed disciplinary action to ensure compliance with the law.
• Prepares legal bulletins on changes in law affecting law enforcement.
• Assists the department with in-service training of department personnel regarding statutory and case law developments.
• Responds to incidents involving serious injury or death in which department employees are involved; responds to all shooting incidents involving department employees.
• Performs legal research and studies in precedents, case trends, rulings, and laws affecting police operations.
• Attends and participates in St. Cloud Police Department command staff meetings well as other meetings as directed by the Police Chief and/or City administration. 
• Serves as liaison between the St. Cloud Police Department and State Attorney's Office regarding criminal cases.
• Participates in continuing legal education programs and seminars to maintain skills and licensure.
• May be required to work alternate hours as necessary for the efficient operation of the department.  
• Position designated as Mission Critical.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned.

• Juris Doctor Degree from an accredited law school.
• Minimum of five (5) years of work experience as a practicing attorney, a substantial amount of which has been in the practice of criminal law, or other relevant experience in the government or private sector.
• A comparable amount of relevant training, education and/or experience may be substituted for the above qualifications.

• Must possess a valid driver's license.
• Must maintain a valid telephone number.
• Must be able to pass an elevated background check provided by the City of St. Cloud Police Department upon hire.
  

• Highly self-motivated with the ability to manage assignments independently and meet deadlines in time-sensitive situations.
• Collaborative approach, working effectively with the City Attorney, law enforcement, risk management, City leadership, and other internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects, adapt to shifting priorities, and perform under pressure in challenging environments.
• Excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing, to convey complex legal concepts clearly and concisely.
• Strong knowledge of state and federal laws relevant to law enforcement and municipal government operations.
• Skilled in conducting legal research and drafting sound legal opinions to support police operations and decision-making.
• Ability to analyze and define problems, identify alternative solutions, assess potential outcomes, and implement recommendations aligned with organizational goals.
• Capable of preparing and delivering training sessions, court arguments, and presentations before city officials, law enforcement, and external agencies.
• Proficient in reviewing and drafting resolutions, ordinances, contracts, and other legal documents with precision and attention to detail.
• Ability to interpret and apply legal principles and precedents to complex legal problems, ensuring compliance and risk mitigation.
• Skilled in building and maintaining strong professional relationships through effective communication and cooperation.
• Commitment to continuous learning and improvement, staying updated on legal trends and best practices.
• Proficient in utilizing technology and legal research tools, including cloud-based interfaces, Microsoft Office products, legal research software, and Adobe Acrobat Pro.

• Work is primarily performed in an office setting, with prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Occasional standing, walking, bending, and reaching may be required.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 10 pounds occasionally for handling files or office materials.
• Must have sufficient manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment, including a computer, telephone, and printer.
• May require occasional travel to attend meetings, court proceedings, or training sessions.

• Ability to apply basic mathematical concepts, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• Proficiency in interpreting statistical data, legal financial reports, and budgetary information related to legal matters and risk management.
• Ability to assess fines, penalties, or damages related to police legal matters.

• Strong command of the English language, with the ability to draft, review, and interpret complex legal documents, contracts, policies, and ordinances.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with law enforcement personnel, government officials, legal professionals, and the general public.
• Skilled in presenting legal arguments, conducting training sessions, and providing clear legal guidance.
• Ability to analyze and interpret laws, court rulings, statutes, and legal precedents and explain their implications concisely.

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to assess complex legal issues, anticipate potential risks, and provide sound legal counsel.
• Ability to apply logic and legal principles to address issues related to law enforcement, public safety, and municipal government.
• Skilled in problem-solving and decision-making, particularly in high-pressure or time-sensitive situations.
• Ability to interpret policies and procedures and apply them appropriately to police department operations.

• Work is typically performed in a professional office setting within the Police Department.
• May involve occasional exposure to law enforcement environments, including police stations, courtrooms, and city government offices.
• Subject to tight deadlines and high-stakes decision-making, requiring the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• May be required to work outside of regular business hours for urgent legal matters, emergency situations, or legal consultations.
• Regular interaction with law enforcement personnel, attorneys, elected officials, and the public is a key aspect of the role.

Salary : $97,624 - $143,498