Assistant County Attorney 2025

Performs professional work in providing legal services necessary to affect the rights, privileges, and obligations of the County. An employee in this class is responsible for researching legal questions; preparing ordinances, resolutions, policies, and other legal documents; and rendering legal opinions to County officials and County staff. Work is performed under the direction of the County Attorney and is reviewed through conferences, inspection of documents, and evaluation of results obtained. Assistant County Attorney positions are non-career civil service and serve at the pleasure of the County Attorney.

Performs general legal research and prepares opinions on various legal issues for County Officials and assigned County departments and boards. Prepares and drafts, or reviews, revises, and approves contracts, deeds, leases, easements, and other legal documents and instruments; reviews such documents and renders opinions as to their legal acceptability. Drafts ordinances and resolutions to implement County policy; reviews letters and other types of documents. Negotiates terms and conditions of various contracts and agreements.

Provides legal advice regarding real estate transactions, including the acquisition, sale, lease, and transfer of real property. Drafts, reviews, and negotiates purchase and sale agreements, deeds, easements, and other documents related to property transactions, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Assists in the preparation and review of title documents, surveys, plats, and closing documents. Advises on the implications of real estate transactions, including environmental and zoning considerations, and potential liabilities. General knowledge of land use and zoning principles are required.

Attends County Commission and board meetings as assigned. Represents the County at various internal board hearings and appeals. Represents the County in civil litigation matters, including administrative hearings, trials, and appeals.

Conducts trainings for County staff and board members, as assigned, on various legal issues.

Performs other duties as assigned by the County Attorney.

In the event of an emergency, all employees are considered essential personnel and may be required to perform alternate duties.

Graduation from an accredited law school with at least five years of experience representing local government entities. Possession of diverse skill set, with the ability to handle both transactional and litigation matters. Knowledge of land use and real estate law is desired; ability to work on variety of legal matters affecting all areas of the County is essential. Must be licensed to practice law in Florida and in good standing with the Florida Bar.

Knowledge of Municipal, County, State, Federal, common law, and constitutional law affecting the County government. Litigation experience and knowledge of judicial procedures and rules of evidence. Knowledge of established precedents and sources of legal reference applicable to local governments.

Ability to analyze and prepare a variety of legal documents. Ability to conduct research on legal problems and to prepare legal opinions.

Board certification in City, County & Local Government Law is preferred, but not required.

Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver’s License.

Department Specific trainings per position may be required.

Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Writing samples will be required.

Ability to work independently while maintaining effective working relationships and communication with colleagues, County staff, and elected County Officials.

Ability to conduct thorough research and review of all legal matters with an attention to detail.

Ability to meet established deadlines for requested legal reviews.