Assistant General Counsel

All applicants are required to upload the following documents with their application submission: Drivers License with current address, signed Social Security card, birth certificate issued by state or local government authority, High School diploma/GED, College transcript, DD214 Member-4, Name change documents, FDLE certification documents (certified positions), official arrest/charge documents.  If a document does not apply to you, please upload an attachment with N/A, if a document is unavailable at the time of application, please list status of documentation (ordered, requested, in search of, etc.) If documentation is not received, your application will not be processed for further consideration.

SCSO is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The Assistant General Counsel is responsible for the legal work of the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office which will include but is not limited to: 

• Conducting extensive legal drafting and review of contracts, leases, mutual aid agreements, memorandums of understanding, and pleadings, etc.
• Litigating Civil Asset Forfeiture actions, Risk Protection Orders, and other various litigation matters including drafting and arguing a variety of motions before the circuit and county courts.
• Conducting in-service training to civilians, law enforcement deputies, and corrections deputies.
• Appearing at public speaking engagements on behalf of the Sheriff’s Office.
• Providing legislative and case law updates.
• Representing the Sheriff’s Office in employee disciplinary hearings.
• Advising on public records requests.
• Reviewing and developing internal policies and procedures.
• Conducting legal research.
• Advising on employment law issues.
• Working on other duties as assigned by the General Counsel or Sheriff.

• Must possess Juris Doctorate.
• Must be admitted to the Florida Bar with no prior disciplinary actions.
• Must possess a minimum of 5 years of related experience as a licensed attorney (preference will be given to applicants with strong writing skills, with prior employment law, car accident defense, law enforcement/corrections, and prosecution experience).
• Must possess a valid Florida Driver’s License.
• Must possess the ability to conduct independent legal research and writing.
• Must possess trial advocacy skills (rules of evidence, rules of discovery, civil and criminal procedure). 
• Must provide list of trial experience (designate 1^st and 2^nd chair; Jury and Non-Jury).
• Must provide list of professional legal references.
• Must provide 2 writing samples.
• Must submit to and pass a complete background investigation, credit check, criminal history check, polygraph, and fingerprint submission.

Exempt
This position is not subject to veterans’ preference considerations.
Agency Assigned Vehicle (or $10,903.88 Annual Stipend)
$2000 Civilian Employee Education Incentive

The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office requires all employees to have either an associates degree, 60 equivalent hours from an accredited college or university or the Wonderlic Basic Skills Test. The Wonderlic Basic Skills Test measures verbal and quantitative skills. Sworn *Law Enforcement and Corrections Deputies must achieve a minimum passing score of Verbal - 267 and Quantitative - 241. Civilians must achieve a minimum passing score of Verbal - 248 and Quantitative - 241.

*Law Enforcement Deputies/Recruits must meet additional requirements to qualify.

Local institution to administer the Wonderlic: Suncoast Technical College 941-924-1365 ext. 62322. Fee $40 Hours of Operations: Monday through Thursday 7:30am to 3:00pm Friday 7:30am to 2:00pm. TESTING IS SCHEDULED BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.

If you are out of town, please contact your local technical institute. A complete report of passing scores must be submitted directly to the SCSO.

In compliance with the American Disabilities Act should you require any reasonable accomodation(s) to participate in the exam process, please advise the administering office and supply documentation so they may attempt to satisfy any special needs expeditiously.

If chosen for processing you will be required to submit to the following screening procedures: a comprehensive background investigation, a polygraph examination, medical examinations, drug and tobacco screening, psychological examination (certified and communications positions). By submitting this application you are agreeing to have a background investigator with the SCSO review any social networking websites that you might belong to. If you are not willing to submit to the above mentioned procedures, please do not submit an application.