Assistant County Attorney

Performs professional work in providing legal services necessary to various County departments, boards, and the Board of County Commissioners. An employee in this class researches legal questions, prepares resolutions and ordinances, issues legal opinions and legal documents and renders legal analysis pertaining to a variety of local government matters. Some litigation work may also be required. 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 Attorneys are at-will employees serving at the pleasure of the County Attorney.

**Salary will be determined depending on qualifications of candidates who exceed the minimum requirements as outlined within the job description. 

**Additional compensation based on licensure. 

Note: These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.

Performs legal research and prepares opinions on various legal problems for County departments, boards, and agencies. Prepares and drafts, or reviews, revises and approves contracts, easements, deeds, leases, and other legal documents and instruments for various County departments; reviews such documents and renders opinions as to their legal acceptability.

Drafts ordinances, resolutions, opinions, reviews letters and other types of documents related to legal advisement and litigation. 

Performs litigation related work and support, which includes but is not limited to, reviewing and monitoring litigation and settlement efforts, overseeing outside counsel, investigating claims and complaints by or against County government, recommending action to be taken, preparing and trying cases for damage and other suits and hearings, and representing the County in such hearings. Litigation related work and support may also include preparing State and Federal cases for trial, taking depositions, preparing briefs and pleadings, and supervising necessary investigations.

Negotiates terms and conditions of contracts and agreements including activities in acquisition and eminent domain.

Represents the County in quasi-judicial proceedings on zoning and land use matters.

Prepares proposed legislation and makes recommendations to repeal, amend or revise existing laws.

Advises departmental officials and employees on legal questions, including public records requests

Additional Duties:

Attends County Commission and board meetings as required. Represents the County at various internal board hearings and appeals.

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

Performs other duties as assigned.

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 two years’ experience practicing law. Experience in local government law is preferred. 

Knowledge of Municipal, County, State, Federal, common law, and constitutional law affecting the County government. Knowledge of judicial procedures and rules of evidence. Some knowledge of County ordinances and charter provisions relating to the authority and functions of County departments. Some knowledge of established precedents and sources of legal reference applicable to municipal activities. 

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

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

All employees must attend Seminole County required trainings.

Department specific trainings per position may be required.

Performance Expectations

Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates.