General Counsel

This is highly responsible legal work providing legal advice and counsel to the Sheriff and the Sheriff's Office employees in a variety of legal areas. This position establishes a broad range of working contacts with employees, other local government entities, law enforcement agencies, and the legal community. Requires the exercise of considerable independent judgment. Work involves exposure to, and dealing with, confidential and sensitive information.

Work is performed under minimal supervision from the Sheriff. Performance is evaluated through observation, results obtained, employee performance appraisals, and oral/written reports.

Applicants must email their resume with cover letter to mbecker@alachuasheriff.org.

• Advise the Sheriff, deputies and corrections personnel on matters concerning duties, responsibilities, authority, criminal law, constitutional law, and civil law
• Advise administrative staff on matters of public records law, personnel, labor, and employment issues
• Prepare written legal opinions; prepare written legal updates for department-wide dissemination
• Assist with policy development and review
• Conduct occasional in-service training for sworn staff
• Conduct forfeiture litigation
• Review pending and new legislation; review policy and procedure
• Review and draft contracts and agreements
• Review incident reports for potential liability
• Act as a liaison between Sheriff and outside counsel
• Assist outside agency counsel

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Graduation from an accredited law school and five (5) years of experience practicing in the areas of general civil law, labor and employment law, constitutional law, and criminal law preferred

• Must be an active member of the Florida Bar in good standing

• Must be able to appear and communicate effectively in court

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other Sheriff’s Office personnel and members of the legal community
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information discretely
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in the official language of Florida
• Knowledge of tort law, employment liability, and use of force issues
• Knowledge of Public Records Law
• Knowledge of labor and employment law and other related issues, including the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act
• Knowledge of Fourth Amendment, constitutional law, and criminal law
• Knowledge of Contracts Law
• Knowledge of the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act
• Good working knowledge of English punctuation, grammar, and spelling
• Ability to operate and use current ACSO computer equipment and software
• Ability to prioritize projects and manage time effectively
• Skilled in assessing and evaluating legal questions relating to personnel or actions of the Sheriff's Office
• Skilled in presenting appropriate demonstrations and convincing legal arguments on behalf of the Sheriff's Office
• Skilled in offering alternative options and views
• Capable and willing to make decisions that are in line with the Sheriff’s mission, goals, and objectives