Legal Intern - County Attorney's Office - Temporary, Part-time

Duties may involve specialized confidential legal research and writing, preparation of pleadings, case files, and preparation of legal documents. Also, gathering, interpreting, and preparing data for studies, reports and recommendation. Work requires considerable initiative and independent judgment under general direction. Interns in this position are expected to be able to perform any and all work tasks and comply with any work schedules, attendance, or duty requirements which may be established by the County or department rules, policies or applicable union contracts. Work is performed under the general supervision of the County Attorney and is evaluated through observation, conferences, reports and the evaluation of results achieved.

• Provides assistance to the County Attorney’s office in performing legal research and writing.
• Provides assistance in preparing legal memoranda, briefs, pleadings, and legal documents such as contracts, leases, deeds and resolutions.
• Assists in providing legal opinions on legal questions to the various County departments.
• May prepare a variety of studies, reports and related information for decision-making purposes.
• May analyze data and prepare tables, compilations, and graphs for presentation in court or board meetings.
• Drafts ordinances, resolutions, contracts, agreements, deeds, leases, franchises, etc.
• Assists in preparing legal briefs, develops strategy, arguments and testimony in preparation for presentation of case; may files brief with court.
• May serve as liaison between attorneys, mediators/arbitrators, and the public, responding to questions and providing information, as needed.
• May, if certified by or admitted to the Florida Bar, appear in court or other proceedings on behalf of the County and under the direct supervision of the County Attorney and/or an Deputy/Assistant County Attorney.
• Supports the County Attorney's office in providing general municipal law advice and assistance, including reviewing County Board agendas and staff reports, conflicts of interest issues, Public Record Requests, and other County policy documents.
• Attends and assists with preparation for board and departmental meetings, gaining valuable insight into the operations and policy development at the County government level.
• Conducts legal research on a wide range of issues, including constitutional and administrative law issues. 
• Assists Attorneys in preparation of motions and discovery in civil matters, potentially to include demurrers, discovery motions, and motions for summary judgment in civil matters. The intern may also be asked to assist in trial preparation including document organization and pre- trial filing and motions.
• When possible, the intern will be invited to accompany attorneys to depositions, court appearances and public meetings. 
• Performs related work as assigned.

Education/Experience:

Bachelor's Degree and be presently enrolled as a law student, be on a leave of absence from an accredited law school. Law students must be available a minimum of 30 hours per week and establish a regular schedule in the office during the internship.

Licenses, Certifications, or Registrations:

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills:

Considerable knowledge of state statutes relating to county affairs.

Considerable knowledge of laws relating to local government and litigation such as laws relating to the purchase of goods and services, contracting, labor, employment, eminent domain, real estate, tort liability, local government powers, land use, environment and traffic.

Knowledge of law office policies and procedures.

Knowledge of Westlaw, MS office suite is highly desired.

Knowledge of legal research procedures and techniques.

Knowledge of modern policies and practices of local government law and public administration.

Knowledge of filing systems and records management.

Skill in preparing briefs and other legal documents.

Skill in the operation of personal computer to perform on-line legal research functions.

Ability to research, analyze, and condense large amounts of information into clear, concise form for attorney review.

Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with County officials, employees, court officials, and with the general public is required.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with employees, other agencies, and the public as necessitated by the work.

Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Professional environment where interactions with varying professions and public will occur on a daily basis. 

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION: 

This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position.  While it is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements, Management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary that are a logical assignment to the position.

JOB DESCRIPTION / ADA ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

ATTESTATION 

I understand that a qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of a position in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

I have read the job description for the above position and understand the job duties, requirements, and responsibilities for the position. I attest that I am able to perform the essential functions as outlined in the job description either with or without accommodation. I understand that if I require accommodation, I will contact the Human Resources Department to request accommodation.

If I have any questions about the job duties described in the above job description, I should discuss them with my immediate supervisor or a member of the Human Resources staff.

I have discussed any questions I may have had about this job description prior to signing this 
 form.

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