Senior Staff Attorney

The essential function of the position within the organization is to assist the judiciary with case management, pending litigation and issues, and/or process criminal and civic appeals. The position is responsible for drafting memoranda, opinions, orders and reports; conducting legal research; reviewing briefs and case files; and advising judges on pending litigation and issues. The position works under general supervision of the Circuit Judge or designee.

The following statements describe the principal functions of this job and its scope of responsibility but shall not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including working in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. The examples of work as listed in this class specification are not necessarily descriptive of any one position in class. The omission of specific statements does not preclude management from assigning specific duties not listed herein if such duties are a logical assignment to the position. Conducts legal research of substantive and procedural legal matters, and drafts/prepares legal documents, such as opinions, judgements, post-conviction orders, memoranda or orders concerning extraordinary writs.
 

• Drafts proposed orders for motions filed in and issues arising during death penalty cases; drafts proposed orders imposing a life-or-death sentence in death penalty cases.

• Reviews files, evidence, depositions, pleadings, motions, legal briefs, and memoranda of law, proposed orders and other related documentation in order to advise judges in a variety of legal areas.

• Provides immediate legal research and recommendations required by judges conducting court sessions.

• Attends staff meetings to exchange information; attends technical or professional workshops, seminars and conferences to improve professional skills; attends hearings as required. 

• Assists the circuit court appellate division by drafting bench briefs and/or appellate opinions.

Education:     

• Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school.

• Refers to the amount of related work experience that is recommended for entry into the position that would result in reasonable expectation that the person can perform the required tasks.
• Additional relevant education may substitute for the recommended experience on a year-for-year basis, excluding supervisory experience.

• Refers to the professional, state, or federal licenses, verifications, or registrations required to enter position.
• Member of the Florida Bar for at least 5 years
• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver’s License and be insurable by current insurance carrier.

Grade: 13

Hernando County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, gender, orientation, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, disability, or any other protected characteristic as defined by law.
Hernando County is a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to drug testing in accordance with Federal and Florida State Law. 
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must provide notification to the BOCC in advance to allow sufficient time to provide an accommodation.