Description

This is an executive position that assists the County Attorney with multiple legal issues by providing legal analysis and advice to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) and County's Administrative staff, taking all legal action necessary to achieve County goals and protect County interests, and being responsible for the prosecution and defense of all lawsuits and administrative hearings. The successful candidate will have significant experience as lead counsel in civil litigation in both state and federal courts. The preferred candidate will also have experience in the public sector to include local government. This position also assists with the administration and management of the County Attorney's Office as directed by the County Attorney. Position anticipated to be filled effective January 5, 2027.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

May serve as Acting County Attorney as needed

May coordinate and direct activities of the County's Attorney's staff on behalf of and at the direction of the County Attorney

Provides legal advice and analysis to internal staff and Boards on a variety of local government areas by interpreting and applying statutes, case law, ordinances, and administrative regulations

Drafts and/or files a variety of legal documents, which may include: contracts, deeds, resolutions and ordinances, policy recommendations, legal correspondence, motions, memoranda of law, briefs, pleadings, legal opinions, and/or other legal documents

Participates in discovery proceedings by attending and taking depositions, propounding and reviewing responses to requests to produce and interrogatories.

Participates in motion hearings, trials, and appellate proceedings by preparing for and attending these proceeding

Meets with employees, subject matter experts, witnesses, and/or other related individuals to conduct interviews or review litigation strategies

Represents the County in a variety of judicial and quasi-judicial tribunals, such as administrative hearings as well as Federal and State trials and appeals regarding issues such as breach of contract claims, personal injury actions, employment discrimination, Section 1983/civil rights violations, eminent domain cases, Bert Harris claims

Provides recommendations to management and/or the BCC on settlements, continuations, or institutions of litigation at the trial and/or appellate level

Participates in collective bargaining and other labor relations including representing the County in grievance arbitration proceedings

Performs other duties of a similar nature or level

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

Training and Experience:
Juris Doctorate and ten years of experience related to practicing in local government law in the public sector and/or civil litigation trial; or a combination of education and experience equivalent to these requirements.

Licenses and Certifications:

Member in good standing of the Florida Bar Association

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics (KSAOs):
Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, codes, and/or statutes
Judicial rules of practice and procedure
Legal research methodsUsing a computer and related software applications (i.e. Microsoft Suites)
Speaking in public
Mediating conflict
Communication, interpersonal relations as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction
Analyze complex information
Conduct legal research
Prepare legal documents
Organize and present cases for trial
Conduct trials, hearings, and proceedings

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

County-wide Employee Responsibilities:

All Escambia County BCC employees must serve the public and fellow employees with honesty and integrity in full accord with the letter and spirit of Escambia County BCC's Employee Code of Ethics, gift, and conflict of interest policies.

All Escambia County BCC employees must establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, co-workers, elected and appointed officials and members of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, political affiliation, familial status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or gender identity and expression.

Emergency Management Responsibilities:

During emergency conditions, the incumbent of this position will automatically be considered an emergency service worker. This employee is subject to being called to work in the event of a disaster, such as a hurricane, or other emergency situation and is expected to perform emergency service duties, as assigned.

Physical Requirements:

Positions in this class typically require balancing, stooping, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, running, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, finger and hand dexterity as well as repetitive motions.

Light work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently to move objects. Majority of work is performed in an office setting with the employee sitting at a desk.

Benefits/Compensation Package:
• Medical / Dental / Vision plans
• Prescription coverage
• Employee health clinic
• Employee fitness centers
• Employer-sponsored retirement plan or an investment plan
• Deferred Compensation Plan
• Flexible Spending Account(s)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Annual/Sick Leave or Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Group Life Insurance