Closing Date: 4th December, 2026

Description:

Nature of Work:
This is a complex and fast-paced position. An attorney in this position is primarily responsible for performing a variety of litigation-related duties, including pre-suit and in-suit case preparation and trial.

Illustrative Examples of Essential Duties

Represents the City in complex civil and appellate litigation and before administrative hearings held by local, state, and federal agencies
Performs all phases of pretrial, trial, and appellate work
Develops litigation strategy and alternatives
Prepares briefs, drafts pleadings, motions and arguments, and conducts discovery and depositions in preparation for presentation of the case
Files motions and briefs
Appears in court on the City's behalf, including at trial
Consults with legal staff of other entities when joint cases occur
Supervises the presentation of cases when outside counsel is used
Provides advice to department directors on the status of litigation
Represents the City in negotiations to resolve issues involving litigation risk
Oversees external attorneys in areas such as labor/employment law
Provides legal advice to departments on a wide range of complex issues; researches legal issues and statutory and case law; drafts and reviews opinions, resolutions, ordinances, contracts, and other legal documents and instruments; reviews and drafts recommended changes to proposed legislation
Advises department directors, managers, supervisors, and employees on their role in litigation, their responses to the public and the news media regarding legal issues and litigation, and preparation for testimony in court and in administrative hearings
Represent the City with regard to affirmative legal responsibilities and provides independent assessment of civil liberties and rights issues; provides advice and direction to ensure City employees comply with legal requirements
Appears at Commission, committee, and board meetings as assigned
Reviews, researches, drafts, and edits ordinances at the request of the City Attorney, the City Commission, or the City Administration; attends meetings to explain, discuss, redraft, and negotiate ordinances
Drafts, reviews, and edits official public notices and documents
Performs other related duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of the principles and practices of civil and administrative law, especially as related to municipal governments
Knowledge of state and federal court procedures and rules of evidence
Knowledge of interview techniques and strategies for case preparation
Knowledge of pleadings and effective practices and techniques in the presentation of court cases
Knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques of legal research and investigation
Knowledge of Municipal Code, City Charter, state and federal laws and regulations, court decisions, and other legal requirements applicable to municipal government functions, operations, and personnel
Knowledge of the principles and practices of legal communication
Knowledge of City rules, policies and procedures applicable to area of responsibility
Knowledge of the responsibilities and obligations of public officials and administrative agencies in the State of Florida
Knowledge of state law governing public records and the meeting of public government bodies
Knowledge of City human resources policies and labor contract provisions
Ability to define and analyze complex legal issues and problems, research and organize facts, perform legal risk-benefit analysis, evaluate alternatives, and develop sound conclusions and recommendations
Ability to review case files, identify action items, and proactively work to progress cases to become trial-ready
Ability to present statements of fact, law and argument clearly, logically, and persuasively
Ability to exercise sound, independent judgment within general policy guidelines and legal parameters
Ability to interpret and explain state and federal law, regulations, legislation, and constitutional provisions affecting City operations
Ability to develop sound litigation strategy and to represent the City effectively in hearings, courts of law, and meetings
Ability to draft clear, concise, and competent legal briefs, resolutions, ordinances, agreements, contracts, proposed legislation, reports, correspondence, discovery responses, and other written materials
Ability to use effective written and oral communication skills, including explaining complex and unfamiliar principles to non-technical audiences
Ability to remain neutral on issues where there are competing political agendas
Ability to use a high degree of tact, discretion, and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive situations and concerned or upset individuals

Minimum Requirements:

Graduation from an accredited school of law
One (1) to seven (7) years of experience relevant to the major duties/essential function of the position
Current membership in the State Bar of Florida
Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted

Physical Requirements:

The work is typically performed in an office and in court rooms and meeting rooms while sitting at a desk or table while intermittently sitting, standing, or stooping. The employee occasionally lifts light objects.
Must have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public through the use of the telephone and personal contact.
Physical capability to effectively use and operate various items of office related equipment, such as, but not limited to, personal computer, calculator, copier, and fax machine.

For all positions:

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, coworkers, the press the general public and members of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds regardless of race, religion, age, sex, disability, political affiliation, gender identity or sexual orientation.
Ability to serve the public and fellow employees with honesty and integrity in full accord with the letter and spirit of all city ethics and conflicts of interest policies. Strong understanding of ethical behavior is required.
Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance.
Performs related work as required.
Reports to work as directed during an emergency as an essential employee of the City of Miami Beach.

For all technical, professional, supervisory and Managerial positions:
Ability to develop innovative and creative solutions to issues consistent with the City's strategic plan.

Applicants must detail any related work experience on the application or risk disqualification. It is the applicant's responsibility to update their NEOGOV profile with work experience, education, certifications and personal contact information when submitting each application, failure to do so will result in ineligibility. City of Miami Beach employees must reflect their current position and detail their work experience on the application to avoid being disqualified.

Veterans Preference: Veterans Preference is awarded in accordance with Florida State Statute 295.07. If veteran's preference is being claimed, it must be indicated on the application form and proper documentation, including all forms DD-214 (either Member 2 or Member 4), as well as the final Department of Defense Disability Letter (dated within one year) must be submitted with the application.

DCF: For any job announcement that requires a a screening through the clearinghouse please see link to the website:

HB531 | Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (https://info.flclearinghouse.com/)