Description:

Job Summary:
The City Attorney directs, coordinates, advises, and administers all legal matters concerning the City of Key West. Provides legal advice and direction to City Staff, City Commission and boards in the best interest of the City. Supervises legal staff.

Salary is based on experience and qualifications.

Duties:

Performs legal research, advice and direction to City Commission, City Manager, City departments, boards and agencies, consistent with the City Charter, and/or ordinances in the best interest of the City.
Supervises activities of Assistant City Attorneys and department administrative staff.
Serves as legal advisor in the resolution of complex legal matters.
Investigates claims and complaints by or against City government, recommend action to be taken.
Represents City in civil litigation, court actions and before quasi-judicial or administrative agencies of government.
Participate in City Commission and advisory board meetings.
Explains and interprets City Charter/Ordinance/Code questions to the City Commission, City Manager, City Departments, and boards consistent with the City Charter and/or ordinances.
Prepares, drafts or reviews, revises and approves contracts, deeds, pleadings, agreements and other legal documents for various City departments in the best interest of the entire City.
Advises the City Staff and Commission on day-to-day legal matters.
Performs other legal services for the City as directed by the City Commission or requested by staff.
Responsible for department budget.
Effectively, collaboratives, and respectfully work with every department to support our community needs.
Reviews documents prepared by staff, revies same; reviews work of outside counsel and directs same.
Drafts and/or approves City contracts.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Knowledge of City Code and Charter.
Knowledge of judicial and administrative procedures and rules of evidence.
Knowledge of established precedents and sources of legal reference applicable to municipal activities.
Knowledge of preparing civil law cases.
Knowledge of analyzing and preparing a variety of legal documents, researching legal problems and preparing legal opinions.
Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, in an effective and comfortable manner with elected City officials, co-workers and the general public.
Ability to establish and maintain effective and respectful working relationships with the general public, co-workers, elected and appointed officials and members of diverse backgrounds.
Must possess J.D. from an accredited law school.
Member of Florida Bar.
Must possess license/certification to practice law in the State of Florida.
Board certified in City, County, and Local Government preferred.
Must be admitted to practice or obtain certification within twelve months of hire in front of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida.
Demonstrated successful litigation experience.
Recent municipal or county attorney experience preferred.
Seven or more years as a practicing attorney, with substantial experience in local government law or related fields.