City of Tampa

This professional position assists the City Attorney in providing legal representation to the Mayor, the City Council, and all of the several departments, officers and boards of city government.  This position primarily involves the civil and administrative practice of law and may serve as Practice Group Leader in a specialized area which requires more autonomous decision making such as the Litigation Practice Group or the Public Safety Practice Group. Responsibilities will vary depending on the assigned Practice Group within the Legal Department and may include:  code development or revision; researching and drafting legal opinions; preparation and analysis of various legal documents, including contracts, grants, leases, policies, forms, agenda items, resolutions and ordinances as well as other legal instruments; consultation with departments on legal issues and problems; enforcement of violations of municipal ordinances before special magistrates and/or in Municipal Court; attending quasi-judicial meetings of the City Council and other administrative boards (e.g., code enforcement, historic preservation boards, variance review board, etc.); handling of litigation from inception to conclusion. The work involves a high degree of complexity, requires the application of an advanced level of knowledge and skill and is performed independently. Self-motivation, solution-oriented thinking and independence are emphasized. Supervision may be exercised over subordinate clerical employees; supervision and/or mentoring of less experienced assistant city attorneys is expected of this position. Work is performed in accordance with general policies and the established standards and practices of the legal profession and may be reviewed by the Deputy City Attorney and/or City Attorney through examination of plans proposed and an evaluation of the results of completed assignments.

Mobility— mostly sedentary, indoors, occasional standing; Lifting/Carrying—occasional 20 pounds or less; Dexterity — frequent handling, reaching, grasping, and fingering, bending; Hearing/Talking — frequent hearing and speaking normal speech and speaking loudly over equipment noise; occasional hearing/talking on a radio; Visual —frequent use of good overall vision, at normal or corrected to normal acuity; frequent use of depth perception and peripheral vision; occasional reading and close-up work; very frequent use of computer, attention to detail, transcription/proofreading; Emotional/Psychological — frequent concentration and working and working independently; Special Requirements — working overtime, weekends, nights, holidays and/or emergency call-back; occasional travel.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Juris Doctor degree, membership in good standing with The Florida Bar, and a minimum of fifteen (15) years of legal experience, including experience in local government law and prior supervisory experience.

Possession of a valid Florida driver’s license.

Evaluation of education and experience. Drug testing is included in all pre-employment processing.

Employees may be required to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays and overtime as needed. During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.