Attorney III - Litigation

Full Job Description

The position reports to a supervising attorney in the General Litigation Department and will perform work at their direction and subject to their review and evaluation.. The primary purpose of this position is handle a variety of civil litigation matters from pre-suit negotiation through trial or appeal and advise clients throughout the process with limited supervision. Types of matters handled within the General Litigation Department may include without limitation: commercial litigation, construction litigation, real property litigation, eviction, foreclosure, garnishment, eminent domain, and constitutional claims. The attorney will also be expected to mentor less seasoned attorneys as needed.

Requirements

• Schedules, assigns, monitors, reviews, mentors and evaluates the work of assigned staff.
• Performs sophisticated legal research and prepares opinions on various legal issues.
• Interprets and applies legal principles and precedents in resolving complex legal issues.
• Investigates claims and complaints by or against the Consolidated Government and recommends action to be taken.
• Prepares for and tries state and federal cases for damages, declaratory and injunctive or other relief and other suits, administrative proceedings and hearings which includes taking depositions, preparing pleadings, motions, memoranda, written discovery, briefs and trial and appellate materials.
• Attends meetings of the City Council, boards, agencies and OGC clients when necessary.
• Assigns responsibility, takes corrective action, demonstrates leadership and evaluates, develops and motivates employees.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of Florida and Federal civil procedures and rules of evidence.
• Ability to interpret and apply legal principles and precedents in resolving complex legal issues.
• Ability to effectively communicate and express ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to conduct research on complex legal issues and prepare significant and high priority legal opinions.
• Ability to gain knowledge of municipal, county, state and federal case law, statutory and regulatory law as it relates to City government and other OGC clients.
• Ability to prepare and try civil law cases before county, state and federal courts, administrative bodies and arbitrators.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Additional Information

• Graduation from an accredited law school.
• Possession of a Florida license to practice law.
• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in litigation.
• Professional legal experience in government is preferred.
• Admissions and memberships in other organizations or to practice before courts may be required depending upon the respective practice group.