Senior Assistant County Attorney
Apply NowCompany: Martin County, FL
Location: Stuart, FL 34997
Description:
Salary : $111,349.31 - $183,726.36 Annually
Location : Stuart, FL 34996
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 02066
Department: Legal
Division: County Attorney
Opening Date: 03/20/2025
Closing Date: 3/23/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
SUMMARY
Performs highly responsible legal work of a variety, difficulty, and complexity requiring prior professional experience for the delivery of legal services in one or more primary and secondary practice areas (including insurance defense, collections, land use, tax and finance, labor relations, employment law, workers compensation, environmental and general government law), to the Board of County Commissioners, Departments and other Boards and Commissioners. Work is performed with significant independent exercise of professional discretion and judgment, and is reviewed and evaluated by the appointed County Attorney.
An employee in this class prepares, reviews, and analyzes legal documents, briefs, legal opinions, and drafts of proposed legislation. Responsibilities include the representation of various Departments and elected officials in litigation and/or administrative proceedings, as well as responding to a variety of legal questions, complicated by the absence of legal precedents clearly and directly applicable or by different possible constructions that might be placed on either the facts or the law. Disposition involves specialization in certain legal fields, and assignments include matters of substantial importance.
In the event of a natural or man-made disaster that may threaten the area, the employee will be required to perform emergency duties as directed.
This position requires public interaction or regular appearances before the Board of County Commissioners and therefore does not permit a claim for protection of your place of work if you will be claiming an exemption from Public Records under Chapter 119, Florida Statutes.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES / KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
(Note: The listed duties are illustrative only and are not intended to describe each and every function, which may be performed in the job class. The omission of specific statements does not preclude management from assigning specific duties not listed herein if such duties are a logical assignment to the position.)
Conducts legal research regarding complex problems or projects; prepares reports, memoranda and draft opinions containing proposed or recommended courses of action or solutions.
Conducts independent investigation of facts, including interviews, based upon alleged or potential legal problems which are not normally of a routine nature; prepares reports or opinions defining the legal and factual issues and presenting conclusions and recommendations.
Represents Departments, Officials, boards and Commissions in matters which require the professional services of an experienced attorney.
Prepares resolutions, ordinances, and other proposed legislation of a unique or complex nature.
Prepares leases and contracts of a unique or complex nature.
Often acts as lead counsel in litigation.
Prepares initial pleadings, discovery documents, motions, briefs, and other legal documents in matters involving litigation of a complex and difficult nature and of substantial importance; obtains and evaluates expert testimony; participates in settlement negotiations.
Prepares legal opinions in response to legal questions characterized by the absence of clear and directly applicable legal precedents, different possible interpretations that can be placed in the facts, the laws or precedents involved, and the substantial importance of the matters at issue, requiring original and creative legal endeavors.
Serves as Attorney representing the County in such diverse areas as utilities, finance, personnel, labor/employment law, public services, land use, zoning and administration.
When directed to do so by the County Attorney, provides guidance and assistance to the Assistant County Attorneys.
Exercises indirect supervision over legal assistants and support staff.
Performs related work as required.
Senior Assistant County Attorney assigned to Employment Law perform the following additional job duties:
Prepares and advises the Human Resources Division of legal implications of labor relations and human resources management activities including but not limited to public records compliance, negotiations, mediation, arbitration, grievances, veteran's preference hearings, worker's compensation, personnel policy compliance and drug-free workplace policies.
Advises the Human Resources Division and County staff as needed on other employment related regulations such as, but not limited to, OSHA compliance, contracts for services, restitution/subrogation, benefits administration, employee recruitment, etc.
Negotiates terms and conditions of contracts and agreements, including assisting the Chief Negotiator for collective bargaining between the County and various labor organizations.
Assists County personnel in responding to public records requests to ensure the proper assertion of any lawful exemptions and compliance with the law.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
(Note: The knowledge, skills, and abilities identified in this class specification represent those needed to perform the duties of this class. Additional knowledge, skills and abilities may be applicable for individual positions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)
Knowledge of the principles, methods, materials and practices of legal research.
Knowledge of the laws of Florida, the common law, local legislation pertaining to the County, administrative law and regulations, and local governmental law.
Thorough knowledge of laws relating to the purchase of goods and services, contracting, labor, employment, and land use.
Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with County officials, employees, court officials, and the general public.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to learn the organization, functions and authority of the various County departments and constitutional officers.
Ability to review and supervise work of subordinate employees and to coordinate with and instruct other departments concerning legal opinions and policy.
Ability to represent the interests of the County in court.
Ability to analyze cases in court.
Ability to read and comprehend legal documents, statutes, ordinances; technical and professional journals and manuals, abstracts, and financial reports.
Ability to write legal documents, business letters, summaries, opinions, etc. using prescribed formats.
Ability to speak clearly and concisely relating information, details and procedures to layman; persuasive/extemporaneous speaking.
Ability to speak in public to the County Commissioners during Board meetings.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Graduation from a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association with possession of a Juris Doctor Degree (J.D.) and eight (8) years of professional experience as an attorney. Outstanding academic credentials and employment experience.
Training, education or experience in the public sector, particularly at the local government level, is desirable.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:
Must possess a valid Florida Driver's License
Must be a member in good standing of the Florida Bar Association.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENT / ADA COMPLIANCE STATEMENT / EEO STATEMENT
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Acceptable eyesight (with or without correction)
Acceptable hearing (with or without correction)
Ability to sit for long periods of time
Requires manual dexterity sufficient to operate a keyboard, calculator, telephone, copier, and other related office equipment as necessary.
Occasional lifting/light physical work.
Occasional standing, depth perception use.
Very frequently speaking, hearing, working speed, hand/wrist movement.
Constant seeing, repetitive hand motion.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work is performed primarily indoors.
Involves frequent interaction with people.
May require attendance at night meetings and/or outdoor meetings.
Frequently cold.
Constantly working with adequate lighting and ventilation.
ADA/COMPLIANCE STATEMENT
This document may be reproduced upon request in an alternative format by contacting the County ADA Coordinator (772) 320-3131, the County Administration Office (772) 288-5400, Florida Relay 711, or by completing our accessibility feedback form at
EEO STATEMENT
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Florida Blue - Blue Options Medial Plan & PPO Dental:
-Employee only $80.69 (26 pay periods)
-Employee Family $201.96 (26 pay periods)
The Employee Wellness Center may be utilized by all covered employees and their covered dependents at no cost.
Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) Annual Funding:
-Employee only $470 (employer funded)
-Employee Family $940 (employer funded)
Additional Insurance Plans:
Vision
Long Term Disability
Life Insurance
Aflac
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Additional Benefits:
12 - Paid Holiday's annually
Paid Time Off (PTO)
Tuition Reimbursement
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Florida Retirement System (FRS)
Location : Stuart, FL 34996
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 02066
Department: Legal
Division: County Attorney
Opening Date: 03/20/2025
Closing Date: 3/23/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
SUMMARY
Performs highly responsible legal work of a variety, difficulty, and complexity requiring prior professional experience for the delivery of legal services in one or more primary and secondary practice areas (including insurance defense, collections, land use, tax and finance, labor relations, employment law, workers compensation, environmental and general government law), to the Board of County Commissioners, Departments and other Boards and Commissioners. Work is performed with significant independent exercise of professional discretion and judgment, and is reviewed and evaluated by the appointed County Attorney.
An employee in this class prepares, reviews, and analyzes legal documents, briefs, legal opinions, and drafts of proposed legislation. Responsibilities include the representation of various Departments and elected officials in litigation and/or administrative proceedings, as well as responding to a variety of legal questions, complicated by the absence of legal precedents clearly and directly applicable or by different possible constructions that might be placed on either the facts or the law. Disposition involves specialization in certain legal fields, and assignments include matters of substantial importance.
In the event of a natural or man-made disaster that may threaten the area, the employee will be required to perform emergency duties as directed.
This position requires public interaction or regular appearances before the Board of County Commissioners and therefore does not permit a claim for protection of your place of work if you will be claiming an exemption from Public Records under Chapter 119, Florida Statutes.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES / KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
(Note: The listed duties are illustrative only and are not intended to describe each and every function, which may be performed in the job class. The omission of specific statements does not preclude management from assigning specific duties not listed herein if such duties are a logical assignment to the position.)
Conducts legal research regarding complex problems or projects; prepares reports, memoranda and draft opinions containing proposed or recommended courses of action or solutions.
Conducts independent investigation of facts, including interviews, based upon alleged or potential legal problems which are not normally of a routine nature; prepares reports or opinions defining the legal and factual issues and presenting conclusions and recommendations.
Represents Departments, Officials, boards and Commissions in matters which require the professional services of an experienced attorney.
Prepares resolutions, ordinances, and other proposed legislation of a unique or complex nature.
Prepares leases and contracts of a unique or complex nature.
Often acts as lead counsel in litigation.
Prepares initial pleadings, discovery documents, motions, briefs, and other legal documents in matters involving litigation of a complex and difficult nature and of substantial importance; obtains and evaluates expert testimony; participates in settlement negotiations.
Prepares legal opinions in response to legal questions characterized by the absence of clear and directly applicable legal precedents, different possible interpretations that can be placed in the facts, the laws or precedents involved, and the substantial importance of the matters at issue, requiring original and creative legal endeavors.
Serves as Attorney representing the County in such diverse areas as utilities, finance, personnel, labor/employment law, public services, land use, zoning and administration.
When directed to do so by the County Attorney, provides guidance and assistance to the Assistant County Attorneys.
Exercises indirect supervision over legal assistants and support staff.
Performs related work as required.
Senior Assistant County Attorney assigned to Employment Law perform the following additional job duties:
Prepares and advises the Human Resources Division of legal implications of labor relations and human resources management activities including but not limited to public records compliance, negotiations, mediation, arbitration, grievances, veteran's preference hearings, worker's compensation, personnel policy compliance and drug-free workplace policies.
Advises the Human Resources Division and County staff as needed on other employment related regulations such as, but not limited to, OSHA compliance, contracts for services, restitution/subrogation, benefits administration, employee recruitment, etc.
Negotiates terms and conditions of contracts and agreements, including assisting the Chief Negotiator for collective bargaining between the County and various labor organizations.
Assists County personnel in responding to public records requests to ensure the proper assertion of any lawful exemptions and compliance with the law.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
(Note: The knowledge, skills, and abilities identified in this class specification represent those needed to perform the duties of this class. Additional knowledge, skills and abilities may be applicable for individual positions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)
Knowledge of the principles, methods, materials and practices of legal research.
Knowledge of the laws of Florida, the common law, local legislation pertaining to the County, administrative law and regulations, and local governmental law.
Thorough knowledge of laws relating to the purchase of goods and services, contracting, labor, employment, and land use.
Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with County officials, employees, court officials, and the general public.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to learn the organization, functions and authority of the various County departments and constitutional officers.
Ability to review and supervise work of subordinate employees and to coordinate with and instruct other departments concerning legal opinions and policy.
Ability to represent the interests of the County in court.
Ability to analyze cases in court.
Ability to read and comprehend legal documents, statutes, ordinances; technical and professional journals and manuals, abstracts, and financial reports.
Ability to write legal documents, business letters, summaries, opinions, etc. using prescribed formats.
Ability to speak clearly and concisely relating information, details and procedures to layman; persuasive/extemporaneous speaking.
Ability to speak in public to the County Commissioners during Board meetings.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Graduation from a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association with possession of a Juris Doctor Degree (J.D.) and eight (8) years of professional experience as an attorney. Outstanding academic credentials and employment experience.
Training, education or experience in the public sector, particularly at the local government level, is desirable.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:
Must possess a valid Florida Driver's License
Must be a member in good standing of the Florida Bar Association.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENT / ADA COMPLIANCE STATEMENT / EEO STATEMENT
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Acceptable eyesight (with or without correction)
Acceptable hearing (with or without correction)
Ability to sit for long periods of time
Requires manual dexterity sufficient to operate a keyboard, calculator, telephone, copier, and other related office equipment as necessary.
Occasional lifting/light physical work.
Occasional standing, depth perception use.
Very frequently speaking, hearing, working speed, hand/wrist movement.
Constant seeing, repetitive hand motion.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work is performed primarily indoors.
Involves frequent interaction with people.
May require attendance at night meetings and/or outdoor meetings.
Frequently cold.
Constantly working with adequate lighting and ventilation.
ADA/COMPLIANCE STATEMENT
This document may be reproduced upon request in an alternative format by contacting the County ADA Coordinator (772) 320-3131, the County Administration Office (772) 288-5400, Florida Relay 711, or by completing our accessibility feedback form at
EEO STATEMENT
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Florida Blue - Blue Options Medial Plan & PPO Dental:
-Employee only $80.69 (26 pay periods)
-Employee Family $201.96 (26 pay periods)
The Employee Wellness Center may be utilized by all covered employees and their covered dependents at no cost.
Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) Annual Funding:
-Employee only $470 (employer funded)
-Employee Family $940 (employer funded)
Additional Insurance Plans:
Vision
Long Term Disability
Life Insurance
Aflac
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Additional Benefits:
12 - Paid Holiday's annually
Paid Time Off (PTO)
Tuition Reimbursement
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Florida Retirement System (FRS)