CITY ATTORNEY FOR THE CITY OF FORT WALTON BEACH

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: City Attorney; Part-Time Position

DEPARTMENT: Charter Officer

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

To provide legal services to the City of Fort Walton Beach including the Mayor, City Council, City Departments, and all City Agencies, Boards and Committees.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Attendance at all regular and special meetings of the City Council, Code Enforcement Board, Municipal Planning Board, Board of Adjustment, and Community Redevelopment Agency; and workshops as required.

Schedule for Regular City Meetings

• City Council meetings second and fourth Tuesday of each month.
• Comm. Redevelop. Agency second and fourth Tuesday of each month as needed.
• Code Enforcement Board second Tuesday of each month.
• Municipal Planning Board first Thursday of each month.
• Board of Adjustment third Thursday of each month.
• Historic Sites and Structures Board – as needed.

The City Attorney shall represent the Council and each of the Boards and Agencies, provide appropriate legal advice and/or written opinions, as necessary, and provide parliamentary guidance concerning the conduct of each of the meetings of the Council and Boards. The City Attorney shall attend City Council workshops, City Council meetings and other meetings as directed by the City Council when items under consideration warrant legal input.

Draft and/or review ordinances, charter amendments, resolutions, contracts, and correspondence; provide legal consultation on City insurance matters; and provide legal advice or written opinions to City Staff on matters related to their official duties.

The City Attorney shall be a lawyer admitted in and having authority to practice in all courts in the State of Florida.

As required to do so by the City Council or as requested by the City Manager, the City Attorney shall prosecute and defend for and in behalf of the City on all complaints, suits, or controversies in which the City is aSpecifically, the City Attorney is responsible for prosecuting and defending the City in civil action(s) when no counsel is provided by liability insurance or when the City’s exposure exceeds its insurance coverage. The City Attorney may also represent an employee or elected official who is individually named in a claim or a result of the execution of official duties with the City when no counsel is provided by liability insurance carrier. When the City’s insurance coverage is activated on a given matter, the City Attorney shall consult and cooperate as necessary with the legal counsel designated by the City’s insurance company.

As requested, the City Attorney will provide staff assistance and legal counseling relating to the acquisition or sale of real property in review or preparation of deeds, easements, and title searches.

The City Attorney will review as requested by City Staff or Board members or as directed by the City Council situations in which said laws or rules can reasonably be construed to impact the City’s interest.

The City Attorney is to maintain files and upon request provide the City copies of pertinent pleadings and orders in all litigation the City Attorney is handling. On a quarterly basis, the City Attorney will provide a brief written report to the City Council with copies to the City Manager and City Clerk on the status of litigation and other legal matters.

The City Attorney must possess the ability to maintain satisfactory work relationships with the City Council, City Manager, Department Heads, and the public and keep the City Council and City Staff informed of new laws or judicial opinions that could affect the City in any way.

The City Attorney will be required to be in attendance daily at the City Hall office for not less than twenty hours per week unless other arrangements are made.

Perform other such professional duties as may be required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Graduation from an accredited 4-year college/university and graduation from an accredited law school. Membership in good standing with the Florida Bar. Considerable experience in the practice of law in Florida and at least 3-years experience in the practice of local government municipal law (i.e., City, County). General requirements include: knowledge and experience as to a broad range of legal issues pertaining to municipal government law including, but not limited to: Florida’s Sunshine Law and Public Records Law; knowledge and experience with land use law; including comprehensive planning, zoning; knowledge and experience with the community development and community redevelopment agencies; knowledge and experience in the areas of general litigation, administrative hearings, and appeals; ability to provide legal opinions and advice to the City Council, City Manager, Department Heads; ability to communicate effectively with City officials, staff, and the public; highly developed legal writing skills; and ability to present ideas and programs both orally and in writing.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS:

• Acceptable eyesight (with or without corrections)
• Acceptable hearing (with or without aid)
• Ability to communicate both orally and in writing

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

• Work inside in an office environment.

For further details, including Salary and Proposed Budget, please see Job Announcements under the Human Resources Department.

(Reasonable accommodation will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability.)