City Attorney

The City Council of Perry, Florida (estimated population 6,898) seeks a highly experienced attorney to serve as the City's legal adviser. An established record of correctly evaluating a broad range of complex and potentially controversial legal matters, providing sound legal advice, and maintaining positive working relationships, is critical to success in this position. The ideal candidate will also have the demonstrated ability to succeed in a fast-paced and results-oriented work environment. Outstanding legal leadership skills will be required in this position. The City Attorney is appointed by, reports to, and serves at the pleasure of the City Council, and maintains close working relationships with the City Manager, and Department Heads. As Chief Legal Advisor to the City government, the City Attorney must have a broad knowledge of State and Federal laws as well as regulations applicable to municipalities, the City's ordinances and Charter, and their implications for day-to-day business operations. Responsibilities include providing legal advice and oversight for regulating land use development, environmental matters, utility issues, employment law, contracts, tort defense, code enforcement, civil litigation, criminal prosecution, ordinance and regulation development/revision, general law and the hiring of any necessary outside counsel. Other requirements include a Juris Doctorate degree or equivalent from an American Bar Association accredited law school and the ability to practice law in the State of Florida upon assumption of this position. Trial experience will be considered a plus in the application. Strong knowledge of the legislative process and the development of municipal codes and ordinances are desirable. A high level of energy, enthusiasm, integrity, ethics, and commitment to public service is a must. The City Attorney is expected to attend all City Council meetings (normally 2 nd & 4 th Tuesday evenings of each month at 4 p.m.) and to represent the City at the monthly Code Enforcement hearings (usually 1 st Monday evening). City Council may, at their discretion, change the meeting time for flexibility. Position is not full-time, office space and attorney staff not included. Compensation is negotiable, based on an hourly ra