Normal Work Schedule: Monday – Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm. Additional hours, including weekends and holidays may be required.
Position Summary:
Under the general supervision of the elected City Council, the City Attorney will provide legal and administrative work of a highly responsible nature in directing the legal activities of the city and provide legal counsel to city officials and management staff. The City Attorney is a contract employee.
Essential FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation will be offered to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
The essential duties and responsibilities of the City Attorney include, without limitation, those duties and responsibilities described in the Punta Gorda Charter and the following:
- Preparation for, and attendance at, all regular meetings of the city council and such other meetings of the city council.
- Provide guidance and legal advice on sunshine law, Robert’s rules of order, or other meeting procedures and board rules.
- Consultation with city staff of various departments and divisions of the city on matters affecting their operations.
- Advise, research and assist the city in a wide variety of legal areas including but not limited to: budgets, bonds, public disclosure issues, land use law, property rights, public utilities, building codes, real estate law, contract law, environment law, purchasing and procurement, etc.
- Preparation, interpretation, and implementation of all ordinances, regulations, deeds, and resolutions of the city.
- Advice concerning land development regulations, comprehensive plans, etc. Prepare documents necessary for land purchases and/or sales including development of proper legal descriptions for such real estate transactions.
- Review of all contracts, agreements, leases, grants, impact fees, property taxes, special assessments, or franchises involving the city.
- Review of code amendments and easements.
- Court appearances as necessary.
- Advise the city on all matters regarding elections including annual elections, applicable initiatives, and referendums.
- Perform such related duties and responsibilities directed by the Council from time to time.
Minimum Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to carry out each essential duty or responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities; education and/or experience; and certificates or licenses required in order to fill the position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Residency in the Charlotte County limits is a requirement for this position.
KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES:
- Knowledge of Florida’s Government in the Sunshine (Chapter 286) and open records statutes (Chapter 119), and how they impact governmental meetings and communications.
- Knowledge of city ordinances and charter provisions, and state, federal and constitutional law.
- Knowledge of judicial procedures, rules of evidence and methods of legal research.
- Knowledge of established precedents and sources of legal reference applicable to municipal activities.
- Knowledge of organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis, evaluation, development, and implementation of programs, policies, and procedures.
- Skill in conducting research on complex legal matters and preparing sound legal opinions.
- Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public officials, management staff, subordinates and the public.
- Ability to supervise the work of subordinates, delegate and review work assignments.
- Ability to research, analyze and prepare a wide variety of complex legal documents.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:
Supervisory Responsibilities:
- Graduation from law school (Juris Doctorate degree), membership of good standing in the Florida Bar, and licensed to practice law in the state of Florida.
- Board certification by the Florida Bar in the field of City, County, and Local Government Law is preferred.
- 7 years of experience practicing law preferably in a government agency preferred but not required
