Fort Lauderdale, FL –

The City of Fort Lauderdale, FL (pop. 184,255) is an award winning All-American City located between Miami and Palm Beach on the southeast coast of Florida.  Situated along the New River and the Atlantic Ocean, it is a hub for tourism, culture, entertainment, recreation and commerce.  The City is served by an international airport and home to the third busiest cruise port in the country.  A population of 184,000+ residents is joined by tourists and seasonal visitors to enjoy the beaches, parks, museums and theaters, libraries and year-round cultural events. 

Since 1925, Fort Lauderdale has been a commission-manager form of government.  The City Attorney is a Charter Officer appointed by the City Commission.  Direct reports include 31 FTE positions assigned among three divisions, responsible for legal support to a broad range of municipal operations, programs and services.  The City Attorney exercises extensive independent judgment in a dynamic environment.  

Essential functions include but are not limited to the following:

  • Serve as the chief legal advisor to the City Commission, City Manager, City employees and boards created by the City Commission
  • Negotiate and draft terms and conditions for contracts and agreements
  • Prepare and supervise cases for litigation at both the trial and appellate levels
  • Attend and preside at City Commission meetings and other meetings as assigned
  • Prepare and supervise the preparation of legal documents including ordinances, legal opinions, contracts and agreements, pleadings, proposed legislation
  • Prosecute City ordinance violations
  • Provide direction pertaining to standards of conduct for  public officers and employees pursuant to Florida Statutes.
  • Advise the City Commission, administration, staff and advisory boards regarding compliance with Florida Sunshine Law.
  • Supervise Deputy and Assistant City Attorneys in representing the City’s interests and manage the Office of the City Attorney to meet legal support needs.  Supervise outside counsel providing specialized services.  
  • Perform additional duties as the Commission deems necessary and not inconsistent with the Charter

Current priorities and challenges include an aggressive capital program to update City infrastructure; implementation of flood prevention initiatives to meet current and pending consent orders; establishment of a strategy to mitigate homelessness.  The City has numerous Public-Private-Partnerships and the City Attorney will be a key contributor in the development, review and execution of agreements.  

Knowledge, Skills, Experience

  • Administrative and management experience with a public or private legal practice
  • Experience and practice in courts of the State of Florida; able to handle administrative, trial and appellate law
  • Thorough knowledge of local government law, municipal charters, city and county codes, federal state and local laws and judicial decisions
  • Excellent verbal and written communications skill, and strong analytical skills.
  • Able to manage several assignments concurrently 
  • Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with officials, administrators, staff
  • Able to manage and develop a legal team 
  • Able to communicate complex legal matters and provide leadership in major City initiatives and special projects

Qualifications

Member of the Florida Bar in good standing.  Experience and practice in the courts of the State of Florida.

Compensation    

The anticipated salary high $200K as part of a 3-year contract which includes an extensive benefit package.

Apply with a cover letter, resume and contact information for five professional references by August 22,2025. Confidential inquiries may be directed to: Jim Dinneen, MGT approved Independent Executive Recruiter at (386) 846-2612.

The State of Florida has strong public record laws.  Candidates are advised that all aspects of this recruitment are open to public records requests throughout the process.

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Application Deadline: August 22, 2025

Click Here to Apply!

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