County Attorney

Salary

Negotiable

Location

Stuart, FL

Opening Date 05/30/2025     Closing Date 07/01/2025

SUMMARY:

The County Attorney provides and supervises legal services to the Board of County Commissioners, and such other County Departments, Boards, and agencies as specified by the Board of County Commissioners.  The County Attorney reports directly to the Board of County Commissioners and serves at their pleasure.

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:

(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.)

Provides legal services to the Board of County Commissioners, or as directed by the Board, to other County departments, advisory boards, committees, and agencies either personally, through staff attorneys, or by special outside counsel.

Provide all legal services for County lawsuits, such as preparation and prosecution of cases, negotiations, trial strategy and appeals involving the County.

Prepare, draft, and review various County ordinances, resolutions, bond provisions, contracts, agreements, deeds, and other legal documents.

Represent the County in highly complex litigation before the Courts and regulatory agencies. 

Advise the Board of County Commissioners and the County Administrator on all County legal problems, and where and when appropriate County staff, boards, and agencies.

Advise Board appointed or created Committees and advisory boards.

Draft legislation to promote the interests of the County as well as through legislative advocacy.

Review statutory requirements for operating and financing local County government.

Assist in developing and monitoring the County’s budget as well as ensuring compliance with State law.

Manages the daily operation of the legal department, including assigning and reviewing casework of all staff attorneys working for the County, budgetary oversight, and work performed by non-legal staff.

Responsible for various legal department personnel matters including policies and procedures, hiring, discipline, training and development, performance appraisals, and other related activities.

Perform other services as directed by the Board of County Commissioners.

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.)

Extensive and thorough knowledge of the laws, codes, rules and regulations as they pertain to County government operations in the State of Florida.

Considerable knowledge of County operations and administration with an emphasis on their legal significance and inter-related functions.

Thorough knowledge of ordinances and statutory provisions relating to the authority and functions of County departments, boards and agencies.

Thorough knowledge of judicial procedures and rules of evidence.

Thorough knowledge of established precedents and sources of legal reference applicable to County activities.

A strong understanding of Martin County’s unique political, social, and cultural landscape is essential, along with familiarity with the concerns and perspectives of its residents.

Ability to prepare and try complex civil law cases before Federal, State and County courts.

Ability to draft legal instruments, proposed legislation and legal opinions.

Ability to exercise sound judgment in developing legal strategies for the County.

Ability to establish and maintain a harmonious working relationship with the Legal Department and the Board of County Commissioners, the County Administrator, County departments and staff, boards, agencies, Martin County’s Constitutional Officers as well as other State and local governments, and the general public.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and to make presentations to various size groups on legal issues facing the County.

Ability to plan, assign and review the work of Assistant County Attorneys and support staff.

Ability to learn the County’s geographical, fiscal, physical and social characteristics. 

Ability to use computer applications and software in the performance of job duties.

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.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor Degree and admission to the Florida Bar plus ten (10) years professional experience as an attorney with advanced and extensive experience as a practicing attorney with a minimum five (5) years of directly related legal experience administering to public sector and governmental law to include expertise in local governmental law, litigation, ordinance drafting, resolution drafting, and advising boards and constitutional officers, and board certification in City, County and Local Government Law; combined with five (5) years supervising or managing other attorneys.

Direct experience representing a Florida County preferred.

Florida Bar Board Certification in City, County, Local Government Law is highly desirable.

Additional qualifying education and/or experience which provide the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities may be substituted one for the other on a year for year basis.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

Must possess a valid Florida Driver’s License

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

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.

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.

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 www.martin.fl.us/accessibility-feedback.

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.

Click here to apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/martinfl/jobs/4958536/county-attorney?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs