Attorney III

Job Description

The position reports directly to the General Counsel or a supervising Attorney IV. This position provides legal support to JEA regarding operations and transactional matters. Work assignments include negotiating and drafting complex contracts (procurement contracts, construction contracts, grant agreements contracts, permits, licenses, etc.), real estate and finance documents, interlocal agreements, legal opinions, resolutions, ordinances and other legal documents. Preference is given to attorneys with previous public utilities experience. Knowledge in open government laws, public records, and ethics is preferred but not required. Work is performed under the direction of the General Counsel or a supervising Assistant General Counsel IV as designated by the General Counsel and is reviewed through conferences, inspection of documents and evaluation of results obtained.

Examples of Work

* Performs sophisticated legal research and prepares high priority opinions on complex legal issues. Interprets and applies legal principles and precedents in resolving complex legal issues.
* Negotiates, prepares, drafts, revises and approves contracts, deeds, leases, resolutions, ordinances and other legal documents.
* Reviews documents and renders opinions as to their legal validity and/or acceptability.
* Investigates claims and complaints by or against JEA and recommends action to be taken.
* Prepares for and tries state and federal cases for damages, declaratory and injunctive or other relief and other suits, administrative proceedings and hearings which include taking depositions, preparing pleadings, motions, memoranda, written discovery, briefs and trial and appellate materials.
* Prepares proposed legislation and makes recommendations to repeal, amend or revise existing laws. Advises on legal matters.
* Serves as counsel to JEA in cases, hearings and at various internal board hearings and appeals.
* Attends meetings of the JEA Board of Directors and committees.
* Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

* Knowledge of judicial procedures and rules of evidence, City Ordinances and Charter provisions relating to the authority and functions of Consolidated Government, established precedents and sources of legal reference applicable to county and municipal activities.
* Ability to interpret and apply legal principles and precedents in resolving complex legal issues.
* Ability to effectively communicate and express ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
* Ability to conduct research on complex legal issues and prepare sound legal opinions.
* Ability to gain knowledge of municipal, county, state and federal case law, statutory and regulatory law as it relates to City government and other OGC clients.
* Ability to prepare and try civil law cases before county, state and federal courts, administrative bodies and arbitrators.
* Ability to analyze and prepare civil law cases, ordinances, contracts and other legal documents.
* Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Open Requirements/Supplemental Information

* Graduation from an accredited law school.
* Possession of a Florida license to practice law.
* Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in the practice of law.
* Professional legal experience in government is strongly preferred.
* Admissions and memberships in other organizations or to practice before courts may be required.

Writing samples will be requested for those candidates selected to interview.

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