General Counsel (Unclassified)

OverviewGENERAL DESCRIPTION: Responsible for reviewing all legal issues presented by the Sheriff and the various divisions of the Sheriff's office. Advises the Sheriff regarding legal proceedings in federal, state courts and state agencies. Acts as the Sheriff's liaison with outside counsel. Also coordinates personnel issues (FMLA, Counseling, Termination and formal complaints) with the agency Human Resources department. Reports to the Sheriff; Collaborates with Executive Administration; Interacts with a variety of external customers including the general public; media; Judiciary; municipal, county, and state governmental entities; and civic organizations.ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONSESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Essential functions are fundamental job duties. They do not include marginal tasks, which are also performed but are incidental to the primary functions. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position, nor does every position allocated to the class necessarily perform every duty listed. Personal characteristics required of all employees, such as honesty, industry, sobriety and the ability to get along with others, are presumed qualities and may not be listed specifically.Act as in-house legal counsel for the Sheriff; assist with all legal matters affecting the agency, including legal research, drafting pleadings, and court appearances on behalf of the agency.Oversee the selection, retention, management, and evaluation of outside counsel when appropriate.Act as liaison to outside counsel on matters.Drafts or revises contracts, MOU's, and other agreements as needed.Review, and approve execution of contracts on behalf of the Sheriff.Assist in Collective Bargaining negotiations as neededParticipate in the definition and development of organization policies, procedures, and programs; provide continuing counsel and guidance on legal matters and on legal implications of all matters.Assist Sheriff in establishing strategic plans, goals, and objectives for Sheriff's operations as needed.Examine legislative changes and advise the Sheriff and appropriate departments of changes and how they affect operations.Perform periodic review and assist management in updating of policies, procedure manuals, position descriptions, and salary structure.Write and revise job classification specifications and job descriptions in concert with staff.Prepare responses to state agencies, reviews unemployment claims and FCHR changes.Responds to or coordinates with outside counsel for response to all summons and complaints served on the Sheriff's Office.Provide internal training on legal matters to employees.Respond to EOC when activated as required by the Sheriff.Attend BOCC meetings with the Sheriff or in the Sheriff's absence, as required.Attend seminars or other required training to enhance job knowledge. Includes traveling when necessary.Make decisions in accordance with applicable laws, rules, regulations, and policies.Write reports and correspondence using correct business English, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.Deal courteously with the public, in person, and over the phone.Abide by all internal policies and work proceduresAbide by all applicable laws and policies while a passenger or operating a county vehicle.Attendance is an essential job function.Perform other duties and special tasks as requested by the Sheriff or Executive Administration.Respond to public records requests from the public, employees and inmatesAssist in preparing public record requests as needed.Act as the agency liaison to the courts and attorneys as needed.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSA law degree from an accredited institution, a minimum of two (2) years' experience as a lawyer.Must be a member in good standing with the Florida Bar.Experience in public speaking and making presentations to large groups.Prior law enforcement experience can be substituted for legal experienceESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLSRequires reaching, stooping, bending, and lifting.Must be able to lift 30 lbs.Pushing and pulling of file drawers.Extended periods of typing, keyboarding, and using a mouse or similar datainputdevices.Sitting for an extended period of time.Continuous oral and written communication with internal and external customers.Must be able to hear ordinary conversation and the ringing of the telephone in order to deal with internal and external customers.Close vision and distance vision required for reading paperwork, computer screens, observing departmental activity, and traveling when necessary.Reasonable accommodationsReasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability.ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONSPerforms duties in a standard office environment maintaining a professional, courteous demeanor at all times. Frequently requires working under stressful conditions, e.g., handling of varied personalities of both external and internal customers, meeting deadlines, multi-tasking, handling problematic issues and emergency situations. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-09-27