Public Records Staff Attorney New

Duties

• Monitor the City’s receipt, review, analysis, processing, and response to sizable, complex, sensitive, or otherwise other non-routine public records requests, including coordinating, as necessary, across City departments. Proactively engage in communication with requestors to resolve ambiguities, keep all relevant City personnel updated on the status of pending public records requests, ensure there is staff follow-up on such public records requests, and ensure the City’s responses to such requests are well-documented.
• Perform legal research and draft memoranda, as necessary, regarding Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, and other applicable law to provide guidance to City staff regarding responses to public records requests.
• Develop policies and procedures to improve the City's efficiency and effectiveness, and reduce processing times, in responding to public record requests. Create forms to be used for public records response process that help to ensure clarity, completeness, and compliance with applicable law.
• Develop and implement training programs for City staff regarding public records law in order to enhance compliance. Serve as a City-wide resource to help staff understand their public records obligations.
• Monitor amendments to public records laws and statutes in Florida.
• Handle additional assignments and projects as directed by the City Attorney.

Minimums

Knowledge of:

• Experience and knowledge of, or a demonstrated interest in, Florida’s public records laws.
• The methods of conducting legal research.

Skilled in:

• The ability to analyze caselaw, and to prepare, or to learn to prepare, legal memoranda, ordinances, resolutions, agreements, and other legal documents.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present complex ideas effectively.

Ability to:

• Provide litigation services and/or support.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.

How to apply

• J.D. degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Member of The Florida Bar in good standing.
• Valid State of Florida Class “E” Driver’s License

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated interest (through coursework, certifications, internships/clerkships, or otherwise) in the practice of local government law, administrative law, or related fields.
• Experience in a records management role, ideally in a government setting or law firm.

POST OFFER PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING REQUIREMENTS:Final offer and employment are contingent upon successful completion of the following post-offer, pre-employment screening items:

• Criminal Background Check
• Employment Verification
• Education Verification
• Certification/License Verification