The Florida Legislature
Office of Legislative Services
Job Title
General Counsel
General Summary
This is the principal legal position within the Office of Legislative Services (OLS), an administrative support organization to the Senate, House of Representatives, and certain legislative units. Work involves complex legal activities, including ensuring that OLS complies with all applicable laws in the formulation and implementation of policy; and representing legislative units in cases before the courts.
Examples of Work Performed
-
Reviews purchases for all legislative entities, including contracts and advises OLS Purchasing Office.
-
Provides guidance on HR-related issues and training, as needed.
-
Serves as attorney for the Public Service Commission Nominating Council.
-
Administers informal opinions for legislative lobbyists and advises Lobbyist Registration Office.
-
Represents OLS as lead counsel in all legal proceedings in all judicial and administrative forums.
-
Plans, organizes, and directs the implementation of such legal activities.
-
Conducts technical, varied, and complex legal research work in connection with the respective unit functions.
-
Serves as liaison on legal issues between the Senate, House, OLS and other legislative units as appropriate.
-
Drafts and assists staff in preparation of proposed legislation or special projects; keeps abreast of pending legislation in which the unit is interested or which might affect the unit in any manner; prepares legislative bill analyses.
-
Coordinates with Senate and/or House on issues relating to their respective issues.
-
May serve as a project leader on matters not solely legal in nature.
-
Maintains communications with agency heads, or their assigned deputies, assistants, and agency general counsel.
-
Performs other related duties as required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
-
Knowledge of legal terminology.
-
Knowledge of Florida laws and legal procedures.
-
Knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision and/or administration.
-
Skill in reading comprehension, analysis, research, and organization.
-
Ability to provide legal counsel.
-
Ability to interpret state and federal legislation, laws, and rules.
-
Ability to employ legal reasoning and to foresee possible legal problems.
-
Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
-
Ability to take action in situations which lack clear direction.
-
Ability to take initiative on independent research projects.
-
Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with staff and the public.
-
Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments.
-
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
-
Ability to use independent judgment when releasing information to the public.
-
Ability to collect and analyze data.
-
Ability to conduct meetings and to make presentations.
-
Ability to perform legal writing and prepare various legal documents and reports.
-
Ability to research legal documents and legal references.
-
Ability to prepare and present trial briefs, pleadings, and oral arguments.
-
Ability to supervise people.
-
Ability to understand and apply rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
-
Ability to utilize problem-solving techniques.
-
Ability to formulate policies and procedures.
Minimum Qualifications
Attorney in good standing with The Florida Bar and four years of professional experience in the practice of law to include the trial of cases in state or federal courts, or in formal administrative proceedings.
Preference will be given to those candidates with contracting, procurement and employment knowledge and experience.
Salary
Commensurate with experience (minimum salary is $70,128)
Application Deadline
Open until filled
Submission of Application
Qualified applicants should send a completed legislative application and detailed resume to:
Office of Legislative Services
Human Resources Office
111 W. Madison Street, Room 701
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1400
Applications are available through the Florida Legislature's web site Online Sunshine and in Room 701 of the Claude Pepper Building.
Accommodation for Disability
If an accommodation is needed for a disability, please notify Human Resources at (850) 488-6803.
