The City Attorney is the City’s Chief Legal Officer responsible for providing legal advice and counsel to the City Commission, Appointed Officials, City departments and City-appointed boards and commissions. The City Attorney is responsible for prosecuting and defending all suits, actions, or controversies for and on behalf of the City. In addition, the City Attorney provides legal advice at Commission meetings, performs legal research, and offers advisory options, and responds to request from Commission and City staff. The office reviews all contracts, ordinances, and other legal documents. The City Attorney oversees an office of 26 attorneys and professionals with an annual operating budget of $3.4 million.

Located in the Big Bend region, Tallahassee has proudly been Florida’s Capital City since 1824 and is home to two major universities. Known for its inviting hospitality, deep-rooted history, ample access to outdoor recreation and vibrant cultural scene, it offers a fusion of cosmopolitan flair and southern personality. With a diverse and growing population, museums, festivals, eateries, and year-round events honor and celebrate the heritage of those who call this area home. Situated roughly 25 miles north of the Gulf of Mexico and 14 miles south of Georgia, Tallahasseeans can easily enjoy a daytrip to the coast or explore country backroads. With four major highways (I-10, US 27, US 319, and US 90) leading into town and an expanding airport, residents can easily connect to regional and worldwide destinations. Rolling hills, a lush tree canopy, and four distinct though enjoyable seasons set Tallahassee apart from your average Florida city.

The City of Tallahassee has a Commission-Manager form of government. The City Commission consists of the Mayor and four Commissioners, all of whom are elected at-large and serve staggered four-year terms. The City is a full-service city with 29 departments, including Aviation, Electric & Gas Utilities, and Transit. The City is focused on being the national leader in the delivery of public services and has a collaborative, solutions-oriented culture with a strong emphasis on customer service. The City has 2,980 full-time staff and an FY2024 proposed annual operating and capital budget of approximately $1.1 billion. The City has four Appointed Officials - City Manager, City Inspector General, City Attorney, and City Treasurer-Clerk - who directly report to the City Commission and serve at the pleasure of the City Commission. 

Possession of a Juris Doctorate degree, licensed to practice law in Florida, and eight (8) years of professional legal experience, with at least four (4) years of experience in the areas of public sector or local governmental law.  A comparable amount of education, training, or experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.

An incumbent in this position will be required to file a financial disclosure statement with the Supervisor of Elections in their county of residence, in compliance with Florida Statutes, Chapter 112, Part III. Such filing is required within 30 days of placement in a covered position, annually thereafter by no later than July 1 of each year in which they serve in the covered position, and within 60 days of leaving the covered position. Must possess a valid Class E State driver’s license.

Prohibition: The City Attorney shall not be permitted to practice law except on behalf of the City, or engage in any other gainful employment without the express consent of the City Commission.

About City of Tallahassee

The City of Tallahassee is on a mission to be the national leader in the delivery of public service. Its roughly 4,000 employees are the heartbeat of the community, providing world-class parks and recreation, best-in-the-nation utility service, public safety, animal care, economic development and much more. With more than 25 departments and 320 work sites, there are a range of diverse occupational opportunities.

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