The Florida Legislature
The Florida Senate

Job Title

Attorney (Office of Bill Drafting Services)

General Summary

Provides legal work in the examination and preparation of legislation, legislative programs, legal instruments, opinions, briefs, or other documents; conducts research to assist a higher level attorney or staff director; and provides counsel and advice to legislative committees.

Examples of Work Performed

• Assists with legal research in evaluating state statutes and preparation of legal opinions on questions submitted by authorized persons. 
• Prepares and drafts routine legal documents for authorized parties. 
• Drafts legislative bills, resolutions, memorials, and amendments in technically complete language, under supervision. 
• Provides legal counsel and advice to Legislators and legislative committees on legal matters including the development of legislation and legislative programs, and interprets state and federal legislation related to programs of any governmental unit. 
• Recommends needed changes to legislation based upon trends in case law, agency comment or citizen concern upon Legislator or legislative staff request. 
• Performs legal research concerning the interpretation of Florida Statutes and on other matters in question for Legislators and staff, and answers telephone inquiries and composes routine responses to constituents. 
• Assists in representing the Legislature in court and at legislative or administrative hearings under supervision of more experienced attorneys. 
• Reviews agency action pursuant to Chapter 120, the Administrative Procedures Act, to identify instances of the invalid exercise of delegated legislative authority; monitors Florida court cases and administrative decisions and advises agencies accordingly; prepares and presents proposed objections to full committee; reviews statutes passed each session and calls to the attention of the agencies all those which may require administrative rule promulgation, repeal or amendment.  
• Drafts Reviser’s Bills; edits and revises the text of the Florida Statutes manuscript; indexes new legislation for the Florida Statutes, the Digest of General Laws, and the Laws of Florida. 
• Maintains communications with agency heads, or their assigned deputies, assistants, and agency general counsels. 
• Performs other related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of legal terminology.
• Knowledge of Florida laws and legal procedure.
• 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 and concisely, both 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 the public, press, and lobbyists.
• 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.
• Ability to research legal documents and legal references.

Minimum Qualifications

Salary

Application Deadline

Open until filled

Submission of Application

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.