Government Law & Policy Attorney

Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP; Dade City (FL); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Shumaker Loop & Kedrick is seeking an associate with 2+ years in government law to support its Government Law & Policy practice in Pasco, Pinellas, and Hillsborough counties. The role emphasizes advising at meetings, drafting legal documents, and ensuring compliance with law and policy while serving public entities and communities.

Preference for candidates residing near Pasco, Pinellas, or Hillsborough and a willingness to travel for governmental meetings.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of legal experience in government/public policy or related fields.
• Strong research and writing skills, with ability to advise diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Attend and advise at public meetings, including evenings when needed.
• Draft/review contracts, policies, ordinances, resolutions, and interlocal agreements.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal law and administrative rules.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Public meetings

Job description

Shumaker Loop & Kedrick is seeking an associate in west central Florida with 2+ years of experience to support its growing Government Law & Policy practice in Pasco, Pinellas, and Hillsborough counties.

We are especially interested in candidates who are enthusiastic about local government and administrative law and eager to continue growing in this practice, and who have a genuine interest in serving public entities and supporting local communities.

We are seeking candidates who bring a proactive mindset, initiative, a commitment to excellence, and a strong desire to build a long-term career with our team. This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney who wants to learn this area of law or who enjoys advisory work, public service impact, and building long-term relationships with local governments within a collaborative firm environment.

Where You’ll Work

Dade City is the preferred location for this position and candidates must reside in the vicinity of Pasco, Pinellas, or Hillsborough County. The firm offers a flexible, hybrid work environment while prioritizing collaboration and integration with the team.

Occasional travel to attend governmental meetings and to meet with officials is required.

What You’ll Do

• Advise and attend public meetings both during business hours and in the evening when necessary.
• Draft, review, and provide legal input on legal contracts, policies, ordinances, resolutions, and interlocal agreements
• Provide guidance and ensure compliance with local, state, and federal law, and administrative rules, including public record and sunshine law, procurement and public contracts, ethics laws, state preemption, and local government legislative processes.
• Develop and implement strategies to mitigate legal exposure for the municipality and/or school board, in partnership with local staff
• Represent both public and private clients in the areas of land use and zoning, public
• contract and procurement disputes, code enforcement and local ordinance
• Represent city and local governments in legal proceedings, including hearings, administrative reviews, arbitrations, mediations, and other proceedings

Who We’re Looking For

• 2+ years of legal experience, preferably in litigation, municipal law, government, or public policy, but candidates with experience in employment/labor law, public finance, or real estate will be considered
• Strong legal research, legal writing, and advisory skills
• Knowledge of and state court rules, including sunshine and public records laws, Administrative Code, Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH) proceedings
• Ability to attend in-person or virtual city government meetings as needed
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to successfully collaborate with others and explain complex legal concepts to non-legal audiences
• Strong time management skills and ability to organize and manage multiple priorities
• Ability to think critically and creatively, and maintain high standards of professionalism and client service
• Ability to maintain discretion with sensitive and confidential matters

Who We Are

We’re not just another law firm - we’re something different. The attorneys at Shumaker are known for creating strong, collaborative working relationships with each other and with their clients. Shumaker attorneys experience true camaraderie, backed by a unique paralegal and staff infrastructure, that allows their practice to thrive. As one of the 200 largest law firms in the United States, we look for skilled professionals who want to build a lifelong career with us.

Physical Requirements

• Sitting frequently, approximately six out of eight hours per day. Sitting position static for up to one-half hour at a time.
• Standing or walking frequently, up to six hours per day.
• Lifting and carrying up to 20 pounds occasionally, up to one hour per day.
• Bending and stooping occasionally, up to one-half hour per day.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities to ensure equal access to employment opportunities. If you require accommodations during the application or interview process, please let us know.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.