The Palm Beach County Value Adjustment Board (VAB) is seeking a private attorney to serve as VAB Counsel. VAB Counsel’s primary role is to advise the VAB on all aspects of the VAB review process to ensure all actions taken by the VAB and its appointees meet the requirements of law. Counsel must advise the board in a manner that will promote and maintain a high level of public trust and confidence in the administrative review process. VAB Counsel is not an advocate for either party in a VAB proceeding.
To apply, please submit your resume and desired hourly compensation to HR@mypalmbeachclerk.comno later than May 31st. Salary is depended on qualifications.
Juris Doctor degree
Current membership in The Florida Bar
Five (5) years of professional experience practicing law
Must be an attorney in private practice
Real estate and local government experience preferred
SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:
VAB counsel is prohibited from representing the property appraiser, the tax collector, any taxing authority, or any property owner in any administrative or judicial review of property taxes.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of F.A.C., Rule Chapter 12D-9 and F.S. 194
Knowledge of the statutory provisions that govern Value Adjustment Board (VAB) procedures
Extensive knowledge in the role of evidence in quasi-judicial hearings
Ability to provide expert legal advice to the VAB and other officials of the department
Ability to interpret and clarify applicable law (statutes, case law and rules)
Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, orally and in writing
ROLE OF POSITION:
The successful candidate will perform the following functions:
Ensures VAB proceedings are fair and consistent with Florida law
Advises VAB of the actions necessary for compliance with Florida law
Advises VAB regarding matters including: composition and quorum requirements; statutory training and qualification requirements for special magistrates and members of the VAB; legal requirement for recommended decisions and final decisions; public meeting and open government laws; any other duties, responsibilities, actions, or requirements of the VAB or its members under applicable law
Answers legal questions from VAB Clerk staff and special magistrates
Advises the VAB and VAB Clerk staff and special magistrates in all legal matters affecting the VAB
Reviews and responds to written complaints alleging noncompliance with the law by the VAB, special magistrates, VAB clerk, and the parties
Conducts annual VAB orientation for all special magistrates
Reviews taxpayer letters requesting a review of special magistrates’ recommendations and makes recommendations to the VAB after file review
Keeps VAB members and VAB Clerk staff updated on laws, statutes, rules, case law, and Department of Revenue bulletins, directives and guidance affecting the VAB
Attends all VAB meetings
Is available to attend all VAB hearings, typically conducted October through March
Reviews requests for late-filed petitions and determines if “good cause” exists to accept or deny the late-filed petition
Reviews requests to reschedule petitions
Addresses lawsuits filed against the VAB
Audits special magistrate worksheets for compliance
Performs other functions deemed necessary by the VAB
