Associate Attorney – Local Government and Public Finance (0-2 Years)

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Stone & Gerken P.A.
Mount Dora, FL, United States
100000 - 120000 USD / Year
  • Finance
  • FullTime

About the Firm

Stone & Gerken is a Central Florida transactional and litigation law firm specializing in local government, public finance, real estate transactions, public facility construction and operations, and land development matters. With a strong reputation for responsive, high-quality legal services, we represent a client base including municipalities, utilities, special districts, airports, schools, medical service providers, and other public and quasi-public entities, along with businesses dealing in those sectors. Our practice combines the intellectual challenge of complex municipal and regulatory work with the collegial environment of a small firm committed to sustainable growth.

The Opportunity — Associate Attorney — Local Government and Public Finance

We are seeking a sharp, motivated associate attorney with 0-2 years of experience to join us in the Local Government and Public Finance practice group. This is a primarily transactional role. You are also expected to develop expertise in ethics for public officials, public employees, and lawyers. This position offers unusual breadth for an early-career attorney—you’ll work directly with partners on matters spanning public finance transactions, local government representation, land use entitlements, and development approvals. You’ll gain hands-on experience with clients who operate at the intersection of law, policy, and public service, developing expertise in a valuable niche.

This role is ideal for someone who values the substance of their work, prefers collaborative problem-solving, and wants to build a practice with meaningful client relationships.

What You’ll Do

  • Draft and negotiate agreements, resolutions, ordinances, and development orders

  • Conduct legal research and prepare memoranda on novel public law and land use issues

  • Assist with public finance transactions including bond issuances and compliance matters

  • Attend public meetings, hearings, and client meetings

  • Correspond directly with clients, opposing counsel, and government officials

  • Support land use entitlement processes including rezonings, site plans, and comprehensive plan amendments

  • Review and analyze local government codes, interlocal agreements, and procurement documents

What We’re Looking For

  • Academic Success. We need someone smart. This might show up as strong academic credentials from a competitive undergraduate institution, excellent law school performance, sophisticated research and writing experience, or a track record of thriving in demanding roles.

  • Exceptional work ethic. You should be someone with an innate drive to get the job done well and on time, as a matter of pride.

  • Excellent writing and analytical skills. Much of our work product goes directly to sophisticated clients or becomes part of the public record. You must write clearly, precisely, and persuasively.

  • Adaptability and learning agility. You don’t need prior experience in public finance or land use—in fact, most attorneys don’t have meaningful exposure to these areas in law school. We’re looking for someone who can quickly master new subject matter and apply legal principles across unfamiliar contexts.

  • Professional maturity and judgment. You’ll have client contact from day one. We need someone who communicates effectively, manages deadlines without hand-holding, and recognizes when to ask questions.

Compensation

We offer a performance-based compensation structure designed to reward productivity and quality work without requiring unsustainable hours:

An offer is likely to include a base salary of $100,000 – $120,000 (based on experience level) along with a detailed performance bonus structure allowing for significantly enhanced total compensation. An associate can expect total compensation competitive with large-firm pay on an hourly earnings basis, but with significantly better work-life balance and earlier responsibility.

We also provide health insurance, 401(k) plan with employer match, bar dues and CLE.

What We Offer Beyond Compensation

  • Direct mentorship and training from experienced practitioners

  • Early responsibility and client exposure

  • Collegial, team-oriented culture in a small firm setting

  • Opportunity to build expertise in niche practice areas with strong long-term prospects

  • Sustainable hours that allow for personal and professional growth

  • Work that matters to real communities and institutions

Qualifications

  • J.D. from an accredited law school

  • Active member of The Florida Bar or eligible for admission

  • 0-2 years of legal experience (recent graduates welcome)

  • Strong academic record or other clear indicators of intellectual capability — successful candidates are likely to be in the to 25% of their law school class or have written for their school’s Law Review. We will consider, with open minds, alternative demonstrations of competence such as prior career success in a related field.

  • Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills

  • Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative environment

To Apply

Please submit your resume, law school transcript, a writing sample, and a cover letter to hiring@stoneandgerken.com explaining why this opportunity appeals to you. In your cover letter, please address what demonstrates your intellectual aptitude and work ethic—we want to understand what makes you excellent.

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