Broward County, with more than 1.7 million residents, is the second largest county in the State of Florida. Broward County is governed by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners.
The County Attorney is appointed by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners and is directly responsible to the Board.
The Broward County Charter provides that the County Attorney shall be the chief legal counsel to the County and direct and supervise the Office of the County Attorney. The County Attorney shall represent the County, the County Commission, the County Administrator, the department heads, all departments and divisions of the County, all Boards, Committees, Agencies, and Authorities in all legal matters affecting the County.
The mission of the Office of the County Attorney is to protect the legal interests of Broward County in all legal matters; give quality legal advice and opinions when requested by the Board of County Commissioners, County Administration, and County Agencies; and ensure that all civil litigation brought by or against Broward County is processed in a professional and effective manner.
The Office of the County Attorney provides a wide range of legal services in the following practice areas:
Headed by Chief Appellate Counsel Andrew J. Meyers:
This division handles all state and federal appellate court proceedings in which Broward County is a party, and trial court proceedings raising significant constitutional challenges to County actions. Issues involving employment law, human rights, whistleblower complaints, elections, public ethics, gifts to public officials, and financial disclosure are also handled by this division.
Headed by Deputy County Attorney Angela J. Wallace:
This division provides legal services to County departments on a wide range of issues related to public works, community services, and operational management. Legal assistance is also provided in connection with road and building construction, parks and recreation, procurement, budget, consumer protection, open government, alcohol and substance abuse, HIV/AIDS programs, the medical examiner, library operations, child care licensing, disaster planning, and emergency management services. The division is responsible for coordinating with legal staff from the County's other constitutional offices and providing legal services to the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. This division also reviews proposed state and federal legislation and drafts special bills, ordinances, and resolutions.
Headed by Deputy County Attorney Noel M. Pfeffer:
This division provides legal advice regarding the issuance of bonds and other financing arrangements, real property acquisition and management, and also provides general legal services to various County departments and offices. Division attorneys provide on-site legal services at Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport and Port Everglades Department in connection with general transactional matters, and specific matters involving aviation and maritime law issues.
Headed by Deputy County Attorney Maite Azcoitia:
This division works with County agencies to maintain the quality of life of Broward residents and our County's natural resources in the face of significant demands resulting from continuous growth and development. The division works with County staff in developing, implementing, and enforcing land use and environmental regulations, negotiates development agreements, and handles comprehensive planning matters.
Headed by Chief Trial Counsel Michael J. Kerr:
This division handles the vast majority of the County's jury and bench trials in federal and state courts. Cases handled by this division commonly involve commercial litigation, eminent domain, employment litigation, personal injury claims, workers' compensation, and discrimination claims. The division also represents the County in bankruptcy and the collection of liens, fines, taxes, and other monies owed to the County.
The Office of the County Attorney also represents the WorkForce One Council of Elected Officials, the Broward WorkForce Development Board, and the administrative entity, WorkForce One. The office provides legal services necessary to implement welfare and workforce programs funded by state and federal grants awarded to Broward County.