Director's Office - Legal
The Senior Attorney reports directly to the Director of the Division of Emergency Management and has overall responsibility for providing legal support to the Director and other executive officers. It is the responsibility of the Senior Attorney to ensure that the Division is in compliance with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations. The Senior Attorney provides legal review of all contracts, leases, purchase orders, memorandum of understanding, and memorandum of agreement. Additionally, the Senior Attorney will engage in the drafting or review administrative rules and legislation, and to oversee the legal representation of the Division in all judicial, quasi-judicial and administrative proceedings.
During emergency activation, the Senior Attorney provides legal support to the State Coordinating Officer and the State Emergency Response Team. The Senior Attorney will prepare, review and approve supplemental orders issued by the State Coordinating Officer in response to the emergency. The Senior Attorney will also prepare requests for federal assistance, such as, a Presidential Emergency or Disaster Declaration and any other assistance as allowed under the Robert T. Safford Act, Title 44 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
The Senior Attorney will exercise independent legal judgment and have a working knowledge of Chapter 252, Florida Statutes, Title 44 of the Code of Federal Regulations, the State Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan and any and all laws or rules related to emergency management.
Heather L. Stearns, Esq., Senior Attorney
Phone - (850) 922-1676
E-mail - heather.stearns@em.myflorida.com
Updated:
February 3, 2012 10:20
