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SUMMARY
This position is part of the City Attorney’s Office and responsible for providing comprehensive legal services and representation to the Mayor, City Council, City Manager, and City Departments, specifically on matters involving the interpretation and application of the North Carolina Public Records Act, the statutes and regulations governing conflicts of interest in local government, the City Council’s and appointed Boards and Commissions’ Code of Ethics, and legal ethics. Additionally, this position is responsible for providing legal services and representation to the City’s appointed Quasi-Judicial Boards and Commissions. The position will be physically located at the Charlotte Mecklenburg Government Center.Major Duties and Responsibilities:
Advise the City Clerk’s Office, Communication and Marketing Department, and other City Departments on the interpretation and application of the North Carolina Public Records Act.
Collaborate with City leadership on the development of policies in compliance with North Carolina Public Records Act.
Review and analyze City records to properly advise on their status as public records.
Stay current on all relevant law governing conflicts of interest in appropriations, contracting, land use, and final decision-making by City Council and appointed Boards and Commissions.
Advise the City Attorney, Clerk’s Office, and other City Departments on the interpretation and application of the City Council’s and appointed Boards and Commissions’ Code of Ethics.
Advise the City Attorney and Deputy City Attorney on issues involving the North Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct applicable to attorneys.
Advise the City’s appointed Quasi-Judicial and Advisory Boards and Commissions on matters concerning statutory authority, due process, and subject-matter specific issues, including constitutional law and land use law.
Provide assistance to those within the land use practice area on issues arising out of interpretation and application of the City’s Unified Development Ordinance as implicated by the quasi-judicial and appointed boards. Represent the City in appellate litigation arising from decisions of the appointed Quasi-Judicial Boards and Commissions in state courts.
Prepare records on appeal, pleadings, memoranda, briefs in pending litigation arising from decisions of the appointed Quasi-Judicial Boards and Commissions in state courts.
Appear and zealously defend the City in court as required, including at appellate arguments at the Mecklenburg County Superior Court and the North Carolina appellate courts.
Identify and research issues within the complex operational, business, policy, and legal framework of the City.
Actively analyze matters, provide accurate, timely and sound legal advice and opinions, verbally and in writing, to other attorneys and City staff; and
Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal laws specific to municipalities.
Research and provide legal opinions and prepare documents to assist the City Attorney or other Attorneys in addressing matters of municipal concern as they arise.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Considerable knowledge of constitutional, federal, state, and local laws affecting municipal government.
Ability to work collaboratively with others; analyze issues from a legal, policy, and practical perspective; and provide clear advice and counsel.
Ability to master new material quickly, manage a diverse legal portfolio, and handle a fast-paced environment.
Ability to think creatively to solve problems.
Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment.
Strong litigation, and collaboration skills.
Experience litigating in state courts and before administrative and quasi-judicial boards and commissions.
In-depth knowledge of local rules, judicial procedures, and rules of evidence.
Ability to prepare and litigate moderately complex civil cases; and
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, colleagues, the public, elected and appointed officials, and stakeholders.
Minimum Qualifications:
Juris Doctorate degree from an ABA accredited law school and license to practice law in North Carolina or ability to be admitted into the NC State Bar via reciprocity prior to beginning employment.
Minimum of three (3) Years of relevant work experience as a practicing attorney for Assistant City Attorney I.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
The City’s Background Check Policy requires background checks to be conducted on final internal or external candidate(s) applying for any position with the City of Charlotte. The type of information that will be collected as part of a background check includes, but is not limited to: reference checks, social security verification, education verification, criminal conviction record check, and, if applicable, a credit history check, sex offender registry and motor vehicle records check.
Background checks must be in compliance with all federal and state statutes, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The checks must be consistent with the guidelines set forth by these laws requiring organizations to obtain a candidate’s written authorization before obtaining a criminal background report, motor vehicle records check or credit report; and to properly store and dispose of information derived from such reports.
Final candidates must pass a pre-employment drug-screening test and physical examination. During the selection process, candidates may be asked to take a skills test, and/or participate in other assessments.
The City of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
HOW TO APPLY
Apply online.
Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job.
You are welcome to visit the City of Charlotte Human Resources Department lobby where we have workstations available. Our office is located at 700 East 4th Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28202. Our hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (EST), excluding official City holidays.
For questions about your application or the hiring process, please email Careers@ci.charlotte.nc.us.
The City of Charlotte is committed to making the job application process accessible to all. Upon request, auxiliary aids, written materials in alternate formats, language access, and other reasonable accommodations or modification will be provided. To make a request, please email HRADAAdministration@charlottenc.gov, call 704-962-6168, or visit us in person at 700 4th St., Charlotte, NC 28202.
BENEFITS
The City of Charlotte provides a comprehensive benefits package to all employees.
Click here to learn more about the City of Charlotte’s benefits.
The City of Charlotte is a drug and alcohol-free workplace.
- $93,973.93 - $117,467.41
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