Township Attorney

Description

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Job Title: Township Attorney

Description: The Mayor and Council of the Township of Montclair are seeking an experienced municipal attorney with a demonstrated history of successfully advising municipalities in New Jersey. The Township Attorney will provide legal counsel to the Mayor and Council, Manager, departments, and other municipal agencies on issues affecting local government operations. The attorney shall also prosecute and defend legal actions and proceedings by and against the Township of Montclair, its departments, and agencies, except in particular cases, where, at the discretion of the Township attorney, an outside law firm or attorney is engaged or when such matters are the purview of the Township’s insurance provider. Where outside special counsel is needed, the Township attorney shall direct and monitor their work product and billing. The Township attorney shall have charge of all legal affairs of the Township government and its various boards and other official bodies. Work is performed under general direction from the Mayor and Township Council and in close coordination with the Township Manager.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Supervises staff that may include a legal secretary, paralegal, assistant attorney and the Township Prosecutor. Oversees outside counsel. Monitors litigation and claims handled by the Township’s insurance provider, as needed.

Essential Functions: Serves as legal advisor on all matters of Township business. Provides day-to-day verbal and/or written advice on legal matters pertaining to municipal affairs submitted by the Manager, Council, or any individual Council member. Matters may include but not be limited to questions pertaining to the Open Public Records Act, Open Public Meetings Act, Local Public Contracts Law, New Jersey Torts Claim Act, and Property Maintenance Code. Represents the Township in all judicial and administrative proceedings in which the Township or any of its officers or agencies may be a party or have an interest. Conducts legal research and prepares detailed memoranda on various municipal issues as necessary or requested by the Manager or Council. Prepares, reviews, negotiates, and/or approves as to form and sufficiency all legal documents, contracts, deeds, ordinances, and substantive resolutions made, executed, or adopted by or on behalf of the Township. Attends Council meetings. Conducts appeals from orders, decisions, or judgments affecting any interest of the Township, as directed by Council. Subject to the approval of the Council, has power to enter into any agreement, compromise, or settlement of any litigation in which the Township is involved. Maintains a record of all actions, suits, proceedings, and matters which relate to the Township’s interests, and reports thereon from time to time as the Council or Manager may require. Provides briefings and updates to Council members and Township Manager of legal issues affecting the Township. Performs other functions, powers, and duties as may be directed by the Council, or provided by Charter, or ordinance. Supervises and directs the work of an assistant township attorney, clerical aides, and professional assistants as the Council may authorize for special or regular employment in or under the authority of the Law Department.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of Federal, state, and local courts. Knowledge of various forms of local government in New Jersey. Ability to interpret, research, and apply local, state and Federal statutes and regulations. Ability to communicate ideas in written form in a clear, concise, and accurate manner. Ability to understand the complexities and uses of pertinent and evidentiary laws, rules, and regulations. Ability to prepare correspondence as required in the course of official duties. Ability to conduct witness interviews. Ability to prepare technically sound, accurate, and informative statistical reports and other reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Ability to initiate and maintain communication with other government agencies. Ability to establish and maintain an orderly system of records and files. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of the position. Ability to address extemporaneously procedural questions and routine legal questions raised by the Council and public at Council meetings. Exceptional attention to detail and proofreading skills.

Minimum Qualifications and Special Requirements:

• Juris Doctorate conferred by an accredited law school.
• Admitted to practice law in the State of New Jersey.
• 5-7 years of experience practicing law with a focus on municipal law.
• High standards of professionalism and discretion with confidential information.
• Experience in land use and zoning law a plus.

Special Requirements:

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position. The applicant must pass a full criminal history investigation such as to certify ability to access confidential State and National police information systems. Will require off-hours availability for evening Council meetings and other meetings, as situations warrant.

Wage Range: Salary commensurate with experience. Salary will be specific to the job level and considers the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to: education, experience, licensure, certifications, geographic location, and internal equity. Compensation decisions depend on the circumstances of each candidate. The Twp also provides a comprehensive compensation/ benefits package which includes health benefits (Medical/Dental/Vision); generous PTO, retirement plan and pension.

Apply: Please apply online through the Employment/Human Resources section of the Township of Montclair website at: www.montclairnjusa.org

Closing Date: his job posting will remain open until filled; the Township reserves the right to offer the position at any time during the recruitment process.

Requirements

• Juris Doctorate conferred by an accredited law school.
• Admitted to practice law in the State of New Jersey.
• 5-7 years of experience practicing law with a focus on municipal law.
• High standards of professionalism and discretion with confidential information.
• Experience in land use and zoning law a plus.

Special Requirements:

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position. The applicant must pass a full criminal history investigation such as to certify ability to access confidential State and National police information systems. Will require off-hours availability for evening Council meetings and other meetings, as situations warrant.