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The City of Duluth seeks an Assistant City Attorney to join our Civil Division team!
At the direction of the City Attorney, and under the general supervision of the Deputy City Attorney, the Assistant City Attorney in this position will perform professional legal work, primarily in the areas of civil litigation to include complex and class actions in state and federal court. Experience with multi-state and class action litigation preferred. Candidates for this position should be licensed in Minnesota, have a minimum of five years’ relevant legal experience, and possess excellent drafting, research, communication, and interpersonal skills.
The City of Duluth Attorney's Office
The Office of the City Attorney is committed to providing excellent legal services, advice and representation to the City, City Authorities, Commissions and officials and staff, and honoring the highest principles of the legal profession.
The City of Duluth
Duluth, Minnesota, is northern Minnesota’s largest city, situated on the shores of Lake Superior. With historic neighborhoods, several colleges, a lively local music scene, and plenty of restaurants, breweries, and coffee shops, Duluth has much to offer. An extensive network of parks and trails provides year-round outdoor recreation, with easy access to the North Shore and Boundary Waters while still within driving distance of the Twin Cities.About the Job
SUMMARY/PURPOSE
To perform a variety of legal duties to support the City Attorney’s Office, which may include preparing and drafting briefs, pleadings, ordinances, resolutions, contracts, leases, permits, letters, memos, and other documents; receiving and reviewing claims, administrative proceedings, and lawsuits against the City and its departments for litigation or settlement; initiating litigation or administrative proceedings on behalf of the City and its departments; providing written and oral legal opinions to departments, employees and officers of the City and its related authorities; providing legal support to the City in negotiations of contracts or agreements; prosecuting misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors and violations of City ordinances; preparing for and representing the City and its departments in all court hearings, trials, administrative proceedings, mediation and arbitration.
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS
The Assistant City Attorney performs both routine and complex duties as assigned. Positions at this level receive instruction, assistance, training, and guidance from the City Attorney as well as other staff attorneys as needed. The Assistant City Attorney is supervised and directed by the Deputy City Attorney and the City Attorney.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
The supervisor provides administrative direction with assignments in terms of broadly defined missions or functions. Incumbents have responsibility for planning, designing, and carrying out programs, projects, studies, or other work independently.
SUPERVISION GIVEN
Does have supervisory responsibility, typically for employees who exercise broad discretion. The supervisor provides broad guidance including mission and vision. Makes recommendations about hire, termination, and performance.- Essential Duties & Responsibilities (other duties may be assigned)
1. Perform general legal research and prepare written and oral opinions on various legal issues for the City Council, City departments, City authorities, and various boards and commissions.
2. Prosecute violations of City ordinances, misdemeanors, and certain gross misdemeanor level violations and represent the City and its authorities in all actions at law.
3. Assist in preparing, reviewing and drafting ordinances, resolutions, motions; review exceptions to model agreements/contracts to be made or entered into by the City and its authorities and approve the form of such instruments.
4. Attend meetings and provide legal support and advice to the City Council, City authorities, and various city boards and commissions as directed.
5. Represent the City and its authorities in litigation; appear before courts and administrative proceedings to represent the City's interest as required.
6. Provide technical assistance with respect to the acquisition, sale or abandonment of real property including acceptance of deeds on behalf of the City; assist with legal work regarding elections, special assessment districts and bond issues.
7. Investigate claims and complaints against the City and its authorities and recommend appropriate action regarding their handling.
8. Receive and respond to public inquiries, citizen complaints, and requests for information.
9. Establish and maintain positive working relationships with departments by maintaining two-way communication, producing consistent results, advocating for the team when appropriate, and offering expertise to improve processes, systems, and the organization.
10. Provide written and oral legal opinions as requested by the City Attorney.
11. Provide training, coaching, and mentoring for employees.
12. Demonstrate highly effective leadership by promoting and supporting the mission and vision of the organization, recognizing and defining issues, and taking initiative towards improvements.
13. Recommend the hire, transfer, assignment, promotion, employee grievance resolution, discipline, suspension, or discharge of assigned personnel.
14. Provide for ongoing training of employees in emerging methods, trends, technologies, and proper and safe work methods and procedures.
15. Coordinate with various City departments, other government agencies, and community groups to develop methods of sharing resources, minimizing duplication, and simplifying procedures.
16. Establish and maintain positive working relationship with the employees by maintaining two-way communication, producing consistent results, advocating for the team when appropriate, and offering expertise to improve processes, systems, and the organization.
17. Other duties may be assigned.- Job Requirements
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required.
Education & Experience Requirements
A. Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school or equivalent.
B. No legal experience required. Municipal experience is preferred.
License Requirements
A. Must be licensed to practice law in the State Bar of Minnesota, in good standing.
Knowledge Requirements
A. General knowledge of legal principles and practices, including civil, criminal, constitutional and administrative law and procedure.
B. Knowledge of judicial procedures and rules of evidence as applicable to the assigned areas of responsibility.
C. Knowledge of modern and moderately complex principles and practices of municipal law as applicable to the assigned areas of responsibility.
D. Knowledge of established precedent and sources of legal reference and methods of legal research.
E. Knowledge of Modern office practices, methods, and technologies.
F. Knowledge of English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
G. Knowledge of techniques for effectively representing the City and its authorities in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
H. Knowledge of techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City and authority staff
I. Knowledge of problem-solving and conflict-resolution techniques.
J. Knowledge of applicable safety requirements.
K. Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, City policies and procedures.
L. Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, statutes, regulations, codes, and standards related to the area of responsibility.
M. Knowledge of effective leadership and personnel practices.
N. Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources practices, leadership technique, and coordination of people and resources.
O. Knowledge of budgetary, and management principles, practices, and procedures.
P. Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Skill Requirements
A. Skill in researching and analyzing issues, developing recommended actions, preparing reports, and maintaining records.
B. Skill in drafting and negotiating contracts and agreements.
C. Strong written communication skills.
D. Sound legal judgment, proactive initiative, ability to analyze issues.
E. Exhibit attention to detail in written product to withstand high levels of scrutiny.
F. Possess and exhibit skill to keep the City Attorney and Deputy City Attorneys apprised of issues and potential developments in a timely manner.
G. Skill in the operation of office equipment including, but not limited to, general computer systems, job required software applications, the internet, and modern office equipment.
H. Skill in managing one's own time and the time of others.
I. Skill in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail.
J. Skill in mediation and dispute resolution.
K. Skill in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
L. Skill in motivating, developing, and leading people.
Ability Requirements
A. Ability to organize, interpret, and apply legal principles and knowledge of complex legal problems; effectively apply legal knowledge and principles in court.
B. Ability to present statements of law, fact and argument clearly and logically.
C. Ability to prepare and present cases in court.
D. Ability to conduct research on legal problems, analyze and prepare sound legal opinions.
E. Ability to properly interpret and make decisions in accordance with laws, regulations, and policies.
F. Ability to use good judgment in decision-making.
G. Exhibit qualities of dependability and accountability.
H. Ability to create and maintain a positive working environment that welcomes diversity, ensures cooperation, and promotes respect by sharing expertise with team members, fostering safe work practices, and developing trusting work relationships.
I. Ability to communicate and interact effectively with members of the public.
J. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
K. Ability to recognize, analyze, and problem-solve a variety of situations.
L. Ability to consistently and independently prioritize one's own work and the work of others, including scheduling, assigning staff, and securing resources.
M. Ability to handle difficult and stressful situations with professional composure.
N. Ability to establish goals and objectives.
O. Ability to set expectations and provide training in safe and proper work methods, development, and coaching for employees.
P. Ability to interpret and apply laws, contracts, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Q. Ability to manage a budget and work within the constraints of that budget.
R. Ability to enforce safety rules and regulations.
S. Ability to maintain confidential information.
T. Ability to demonstrate dependability, responsibility, and consistency in job performance.
U. Ability to exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions.
V. Ability to analyze, organize, and prioritize work while meeting multiple deadlines.
W. Exhibits leadership qualities of dependability and accountability.
X. Ability to attend work as scheduled and/or required.
Physical Demands
The work is sedentary. Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to do the work. However, there may be some walking, standing, bending; carrying of light items such as papers, books, small parts; driving an automobile, etc. No special physical demands are required to perform the work.
Work Environment
The work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts requiring normal safety precautions typical of places such as offices, meeting and training rooms, libraries, and residences or commercial vehicles (e.g., use of safe work practices with office equipment, avoidance of trips and falls, observance of fire regulations and traffic signals, etc.). The work area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated.
If available for this job classification, detailed Physical Demands can be viewed here: https://duluthmn.gov/human-resources/employment/job-physical-demandswork-environment/- Selection Process Information
Please include a cover letter, resume, and proof of Juris Doctorate Degree with your application.
Non-Discrimination
The City of Duluth is an equal opportunity and veteran-friendly employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status with regard to public assistance, disability, genetic information, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.
Alternative Exam Process (does not apply to Charter Appointment, provisional, temporary, or part-time non-union selections)
For individuals who qualify under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), alternative examination processes are available on an individual basis upon prior arrangement. Contact Human Resources at 218-730-5210, as soon as possible prior to the scheduled date of the exam. TDD services are available through 218-730-5630.
Work Eligibility
In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the City of Duluth requires verification of identity and work eligibility at the point of hire.
Right to Appeal (does not apply to Charter Appointment, provisional, temporary, or part-time non-union selections)
Any applicant who has been found qualified to participate in a selection process for a position in the classified service who has reason to contest the validity or fairness of any step in the selection process may appeal to the Civil Service Board within 10 calendar days of the examination. (If the examination is an Education & Experience Review, the applicant must appeal within 10 calendar days of the closing date for accepting applications.) The notice of appeal shall be in writing, shall contain a complete statement of the matter in controversy and the relief requested, and shall be signed and dated by the appellant. The notice shall be addressed to the Civil Service Board and be delivered to the Human Resources Office. If an applicant wishes to file an appeal electronically, the notice should be sent by email to hrinformation@duluthmn.gov.VETERANS PREFERENCE
Does not apply to Charter Appointment, provisional, seasonal, temporary, or part-time non-union selectionsTo apply for Veterans Preference, the applicant must attach the required documents when submitting their application.
- Scan and combine all documents into one file before uploading it to the Attachments section of the application.
- Submitting this information is optional, but preference points cannot be awarded without it.
- Points are only awarded if the applicant passes all exams and submits all required documents to Human Resources.
OPEN SELECTIONS
Veteran
Required Documents:
- DD214 or DD215 ("Member-4" copy) showing honorable discharge.
Disabled Veteran
Required Documents:
- DD214 or DD215 ("Member-4" copy) showing honorable discharge;
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA) Disability Rating Decision showing a service-connected disability rating of 10% or greater, dated within the past 12 months.
Spouse of Disabled Veteran
Required Documents:
- Marriage certificate;
- DD214 or DD215 ("Member-4" copy) showing honorable discharge;
- USDVA Disability Rating Decision showing a service-connected disability rating of 10% or greater, dated within the past 12 months.
Eligibility:
- The applicant must currently be married to the veteran;
- The veteran must meet the minimum qualifications for the position but be unable to use the preference because of a service-connected disability. The applicant must explain this in their response to the related question in the Agency Questions section of the application.
Spouse of Deceased Veteran
Required Documents:
- Marriage certificate;
- Death certificate;
- DD214 or DD215 ("Member-4" copy) showing honorable discharge;
- USDVA Disability Rating Decision showing a service-connected disability rating of 10% or greater.
Eligibility:
- The applicant must not have remarried;
- The veteran must have died during active duty or as a result of an injury received during active duty.
PROMOTIONAL OR INTERNAL SELECTIONS
Points are only awarded to Disabled Veteran's score one time, on first promotional or internal only selection process after securing City employment.
Disabled Veteran
Required Documents:
- DD214 or DD215 ("Member-4" copy) showing honorable discharge;
- USDVA Disability Rating Decision showing a service-connected disability rating of 50% or greater, dated within the past 12 months.
Please refer to Minnesota Statute 197.455 for additional information about Veterans' Preference.
- $105,590 - $138,950/year
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