Borough Attorney

Direct the activities of the Law Department’s services, functions and staff. Assure compliance of department activities with state and Federal laws and Borough policies and procedures.

The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification.  Shown are duties intended to provide a representative summary of   the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

Directs department operations; evaluates department issues, and recommends and implements solutions; prioritizes and assigns tasks and projects; manage, train and evaluate staff; assures department activities are in compliance with all laws, policies, regulations and goals.

Advises Borough officials, departments and agencies; negotiates agreements with opposing parties and counsel; anticipates problems and pursues solutions; establishes case strategy.

Represents the Borough in reviewing, approving, negotiating and litigating contracts and civil cases; manages cases and assures that cases are resolved within Borough policy guidelines.

Confers with, and offers advice and counsel to Borough officials and employees; principal Borough advisor on issues regarding subpoenas, open meeting laws, special districts, elections and legislative issues, and requests for protected records.

Develops and monitors department budget; prepares special and recurring reports, budgets, grants, proposals and contracts; recommends and implements changes to existing policies.

Reviews documents and motions filed in civil cases, provides assessment and recommendations; conducts factual and legal analysis; conducts conferences with opposing parties concerning settlement of cases.

Represents the Borough at hearings and trials; brings cases before Hearing Boards and the Courts; examines witnesses and argues facts of the case in relation to points of law, case law and legal precedent.

Guides and assists other legal staff; provides coaching, counseling and professional assistance on case processing, legal skills and professional responsibilities; assists legal staff in the development of case strategy, legal theories and other related matters.

Monitors and reviews trends in legal issues and civil justice, and recommends operational, procedural and policy improvements.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of Borough policies and procedures.

Knowledge of State of Alaska statutes, rules, administrative orders, policies and procedures, applicable Federal rules and regulations.

Knowledge of techniques and practices for effective management of allocated resources.

Knowledge of legal research methods, techniques, sources, databases and other research tools.

Knowledge of legal case management procedures and techniques.

Knowledge of the principles and protocols for the evidentiary gathering of information, documents, financial records and other data that may be used in court and legal hearings.

Skill in assuming management responsibilities and making appropriate decisions.

Skill in negotiating contracts and agreements.

Skill in litigating cases in a legal hearing and courtroom setting.

Skill in reviewing and assessing legal issues and documents.

Skill in establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with Borough officials and employees, and other participants in the civil justice process.

Juris Doctorate (JD) degree;

Five years experience as a municipal attorney;

Licensed by the Bar to practice law in the State of Alaska, remain active with all Alaska Bar annual requirements;

Clear criminal record.

THE NORTH SLOPE BOROUGH IS AN ALCOHOL AND DRUG FREE WORKPLACE.

This Job Description reflects North Slope Borough’s best effort to describe the essential functions and qualifications of the job described.  It is not exhaustive statement of all the duties, responsibilities or qualifications of the job.  This document is not intended to exclude an opportunity for modifications consistent with providing reasonable accommodation.  This is not intended to be a contract.