- Description
Position Overview
The City Attorney is appointed by the City Council in accordance with the City Charter and serves as head of the Department of Law. This position provides legal counsel and support to the City Council, the City Administration and various boards and commissions. The City Attorney ensures municipal operations comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws. This salaried position requires attendance at evening meetings and availability to respond to urgent matters outside normal business hours.- Examples of Duties
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Provide legal advice and support to the City Council, the City Administration and various boards and commissions.
• Draft and review ordinances, resolutions, contracts, deeds, leases, policies, regulations, and other legal documents.
• Represents the City in municipal, state, and federal court, administrative proceedings, negotiations, and hearings.
• Advise on employment law matters, workplace investigations, labor relations, and union negotiations.
• Interpret laws, rulings, regulations, and court decisions affecting municipal operations.
• Attend City Council meetings and other meetings as requested, including Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment meetings.
• Recommend retention of outside counsel or specialized legal services when appropriate.
• Respond to legal inquiries from the public, officials, and departments.
• Maintain confidentiality of privileged communications and sensitive records.
• Stay current on developments in municipal, employment, and public-sector law.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the City Council or City Manager.- Typical Qualifications
Education and Experience
• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school required.
• Minimum five (5) years of legal experience preferred.
• Experience in municipal government, public sector law, or labor/employment
law preferred.
Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations
• Licensed to practice law in the State of Oklahoma and in good standing.
• Valid Oklahoma Driver’s License.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Thorough knowledge of municipal, employment, contract, open records, and
administrative law.
• Strong legal research, analytical, and problem solving skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, negotiation, and public presentation skills.
• Ability to interpret and apply laws fairly and consistently.
• Ability to build effective working relationships with elected officials, employees,
and the public.
• Ability to manage confidential and sensitive matters with discretion.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and legal research software.
• Ability to prioritize multiple deadlines and urgent matters.- Supplemental Information
Contacts and Relationships
• Frequent interaction with elected officials, department directors, employees,
boards, commissions, attorneys, and the public.
• Regular coordination with the outside counsel, courts, agencies, and regulatory
bodies.
• Requires tact, diplomacy, professionalism, and discretion.