Attorney

Under the supervision of the City Attorney, the Attorney will perform competent and timely professional legal work on behalf of the City of Grand Island and its various departments, divisions and officials. 

Display honest, trustworthy, and ethical behavior when dealing with internal and external customers.

Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Regular in-person attendance that is punctual and dependable is required. Occasional evening work to attend public meetings and events may be required. 

Represent the Legal Department and the City in interactions with the public.

Ability to attend court hearings on behalf of the City. 

Attend various public meetings to provide legal advice on all associated matters. 

Prosecute traffic, criminal code, ordinance and comparable cases in County and District courts; formulate trial strategies and contact witnesses; interview and prepare witnesses to testify at trial.

Provide advice and assistance to City departments on legal issues, questions and procedures.

Draft and review contracts, deeds, leases and other legal documents.

Perform risk and compliance assessments to assist the City in evaluating all forms of risk, liability exposure, statutory compliance, regulatory compliance, and other legal assessments as may be required. 

Interview and provide guidance to City staff relating to legal action.

Prepare legal pleadings and other legal documents; perform legal research relating to cases, statutes and ordinances.

Provide legal advice and assistance in all stages of the purchasing and procurement process. Negotiate, draft, and coordinate contracts and resolve disputes related to purchasing, contracts, and procurement. Stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of purchasing.

Maintain personal and professional conduct in a manner that reflects positively on the City of Grand Island, and which is in compliance with the Nebraska Rules of Professional Conduct. 

Obtain and maintain access to controlled and law enforcement sensitive systems such as NCJIS.

Study new legislation and recently decided case law; attend continuing legal education seminars. Maintain a broad range of knowledge on all matters of municipal law. 

Provide training and updates to stakeholders on legal matters. 

Assist the management in labor negotiations and preparation of labor agreements. 

Assist department heads in establishing departmental policies by applying legal points and procedures; recommend changes in policies and procedures in order to meet legal requirements.

Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

Legal research techniques needed to acquire and maintain knowledge about all areas of law applicable to representing a municipality. 

Legal principles and practices, including civil, criminal, constitutional and administrative law and procedures.

Advanced writing skills, including legal and non-legal writing. 

Methods and practices of pleading.

Judicial procedures and rules of evidence.

Knowledge, or the ability to promptly acquire knowledge of, procedures and practices followed by members of all departments under the City.

Knowledge, or the ability to promptly acquire knowledge of, ordinances, statutes and court decisions relating to municipal corporations.

Established precedents and sources of legal reference applicable to criminal activities.

Property law principals, to include easement acquisition, eminent domain, and general real estate transactions. 

The Nebraska Open Meetings Act & Public Records Act

Knowledge, or the ability to promptly acquire knowledge of,   laws, rules, and regulations, applicable to cities in Nebraska and municipal utility operations.  

Principles of municipal budget preparation and control.

Knowledge, or the ability to promptly acquire knowledge of, purchasing procedures of the acquisition of City supplies, equipment and materials.

Contract drafting, negotiating, editing, and compliance procedures.

Modern office procedures, methods and equipment.

Business letter writing and basic report preparation.

English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.

Knowledge, or the ability to promptly acquire knowledge of, pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations.

Knowledge, or the ability to promptly acquire knowledge of, writing techniques applicable to resolution and ordinance drafting. 

Ability to:

Present a professional appearance including wearing appropriate business formal attire and the ability to apply with Court rules (State and Federal) regarding attorney appearance and dress. 

Learn the organization and operating procedures of the City Attorney's Office.

Rapidly acquire, learn, and communicate, knowledge and assessment related to a broad area of law. 

Interpret and apply Federal, State and local policies, procedures, laws and regulations.

Organize, interpret and apply legal principles and complex legal problems in court.

Ability to be conscious of the political risks to the City and elected officials when entangled in legal risks and solutions. Ability to remove personal opinions from legal decision making and to provide objective legal advice that may be contrary to personal opinions, beliefs, or moral standards. 

Present statements of law, fact and argument clearly and logically.

Seek advice and opinions on matters outside of areas of expertise. 

Properly interpret and make decisions in accordance with laws, regulations, and policies.

Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public.

Prepare and present cases in court.

Analyze and prepare a wide variety of legal documents.

Conduct research on legal problems and prepare sound legal opinions.

Communicate clearly and concisely, orally, in writing and email communications.

Work collaboratively with legal and non-legal professionals, elected officials, fellow employees, and citizens on all stages of municipal work. 

Maintain confidentiality.

Ability to inspire confidence, earn and maintain trust, and maintain positive communication and relationship in high stakes matters. 

Prepare, organize, analyze and evaluate information.

Prepare clear and concise reports.

Efficiently operate various office equipment including computers, software packages, and other technology. Ability to acquire knowledge of new systems and efficiently integrate equipment and resources into applicable workflows. 

Stay abreast of new trends and innovations.

Admission to the practice of law by and through a Juris Doctorate degree obtained from an accredited law school. 

Experience:

Experience in municipal law or general government practice desirable. 

Training:

Candidates hired after July 1 of any year must have completed, or be able to complete at their own time/expense, all continuing education requirements.

License or Certification:

Must be licensed to practice law in Nebraska and be in good standing at the time of application. Candidates pending admission by waiver must be able to obtain admission within 30 days of application. 

Must be admitted, or be eligible for immediate admission, to practice before the United States District Court for the District of Nebraska. 

Other:

Must maintain an active and valid Nebraska Driver’s License, and/or have other means of reliable transportation to and from work, court, various public meetings held throughout the City of Grand Island, and continuing education and training obligations throughout the United States. 

Must be able to pass a drug test, criminal history background check, periodic CJIS background check, and social security number verification check. Criminal history must not include any crimes of moral turpitude, active court or probation supervision, or convictions in excess of traffic infractions within the last 3 years.  

Must be able to maintain professional liability insurance. Must have a clean disciplinary history for all professional licenses. 

Residence within the jurisdictional boundaries of the City of Grand Island desirable but not required.