Deputy Town Attorney

JOB CLASSIFICATION SUMMARY
Position assigned to this class performs advanced professional legal work under the direction of the Town Attorney, assisting in managing the Town’s legal affairs and providing legal counsel to the Town Council, Town Manager, Town departments, boards, and commissions. The Deputy Town Attorney serves as second-in-command for the Legal Department, exercises significant independent judgment, supervises assigned legal staff, and acts for the Town Attorney in their absence.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is a senior-level attorney classification with administrative and supervisory responsibilities. The position is distinguished from Assistant or Associate Town Attorney roles by its broader scope of duties, direct support to executive leadership, authority to act on behalf of the Town Attorney, and oversight of complex legal matters including litigation, land use, contracts, and compliance. Position serves at-will. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES
The following are intended to describe core work functions of this classification.  While the level and broad nature of essential duties may not change, specific work tasks will vary over time depending on the Town’s needs.

• Assists the Town Attorney in planning, organizing, and directing the Legal Department, including supervision of attorneys, paralegals, and support staff.
• Provides legal counsel to the Town Council, Town Manager, and Town departments on a wide range of municipal issues, including land use, contracts, personnel, tort liability, and public records.
• Acts as Town Attorney in their absence or as assigned.
• Drafts, reviews, and negotiates ordinances, resolutions, contracts, intergovernmental agreements, development agreements, leases, and other legal documents.
• Represents the Town in civil litigation, administrative proceedings, settlement negotiations, and alternative dispute resolution forums; coordinates with outside counsel on complex matters.
• Researches and analyzes legal issues; prepares formal legal opinions, staff reports, and memoranda.
• Ensures departmental compliance with federal, state, and local laws, including Arizona open meeting, election, and public records laws.
• Participates in the selection, training, and evaluation of departmental staff; provides mentorship, coaching, and professional development.
• Advises Town leadership on risk management, liability, and emerging legal trends; develops strategies to minimize exposure.
• Assists in developing and monitoring the department budget, including management of contracted legal services.
• Attends and provides legal support at Town Council meetings, boards, commissions, and public hearings.
• Maintains confidentiality and upholds the highest standards of legal ethics.
• Performs related work as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (at job entry)
Education and Experience:
Juris Doctorate Degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association; ten (10) years of increasingly responsible professional legal experience in municipal law or government law practices; and three (3) years of supervisory or lead attorney experience; or equivalent combination of directly related education and experience. 

Special Requirements:
Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Arizona and be a member in good standing with the State Bar of Arizona. 
To be eligible, Incumbents cannot be on the Office of Inspector General (OIG) list of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE).

LICENSING/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Active membership in the State Bar of Arizona; 
• Valid Arizona Driver’s License;
• Maintain all certifications/licenses required at job entry.

• Principles and practices of municipal, state, and federal law affecting local government.
• Civil, administrative, and litigation procedures.
• Arizona open meeting, election, and public records laws.
• Supervisory principles, leadership techniques, and staff development.
• Budget development and fiscal management.
• Legal research methods, sources, and analysis.
• Municipal operations, intergovernmental relationships, and risk management practices.

• Supervises and leads staff;
• Interprets, applies, and communicates complex legal concepts.
• Drafts and reviews precise legal documents and agreements.
• Represents the Town effectively in legal proceedings and negotiations.
• Leads, mentors, and evaluates legal staff.
• Builds collaborative working relationships with elected officials, staff, and external partners.
• Navigates politically sensitive issues with professionalism and discretion.
• Organizes, prioritizes, and manages multiple complex assignments under tight deadlines.
• Communicates clearly and persuasively in both written and oral form.

OVERALL PHYSICAL STRENGTH DEMANDS: