Assistant Town Attorney

The Town of Garner is seeking a qualified attorney to join the in-house Town Attorney in providing legal services to one of the State’s fastest-growing towns in southeastern Wake County. Garner is close to Raleigh but still retains its small-town charm. The Town’s Legal Department is committed to providing the Town of Garner and its public officials and employees with legal services of the highest quality so that the Town’s business is conducted efficiently, effectively, and economically. The ideal candidate will have an interest in all aspects of local government law, an ability to handle diverse work assignments, and a willingness to interact with Town staff, elected officials, and the public. 

This position works directly with the Town Attorney in providing legal services to the Town Council, Town Managers, Town departments, and Town appointed boards and commissions. Duties include identifying potential legal issues with Town operations and providing legal guidance, drafting and reviewing ordinances, contracts, and various other legal documents, advising Town-appointed boards and commissions, and representing the Town in court, administrative hearings, and negotiations.

This position will report to the Town Attorney and cover a wide range of legal areas that pertain to municipal government. Special emphasis may be given to candidates with extensive legal experience in local government law, real estate, contracts, and civil litigation.

We are looking for an individual with a strong work ethic, creativity, and a positive outlook.

Hybrid work opportunities may be available depending on the operational needs of the Legal Department.

• Assists the Town Attorney in serving as legal counsel for the Town Manager, Town Council, all Boards and Departments; reviews and discusses various land development, capital projects, human resources, law enforcement, financial, annexations, easements and liability issues; provides guidance and advice; draft documents; consults with management, department heads and staff as needed.
• Provides legal staff to various board including Planning Commission, Board of Adjustment, and other boards as needed during meetings including parliamentary advice and other advice as needed.
• Prepares and responds to motions against the Town; researches case law and court rulings; determines merits of a case and points of law; analyzes pertinent statutory and case law, administrative and procedural rules; develops case strategy and legal arguments; conducts civil and administrative litigation.
• Represents or coordinates representation of the Town in court proceedings at any State and/or federal level as well as administrative and regulatory agencies.
• Prepares a variety of legal real estate documents including deeds and other closing documents; obtains nuisance abatement and other liens related to Code enforcement or demolition of property; performs title searches.
• Drafts proclamations, resolutions, ordinances and ordinance text amendments and other Council agenda items.
• Engages in various conflict resolution meetings and addresses the concerns of the public.
• Conducts legal research on variety of issues relating to any Town service program and/or administrative business areas; may include research of constitutional law.
• Drafts various legal documents including legal orders resulting from Council decisions, memoranda of law; contracts, easements, deeds and Town ordinances.
• Identifies potential legal issues in any Town action and engages in work required to resolve; reviews agenda and documentation and/or attends meetings; attends public hearings; reviews existing forms and policies and recommends/ implements changes as needed.
• Attends conferences and workshops to maintain law license in accordance with State Bar requirements.
• Performs related duties as required.

Applicants must:

• Have earned a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school 
• Be currently licensed to practice law in the State of North Carolina Possess and 
• Maintain a valid, current driver's license

Applicants must also:

Have at least 1 year of experience as a practicing attorney AND at least 2 years of experience working for a municipality or county

OR

Have at least 3 years of experience as a practicing attorney in North Carolina

Please attach a cover letter describing your interest in areas of law relevant to municipalities and/or interest in public service.

The salary range shown is the hiring range. The starting salary will be determined based on the selected candidate's skills and qualifications.

Initial interviews may be conducted before the application deadline. 

Equal Opportunity Employer