Associate Attorney

Work, Serve, Thrive.  With the City of Durham   
Advance in your career while making a real difference in the community you serve.

Hiring Range: $84,428 - $101,312
Hours: 8:00am - 5:00pm

Be a part of the dynamic and diverse legal team providing legal services and representation to the Durham City Council, City Manager, City government departments, and City-appointed boards and commissions.  

This class is an entry level attorney classification devoted to providing professional legal advice, consultation, research and other services to the City, its staff, and the City Council.  Attorneys in this classification will gain experience in a variety of integral municipal areas. Work is performed in close conjunction with or under the supervision of more experienced senior attorneys. Work requires effective analytical writing and communication skills.  The City Attorney’s Office is looking for an attorney eager to learn and develop in the municipal field.  

[Qualified candidates may also be considered for other suitable positions within the City Attorney’s Office.]

Essential position duties and responsibilities include the following (additional duties may be assigned as needed): 

• Provides legal advice, under direct supervision, to City representatives and department attorneys on routine or non-complex issues--may assist other attorneys on more complex assignments.
• Performs, under direct supervision, research on non-complex legal issues--may assist other attorneys on more complex assignments.
• Represents, under direct supervision, the City in internal and external legal matters--may assist other attorneys on more complex assignments.
• Represent the city in civil litigation cases and/or administrative hearings under the direction of a supervisor. Includes preparation of memoranda, motions, briefs and pleadings to be filed in judicial or quasi-judicial proceedings.
• Reviews and drafts contracts, legal documents, ordinances, and city regulations.

• Responsible for knowing and complying with all city and department policies, participating in professional trainings and development, and adhering to attendance and workplace policies.

• A valid North Carolina Bar License.

• Additional consideration may be given to candidates with experience in local, state or federal government.
• Additional consideration may be given to candidates with specific knowledge or experience in any of the following areas:
  • Quasi-judicial land use and development boards,
  • Information Technology and licensing contracts,
  • Community development, such as governmental gap funding, affordable housing regulations, grant agreements and restrictive covenants,
  • Construction and/or design contracts,
  • Procurement contracts and procedures, and
  • Arts and sustainability.