Solicitor Senior Counsel

Office of the City Solicitor

Solicitor Senior Counsel 

Posting Expires: Open Until Filled

Salary: Commensurate with experience 

General Description and Classification Standards

This is a specialized attorney position in the Office of the City Solicitor. The attorney in this classification provides leadership in case management for complex and difficult cases, trials, and projects. This classification of attorney has lead responsibilities on all specialized matters that proceed to trial. They provide and assume leadership to subordinate attorneys and staff.

In addition, this classification is required to have particularized knowledge in areas of law that could come within the purview of the Office of the City Solicitor such as litigation, appellate practice, training, real property law and nuisance abatement, local government, research, and grant writing.

Supervision Received

Receives guidance from the Solicitor or his designee(s).

Essential Duties & Responsibilities These are typical responsibilities for this position and should not be construed as exclusive or all inclusive.  May perform other duties as assigned

• Understands the purpose of the organization including its statutory mandate, customers, services, and measures of mission effectiveness.

• Serves as a senior member of the legal staff and is prosecuting all cases on behalf of the city that are tried in the Municipal Court of Atlanta

• Represents the City of Atlanta in all cases brought before the Municipal Court of Atlanta

• Performs all appellate work, including work taken either by way of appeal or certiorari, resulting from either cases tried or commitment hearings in the court.

• Attends and works with police zones, Neighborhood Planning Units (NPU’s), neighborhood association meetings, community cleanups, police and city department details, and special neighborhood events.

• Manages the development, preparation, and/or presentation of research projects, investigations, proceedings, trials or other legal projects as assigned and as directed by the Solicitor or his designee.

• Undertakes and oversees the preparation and presentation of the most significant investigation, trials, research, and other projects within the assigned area.

• Responsible for the timely processing of all matters assigned and as directed by the Solicitor or his designee.

• The Senior Counsel provides substantive and procedural advice within the focused area and responds to requests for information from constituencies.
• Independently researches, interprets, and applies legal principles of the most complex nature within the assigned work area.

• May assist in the selection, evaluation, training, and direction of subordinate staff.

• Maintains case, file, and related records to ensure effective completion of projects assigned and assists in the evaluation of the work product. 

• Stays abreast, informs, and keeps persons within his/her areas of responsibility informed concerning the applicable law, rules, procedures, policies, and practices relating to the functions assigned.

• Must have exemplary verbal and written communication skills.

• May perform other similar or related duties which may not be specifically included within this position description, but which are consistent within the general level of the job and the responsibilities described.

Decision Making

Discretionary unless it is a complex or high-profile case.

Leadership Provided

Utilize the knowledge of deputy solicitors to think strategically and to promote positive team behavior.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities This is a partial listing of necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job successfully.  It is not an exhaustive list.

Has thorough knowledge of office policies, procedures, and activities as they pertain to the performance of duties relating to the position of Senior Counsel. Proficient in appellate and post adjudicatory litigation. Has the ability to compile, organize, prepare and maintain an assortment of records, reports and information in an effective manner and according to departmental and/or governmental regulations. Has comprehensive knowledge of the terminology used within the department, as well as, specific types of misconduct. Has comprehensive knowledge of city ordinance violations, misdemeanor violations, and felony offenses and an understanding of cross-charging. Has the ability to utilize independent judgment in routine and unpredictable situations. Has the ability to plan, organize and prioritize daily assignments and work activities. Has an excellent working knowledge of criminal law and procedure, as well as court room procedure and methods, as required in the performance of duties. Ability to use a variety of computer tools and specialized data systems. Required to respond to inquiries or complaints from the general public, other governmental agencies and city departments, law enforcement, and other attorneys.

Minimum Qualifications – Education and Experience

Law degree required.

7 years of experience in areas of expertise and could include traffic, criminal, and government law.

Preferred Qualifications – Education and Experience

Law degree required and 10 years of experience in areas of expertise and could include traffic, criminal, and government law.

Licensures and Certifications

Valid State Bar License of Georgia.

Essential Capabilities and Work Environment

Required physical, lifting, and sensory capabilities are requirements to perform the job successfully. Typical environmental conditions associated with job.

Physical and Lifting Capabilities
Standing: Frequently (Less than 1/3 of work time)
Walking: Frequently (Less than 1/3 of work time)
Sitting: Frequently (1/3 to 2/3 of work time)
Climbing or Balancing: Frequently (Less than 1/3 of work time)
Stooping or Kneeling:  Occasionally (Less than 1/3 of work time)
Crouching or Crawling: None or Occasionally (Less than 1/3 of work time)
Reaching / working overhead: Frequently (Less than 1/3 of work time)
Use of stairs or ladders: Frequently (Less than 1/3 of work time)
Lifting - Up to 20 pounds: Frequently (Less than 1/3 of work time)
Lifting - Up to 50 pounds: None or Occasionally (Less than 1/3 of work time)
Lifting - Up to 100 pounds: None or Occasionally (Less than 1/3 of work time)
Lifting - Over 100 pounds: None or Occasionally (Less than 1/3 of work time)