Staff Attorney

The City of Monroe is seeking a qualified and motivated individual to serve as City Staff Attorney.  This position requires a license to practice law in North Carolina.   An employee in this classification provides legal advice and representation to the City and its departments, offices, elected officials, boards, commissions and agencies on a wide range of legal matters.  Responsibilities include a range of administrative and contractual services in support of City government operations in areas including, but not limited to, legal research, review and response to public records requests, investigations, public contracting, land use and zoning, personnel/labor matters, and general City government.  The Staff Attorney will work under the supervision of the City Attorney assisting in providing day-to-day legal services to City management and departments with considerable leeway to exercise independent judgment within the framework of applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures in the performance of duties.   This is a full-time position offering the opportunity to work in a fast-paced, public-sector environment.

An employee in this class performs professional legal work in support of the Monroe City Council and other boards and departments for the City.  The employee has the responsibility for providing legal advice to City staff and various City departments on day-to-day matters, ensuring compliance with all applicable codes, rules, regulations, standards, policies, procedures, and local, state, and federal laws.  The Staff Attorney will report to the City Manager.  All legal work will be completed under the direction of the City Attorney, including coordination of legal work and guidance on legal issues.   The Staff Attorney will coordinate with the City Attorney to ensure that appropriate and timely legal services are provided to support City operations and activities.  Performance will be reviewed by the City Manager through periodic conferences and reports, in consultation with the City Attorney, who is appointed by the Council.  The employee must exercise considerable initiative and independent judgment in various phases of work and is responsible for updating and keeping the City Attorney and City Management informed as to all legal matters assigned.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide legal advice to the City Manager, Department Heads, and Staff, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal laws, in consultation with the City Attorney.
• Assist in interpreting statutes, regulations, ordinances, and policies affecting the City.
• Review, draft, and negotiate a variety of documents including contracts, agreements, ordinances, resolutions, policies, deeds, leases, reimbursement agreements, interlocal agreements, grant agreements, memoranda of understanding, and other legal documents; review and offer legal advice as to the legal acceptability of such documents.
• Ensure all legal documentation is consistent with City policies and applicable ordinances and laws; recommend changes in policies and procedures in order to meet legal requirements.
• Attend as requested and represent the City’s various advisory boards and statutory boards including the Planning Board, Board of Adjustment, Tourism Development Authority, Airport Advisory Board and more as required by the City Manager and City Attorney. 
• Analyze and identify legal procedures relevant to departments and boards and deliver training to ensure proper understanding and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Assist the City Attorney and outside counsel with litigation matters by conducting legal research, drafting pleadings, and gathering evidence.
• Represent the City in minor legal matters, as directed by the City Attorney.
• Assist the City Attorney with drafting resolutions, ordinances, and agenda items as requested; may be assigned to provide legal advice at City Council meetings and/or attend meetings of various boards or attend public hearings as directed.
• Monitor and analyze proposed and enacted state and federal legislation affecting City operations. Update the City Attorney, City Manager, and relevant departments on important legislative changes. 
• Assist with and provide support to staff regarding economic development activities. 
• Receive, organize, track, and respond to requests from City staff on legal matters.
• Provide legal advice and direction based on Federal and State regulations regarding procurement matters, Request for Proposals/Qualifications, etc. as needed.
• Ensure the terms and conditions of grant agreements are acceptable and other legal implications are considered.
• Work closely and collaborate with the City Attorney on strategic legal matters, seeking guidance when needed.
• Collaborate with various City departments, ensuring departments are informed and compliant with legal requirements.
• Provide regular updates to the City Attorney on ongoing legal matters, challenges faced, and the status of tasks.
• Participate in meetings with the City Attorney for briefing and guidance. 
• Engage in continuous learning to stay updated with legal trends, court decisions, and changes that affect City government operations. 
• Participate in training and professional development as directed by the City Attorney.
• Assist outside counsel to ensure consistent understanding and preparation for legal issues and procedures. 
• Identify training needs of City employees related to preventative measures to reduce legal exposure for various departments and notify the City Attorney and City management of training needs.
• Attend continuing legal education conferences and workshops relevant to the duties as Staff Attorney, and which also satisfy the NC State Bar requirements to maintain a law license.
• Perform related duties as directed.

• Knowledge of case, statutory, regulatory, and common law in areas related to City government, and State and Federal Constitutional law.
• Knowledge of judicial and quasi-judicial procedures and the rules of evidence.
• Knowledge of open meeting and public records laws.
• Ability to interpret and apply constitutional provisions, statutes, administrative regulations, court decisions and other precedents.
• Ability to research and analyze facts, evidence, and legal instruments.
• Ability to express conclusions and arguments clearly and logically in oral and written forms.
• Ability to maintain professional working relationships with City elected officials, City Manager and Department Heads, judges, other attorneys, other employees, and the general public.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and appropriately escalate matters to the City Attorney or City Manager when necessary.
• Ability to demonstrate integrity, resourcefulness, accuracy, thoroughness and the physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position, while maintaining an ethical standard of care.
• Skill in public and interpersonal relations.
• Skill in prioritizing work activities and multi-tasking while under pressure.

Desirable Education and Experience:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.  Licensed and in good standing to practice law in the State of North Carolina, including completion of the State Bar required hours of annual CLE credits.
• The ideal candidate will have three (3) years’ experience in the practice of law with litigation, mediation, and related trial court experience or municipal government law.
• Strong research, analytical, and oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with the City Attorney, City Manager, and other City departments.
• Use computer applications or other automated systems such as spreadsheets, word processing, calendar, e-mail and database software in performing work assignments.

Possession of a valid North Carolina driver’s license.

All offers of employment are conditional upon successful clearance of a background check and pre-employment drug testing.

Apply online at www.monroenc.org and select Employment Opportunities.
 

The City of Monroe is an EOE/AA/Drug Free Workplace Employer.