City Attorney

A City Attorney, under the general direction and supervision of the City Administrator, performs a variety of complex, high level administrative, technical and professional legal work in prosecuting violations of municipal ordinances, coordinates civil lawsuits, prepares legal documents, advises City employees and elected officials as to legal rights and obligations, and practices other phases of applicable local, state and federal law.

(Essential functions, as defined under the Americans With Disabilities Act, may vary among positions, but may include the following tasks, knowledge, abilities, skills, and other characteristics.  This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of tasks performed by all positions in this classification.)

- Provides leadership and direction in the development of short- and long-range plans; gathers, interprets, and prepares data for presentation and recommendations; and coordinates legal department activities with other departments and agencies as needed.  

- Confers with colleagues with specialty in area of law to establish and verify basis for legal proceedings; serves as a liaison between outside legal counsel and City employees and elected officials on specialized legal issues.  

- Prepares a variety of memorandums for decision-making purposes.

- Provides professional advice to the City Council and department Directors; makes presentations to City Council, boards, commissions, and the general public.  Advises City officials of changes to state or federal laws affecting City operations.  Interprets laws, rulings, and regulations for City employees and elected officials.

- Performs general management duties for the City Administrator as assigned.

- Attends all meetings of the City Council, Board of Water and Sewer Commissioners, Board of Solid Waste, Planning and Zoning Commission or any other meeting created by state statute or as designated by the City Administrator.  

- Advises the City Council of legal conditions and current and future trends and issues legal opinions.  Prepares and submits to the City Council such information as may be required by that body or as designated by the City Administrator.

- Reviews and approves ordinances, resolutions and contracts as to legal form; and provides legal advice as to substance.  Drafts ordinances, resolutions, contracts, agreements, renewals, deeds, leases, franchises, easements, liens, releases, etc.; and reviews documents prepared by other agencies or entities.  Assists department Directors to comply with laws, rules and ordinances.

- Represents the City in court and before quasi-judicial or administrative agencies of government.  Prepares legal briefs, develops strategy, arguments and testimony in preparation for presentation of cases.  Files briefs with court.  Gathers evidence in civil, criminal, and other proceedings to formulate defenses or to initiate legal action.  

- Conducts research, and prepares court case witnesses, exhibits and other details in preparation for trials.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

- Knowledge of current policies and practices of municipal law and public administration.

- Knowledge of state statutes relating to municipal affairs and laws involving the purchase of goods and services, contracting, labor, employment, land use, environment and traffic.

- Skill in preparing briefs and other legal documents.

- Skill in operating personal computer, including word processing (Word) spreadsheet programs (Excel, e-filing, email, calendaring, remote meetings, scanners, and other office equipment.

- Ability to prepare and analyze comprehensive legal documents.

- Ability to carry out assigned projects to completion.

- Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City employees, City officials, the court system, and the general public.

- Ability to efficiently and effectively administer a municipal legal department.