Assistant City Attorney I

The City of Arvada (CO) • Arvada, CO

341d

About The Position

The Arvada City Attorney's Office is looking for a motivated attorney to join a close-knit, talented legal team responsible for providing in-house legal services to a municipal corporation. This position will work primarily as a municipal court prosecutor managing a docket of misdemeanor and traffic cases, however, it carries with it the opportunity to expand and develop skills in other areas of law. We are seeking someone who is engaged, driven to pursue public service, and who can work respectfully and cooperatively with other City team members, defendants, defense attorneys, and members of the public. We offer meaningful work that will enable you to make an immediate impact on the lives of those in our community, an unusually diverse array of professional development opportunities that will allow you to expand your skills in a variety of legal disciplines, and a work environment that supports a healthy work-life balance.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree; JD
• Admitted to practice (i.e., passed bar examination; licensed to practice) in Colorado
• One year legal experience

Nice To Haves

• Two or more years of municipal law experience or the equivalent is preferred.
• Some trial experience in both bench and jury trials at the local level is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Performs professional legal work on behalf of the city from within the office of the City Attorney.
• Performs legal research, writes briefs, memoranda, and legal opinions in conjunction with work in the scope of the position's assigned authority.
• Acts as a legal resource for and advisor to city employees, including sworn and civilian enforcement personnel on the interpretation and enforcement of city ordinances, policies, and rules, as well as other local, state, and federal statutes or regulations.
• Assists with the preparation of information for more experienced attorneys and other city team members.
• Assesses municipal court cases, prepares plea offers and engages in plea negotiations, interviews and prepares witnesses, prepares all pleadings, presents cases in court, and handles appeals of municipal court cases.
• Prepares and presents cases to a hearing officer in administrative case matters (e.g., tow hearings).
• Assists departments with legal matters. Investigates claims and complaints by or against the city regarding violation of city ordinances.
• Assists with boards, commissions, or regulatory authorities work (prosecuting Liquor Authority or Building Code Advisory Board cases).
• Researches and prepares materials for, and may assist with or engages in training for client departments.
• Reviews and approves or assists in drafting contracts.
• Researches inquiries about ordinances, policies, and rules; provides information and assistance to the drafting attorney throughout the drafting process.
• Is responsible for helping ensure the success of everyone on the Legal team.
• Works with and provides technical assistance to law clerks to improve clerks' work product.
• May be called upon to provide occasional backup assistance for an Assistant City Attorney II or Senior Assistant City Attorney.
• Responds to inquiries from the public as appropriate.
• Exercises the appropriate independent judgment and initiative to make decisions within the scope of the position's assigned authority and that support organizational objectives.
• Demonstrates a respectful attitude toward customers and coworkers that promotes teamwork, open communication, and effective customer service.
• Acts with the customer in mind; responds promptly to internal and external customer requests; driven to provide effective services or solutions for customers.

Benefits

• Equal Pay for Equal Work
• Professional development opportunities
• Healthy work-life balance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees