Assistant City Attorney

City of Burlington, Vermont•Burlington, VT

9h•Hybrid

About The Position

This position is responsible for providing assistance to the City Attorney in providing general legal counsel to the mayor, city council and city departments. This position may also be responsible for enforcing city ordinances, regulations and bylaws and representing the city in civil and criminal litigation cases. This position is an annual mayoral appointment, subject to approval by the city council.

Requirements

Ability to actively support City diversity, equity, and cultural competency efforts within stated job responsibilities and work effectively across diverse cultures and constituencies.
Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion as evidenced by ongoing trainings and professional development.
Juris Doctor or equivalent required.
License to practice law in the State of Vermont required.
Admitted to practice before and in good standing with the Vermont Supreme Court, the U.S. District Court and Second Circuit Court of Appeals, or if not yet admitted, eligible for admission.
Excellent and efficient oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively one-on-one and with groups of various sizes and skills.
Demonstrated ability to provide sound legal advice, exercise good judgment, and solve problems.
Excellent, coherent, and well-organized written communication skills, including the ability to explain and advocate using plain language.
Ability to establish effective relationships with city officials, colleagues, and members of the public.
Ability to work effectively in an advisory capacity with diverse groups of people.
Ability to conduct legal and other types of research and to analyze the results of that research accurately, thoroughly, and efficiently.
Regular attendance at the office and other locations in and outside the city, as needed.
Ability to understand and comply with city standards, safety rules and personnel policies.
Ability to conduct and accurately analyze legal research thoroughly and efficiently
Ability to effectively and accurately draft memoranda, litigation documents, agreements, new ordinances and policy initiatives.
Demonstrated experience in efficient handling of electronic records.
Interest in and ability to analyze and make recommendations on policy initiatives.
Demonstrated comfort with electronic communication, research, and organizational tools.

Responsibilities

Act as an assistant corporation counsel and city attorney for the City of Burlington
Conduct thorough and accurate legal and policy research and analysis
Develop legal opinions and provide general policy advice to city council, the mayor and city departments and boards, as requested
Draft and/or review legal documents (including agreements and contracts), ordinances, and other rules and regulations as required
Coordinate and review public records responses and production and provide advice concerning open meeting law compliance
Negotiate and prepare documents for real estate transactions and provide legal advice relating to development activities involving the city
Enforce city ordinances, regulations and city bylaws in administrative forums and courts
Provide legal advice to city administrative agencies concerning contested cases, as well as the implementation and development of ordinances, regulations, or policies
Represent the city in litigation before state and federal courts and administrative agencies; including all aspects of pleadings, discovery, negotiation, settlement, trial, and appeals
Assist in representing the city in legislative or lobbying activities
Provide staff support to city council committees and other public bodies