Assistant City Attorney

City of Madison, AL•Madison, AL

47d•Hybrid

About The Position

The purpose of this job classification is to provide legal services to the City of Madison under the direction of the City Attorney, primarily representing the city in civil matters. Within this classification are two (2) positional assignments, Corporate Services and Prosecution Services. The specific duties for Corporate Services are set forth below, though this position may also be called upon by the City Attorney to perform the duties of the Prosecution Services position on an occasional or temporary basis if the best interests of the municipal client so require.

Requirements

Must have been conferred a Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school.
Knowledge of federal, local, and state law as related to a multi-faceted municipal corporate practice
Ability to communicate confidently, intelligently, and effectively, both verbally and in writing, with a broad range of individuals.
Skilled at making sound, reliable independent decision-making ability in multiple areas of municipal law.
Ability to analyze and evaluate complex factual and legal issues and then interpret and apply local, state and federal legal principles, often without immediate direct oversight.
Ability to proficiently perform complex legal research, often with very little advance notice.
Ability to maintain a high level of discretion and ability to maintain confidential and sensitive information.
Requires the ability to read a variety of legal, technical, financial, and administrative documentation, directions, instructions, and methods and procedures.
Requires the ability to learn, understand, and apply complex legal principles, procedures, and processes quickly and to make independent judgments thereon in the absence of supervision.
Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes in using automated office equipment and motor vehicles.
Requires the ability to talk, express, or exchange ideas by means of spoken words and/or hear and perceive nature of sounds by ear.
Must maintain a strong driving record for city insurance purposes and permit the City's periodic inspection thereof.
Must represent the City exclusively and maintain no other office or client list.

Nice To Haves

Preference may be given to those with at least five (5) years of increasingly responsible related experience in the practice of municipal law in Alabama.

Responsibilities

Researches, analyzes, composes, and drafts a wide variety of complex legal and administrative documents, including contracts, competitive purchasing offerings, deeds, ordinances, resolutions, and correspondence, and utilizes appropriate legal and/or business formatting, punctuation, spelling, and grammar.
Researches, interprets, and prepares memoranda regarding federal and state laws and municipal ordinances pertaining to the various subcategories of legal issues within municipal law for general information purposes as well as for specific issue-related purposes.
At the direction of the City Attorney, confers with elected officials and department heads to assist in the preparation of legal documents, ordinances, and resolutions for City Council agenda packets.
At the direction of the City Attorney, represents the city in civil litigation to enforce contracts, insurance policies, permits, and ordinances; files appropriate actions relating to the collection of debts owed to City; assists in the defense of legal claims against the City; represents department heads and the Mayor in employee disciplinary proceedings.
Assists the City Attorney in the provision of legal guidance to elected officials and employees on various municipal issues.
At the direction of the City Attorney, attends meetings and work sessions of the City Council, Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment, Historical Preservation Commission, and other City boards and committees; provides advice on legal questions that may arise before, during, or after meetings.
Conducts investigations and/or inquiries at the request of the City Attorney on behalf of the Mayor, City Council, or Department Heads.
Attends meetings, seminars, and training sessions to remain knowledgeable of departmental operations, to promote improved departmental performance, and advises various departments on changing state and municipal laws, policies, and regulations; participates in governmental and professional organizations and committees.
Coordinates with clerical and supports staff pertaining to specific task assignments.