Assistant City Attorney

City of Gastonia•Gastonia, NC

12h

About The Position

The Assistant City Attorney performs complex professional and administrative legal work on behalf of the City of Gastonia. The position provides legal advice and counsel, prepares and reviews legal documents, and represents the City in state and federal trial and appellate courts and in administrative proceedings, as assigned. Work is performed under the general supervision of the City Attorney and Deputy City Attorney, with professional judgment and discretion exercised in carrying out assigned responsibilities. The role advises City officials, departments, and staff on municipal operations, legal responsibilities, statutory authority, and compliance with applicable laws. It reviews proposed City actions and operations, drafts and interprets legal documents, supports litigation and administrative proceedings, advises City boards and commissions, conducts legal research, and communicates legal opinions and recommendations. Related work may be assigned. The hiring range is $106,650–$127,965.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school.
North Carolina law license and admission to the state bar.
Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license with an acceptable driving history.
Must comply with established safety policies, procedures, and safe work practices, including wearing and maintaining required personal protective equipment.
Final candidates may be required to participate in reference checks; an employment offer is contingent on satisfactory completion and review of a criminal background check and drug screening, consistent with City policy and applicable law.

Nice To Haves

Three or more years of municipal, other governmental, or real property law experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Provides legal advice and counsel to City officials, departments, and staff regarding municipal operations, legal responsibilities, statutory authority, and compliance with local, state, and federal laws.
Reviews proposed City actions, policies, procedures, and operations for legal compliance, applying relevant legal principles.
Drafts, reviews, and interprets contracts, deeds, ordinances, resolutions, policies, leases, releases, agreements, and other legal documents to protect the City's interests and ensure compliance.
Reviews departmental contracts, procurement activities, and related agreements for compliance with state procurement statutes, City policies, and City Council-approved resolutions.
Assists with or independently manages assigned litigation and administrative proceedings, including preparing pleadings, conducting legal research, developing case strategies, and representing the City before judicial and quasi-judicial bodies.
Attends meetings of City boards and commissions, as assigned, and provides legal guidance on procedural requirements, statutory authority, regulatory compliance, and matters under consideration.
Conducts legal research using modern legal research platforms; monitors changes in legislation, regulations, and judicial decisions affecting municipal government; and evaluates their potential impact on City operations.
Prepares and communicates legal opinions, recommendations, and complex legal information clearly and effectively, orally and in writing.
Maintains effective professional relationships with City officials, employees, court personnel, members of the legal community, and the public while exercising sound legal judgment, discretion, and professionalism.
Performs related work as assigned.