Assistant Corporation Counsel (Transactional)

Jersey City, City of•Jersey City, NJ

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Law Department of the City of Jersey City seeks an attorney for the Transactional Group. The Assistant Corporation Counsel assists the Corporation Counsel, First Assistant Corporation Counsel, and Transactional Group supervisor with municipal transactional legal work. This includes drafting and negotiating contracts, municipal procurement under the Local Public Contracts Law, and real estate transactions, including purchase and sale agreements and related resolutions or ordinances. The position also advises City departments and officials on municipal legal matters and handles legal issues involving public records and affordable housing. The position is exempt and full-time, with an annual salary of $102,000 to $135,000, based on qualifications and experience. Jersey City offers a competitive retirement and health benefits package. The role allows scheduled telework up to one day per week and, with an approved agreement and Department Director approval, one additional unscheduled telework day per week, subject to operational needs. Employees maintain their normal work hours while teleworking. The successful candidate must eventually pass and qualify for the Civil Service title and is subject to NJ First Act residency requirements.

Requirements

Juris Doctor degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.
Admission to the New Jersey Bar.
Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to draft, review, interpret, and negotiate contracts and other legal documents accurately and with attention to detail.
Ability to analyze statutes, regulations, ordinances, policies, and case law and provide clear, practical legal advice.
Sound legal judgment and ability to identify and evaluate legal risk and turn legal evaluations into actionable items for decision makers.
Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to explain complex legal issues to non-lawyers.
Must eventually pass and qualify for the Civil Service title.
Must meet the residency requirements set forth by NJ First Act.

Nice To Haves

Three or more years in the practice of law.
Experience practicing state or local government, transactional, or commercial law.
Experience drafting, reviewing, or negotiating government contracts, professional service agreements, leases, licenses, purchase and sale agreements, easements, memoranda of understanding, grants, or similar agreements.
Familiarity with New Jersey municipal law and governmental operations.
Familiarity with New Jersey public procurement and contracting requirements, including the Local Public Contracts Law.
Familiarity with the New Jersey Open Public Records Act, common-law right of access, and applicable privileges and exemptions.

Responsibilities

Draft, review, negotiate, and advise on contracts, agreements, memoranda of understanding, licenses, leases, grants, and other transactional documents involving the City.
Advise City departments and officials on procurement, contracting, public bidding, professional services, concessions, land acquisitions and sales, and other municipal transactions.
Review and advise on government-records requests under OPRA and other public-access laws, including evaluating statutory exemptions and privileges and assisting in preparing legally appropriate responses.
Litigate OPRA matters before the Government Records Council and other forums.
Draft, review, and negotiate affordable housing agreements and advise Housing and Economic Development divisions on related issues.
Counsel City departments on interpreting and applying municipal ordinances, state statutes and regulations, City policies, and other legal requirements affecting municipal operations.
Perform other duties as assigned.