Assistant Corporation Counsel

City of Kingston•Kingston, NY

18h•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Kingston is seeking an experienced applicant for the position of Assistant Corporation Counsel. This is professional legal work in the Office of the Corporation Counsel. Attorneys in this role will provide legal counsel to the Mayor, Common Council and City departments and boards, represent the City of Kingston in legal proceedings, collaborate with City leaders and community stakeholders, ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and attend public meetings. Candidates should expect to engage in a broad range of municipal legal work, including civil litigation, enforcement proceedings, vehicle and traffic actions, SEQRA and use matters, real property transactions, and contract negotiation and drafting, etc., as assigned by Corporation Counsel.

Requirements

Graduation from law school with an LL.B or J.D. degree.
Admission to the New York State Bar.
Two years of relevant legal experience.
A license to practice law in New York State.
Reside within 40 miles of the City of Kingston at the time of appointment and throughout employment.
Submit a cover letter, resume, and a writing sample.

Nice To Haves

Experience in municipal law.
Experience in land use.
Experience in SEQRA.
Experience in vehicle and traffic law.
Experience in FOIL.
Experience in preparing and trying cases.
Ability to analyze, appraise, and apply legal principles, facts, and precedents to legal problems.
Ability to develop and maintain good working relationships with City staff at all levels.
Good communication skills.
Exceptional organizational and planning skills.
Knowledge of computer applications such as spreadsheets, word processing, calendar, email and database software and skill in their use.

Responsibilities

Provide legal counsel to the Mayor, Common Council and City departments and boards.
Represent the City of Kingston in legal proceedings.
Collaborate with City leaders and community stakeholders.
Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Attend public meetings.
Engage in a broad range of municipal legal work, including civil litigation, enforcement proceedings, vehicle and traffic actions, SEQRA and use matters, real property transactions, and contract negotiation and drafting, etc., as assigned by Corporation Counsel.
Research and analyze legal questions and issues.
Prepare memoranda and legal opinions.
Review and draft legal documents.
Negotiate contracts and settlement agreements.
Represent the City of Kingston in local, state and federal court.
Attend board and committee meetings.
Identify legal issues and risks across various departments and operations.
Establish work priorities.
Handle sensitive matters on a confidential basis.
Counsel and make recommendations to City department heads and Common Council.
Conduct legal research and draft legal documents.
Juggle multiple projects simultaneously and work independently while consistently meeting deadlines.
Exercise sound judgment, identify and assess problems, and decisively implement appropriate solutions or recommendations.
Perform other duties as assigned by Corporation Counsel.