Assistant Director of Law

City Of Cleveland Heights • South Euclid, OH

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

An Assistant Director of Law provides professional legal services for the City of Cleveland Heights, its boards, commissions, officers, and departments. ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: The Assistant Director of Law provides sophisticated legal counsel and representation to the City and its officials, boards and commissions which may include the handling of civil matters, legal research, preparation of legislation, preparation and review of contracts, labor and employment issues, public records response, administrative appeals, litigation including court representation in municipal, state, and federal courts, and other duties as assigned. Some prosecution/criminal matters may be involved but are not the primary focus. In addition, the Assistant Director of Law participates in researching, reviewing and developing City policies and procedures. This list of duties and responsibilities is not comprehensive and is for purposes of illustration only. Strong working knowledge of employment laws including ADA, FMLA and Title VII, familiarity with public sector labor issues and experience with day-to-day HR counseling strongly preferred. Experience with land use/zoning including administrative procedures and code enforcement also desirable.

Requirements

• J.D.
• Minimum three (3) years of prior experience in a municipal or other public sector law department or representation of public entities
• Ohio Bar license in good standing
• Admission to practice before the United States District Court, Northern District of Ohio, may be required
• Knowledge of: Ohio municipal law, basic Home Rule, familiarity with tort immunity/ORC Chapter 2744
• Familiarity with Sunshine Law (Open meetings and public records)
• Open meetings and public records laws
• Court procedures including pleading requirements, discovery practice, rules of court, and evidentiary rules
• Ethics laws and Rules of Professional Conduct
• Legal research and writing and associated software (Microsoft Office; Westlaw; etc.)
• Ability to: Analyze City legal issues, which are often complex and technical, and render competent and practical professional legal advice
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
• Represent the City in administrative and judicial proceedings at the administrative, trial, and appellate level
• Prepare appropriate pleadings, motions, legal briefs and other documents in litigation matters
• Draft a variety of legal documents including contracts, deeds, mortgages, and ordinances and resolutions of Council
• Demonstrate initiative and independence while complying with departmental expectations and policies
• Establish and maintain cooperative professional relationships as a member of the Law Department team and within City Hall
• Interact professionally and respectfully with City officials, coworkers, office support staff, outside agencies and attorneys, and the general public

Nice To Haves

• Strong working knowledge of employment laws including ADA, FMLA and Title VII, familiarity with public sector labor issues and experience with day-to-day HR counseling strongly preferred
• Experience with land use/zoning including administrative procedures and code enforcement also desirable

Responsibilities

• Handling of civil matters
• Legal research
• Preparation of legislation
• Preparation and review of contracts
• Labor and employment issues
• Public records response
• Administrative appeals
• Litigation including court representation in municipal, state, and federal courts
• Participates in researching, reviewing and developing City policies and procedures

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees