Assistant or Senior Attorney - Civil Litigation

City of Topeka•Topeka, KS

18d

About The Position

The City of Topeka’s Legal department is seeking a licensed attorney to join its Civil Litigation team. The position performs legal research, analyzes applicable law, and drafts correspondence, pleadings, and other legal documents on behalf of the City. The role will be filled at the Assistant Attorney or Senior Attorney level, depending on the selected candidate’s qualifications. The attorney represents the City and its employees, officers, and elected officials in arbitrations, administrative proceedings, and civil litigation. The position also investigates, evaluates, and manages tort claims filed with the City, and assists with or provides training to City departments on tort claims and discovery responses. The Assistant Attorney level requires demonstrated experience in the legal field. Two years of experience in the legal profession as a licensed attorney or intern is preferred. The Senior Attorney level requires at least five years of professional law experience in a relevant field, preferably in the public sector; supervisory experience is preferred. The annual entry salary is $65,781–$71,000 for Assistant Attorney and $96,309–$106,000 for Senior Attorney, depending on qualifications. The City of Topeka offers a comprehensive benefits package. Applicants must pass an extensive background check, including a Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) background check. The City of Topeka is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
License to practice law in the state of Kansas.
Pass an extensive background check, including a Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) background check.
Assistant Attorney: demonstrated experience in the legal field.
Senior Attorney: at least five years of professional law experience in a relevant field.

Nice To Haves

Assistant Attorney: two years of experience in the legal profession as a licensed attorney or intern.
Senior Attorney: relevant professional law experience in the public sector.
Senior Attorney: supervisory experience.
Knowledge of civil litigation best practices, including discovery techniques, brief writing, and oral argument.
Strong organization and time-management skills.
Ability to prioritize tasks and exercise sound judgment.
Excellent communication skills, including the ability to explain statutes, ordinances, policies, and procedures to all levels of the community and organization.

Responsibilities

Represent the City and its employees, officers, and elected officials in arbitrations, administrative proceedings, and civil litigation.
Investigate, evaluate, and manage tort claims filed with the City.
Assist with or provide training to City departments on tort claims and discovery responses.
Perform legal research and analyze applicable law.
Draft correspondence, pleadings, and other legal documents on behalf of the City.