Assistant / Senior Assistant City Attorney

City of Bend•Bend, OR

30d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Bend is accepting applications for one (1) full-time Assistant City Attorney or Senior Assistant Attorney position, commensurate with experience. The City is open to filling the position at either classification level, and applicants who meet the qualifications for either level are encouraged to apply. This is a FLSA exempt (overtime in-eligible), non-represented position. The City may use this job posting to create an eligibility list for future hiring purposes. The Assistant / Senior Assistant City Attorney plays a key role in helping shape the future of one of Oregon’s fastest growing and most vibrant communities. In this position, you will provide legal counsel to the City Council, City Manager, City staff, and City advisory bodies; conduct legal research; draft a variety of legal documents, pleadings, and opinions; and represent the City in courts, administrative proceedings, and other forums. As part of a collaborative and high-performing organization, you will work on a diverse range of complex and impactful legal matters. Staff in the City Attorney’s Office are integral members of the City’s leadership team. The City Attorney’s Office prides itself on providing excellent legal services as well as critical thinking and strategic advice to the entire City organization.

Requirements

Knowledge of legal principles and understanding of Oregon law, or ability to learn quickly
Researching, interpreting and credibly explaining policies, procedures, codes, laws, and regulations
Making persuasive legal presentations and arguments
Problem solving and risk assessment (analyzing situations, identifying alternative solutions, projecting consequences of actions, and recommending appropriate actions)
Communicating effectively, both orally and in writing, with staff, department heads, contractors, other agencies, public officials, courts, administrative tribunals and the general public
Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with employees, public officials, other agencies and the general public
Participating in a team approach to analyzing and solving legal problems and issues
Drafting and interpreting legal documents and making presentations
Taking initiative and being innovative in approaches on legal issues under the direction of the City Attorney
Seeing connections between clients and providing proactive advice; helping clients think long-term
Working effectively in a public and political setting, particularly with the City Council
Establishing and maintaining the confidence and trust of public officials and varied clients in multiple City departments
Working independently and comfortably in areas of responsibility
Modeling and promoting trust, integrity and professionalism
Handling multiple tasks simultaneously and prioritizing work effectively
Quickly learning and grasping new concepts without a great deal of training
Ability to coordinate and participate in litigation
Perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation
Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an accredited school of law
Member in good standing of the Oregon State Bar Association or ability to obtain within a reasonable amount of time following appointment.
Current and valid Driver's license per City policies outlined in the Employee Handbook.

Nice To Haves

Assistant City Attorney: Recent graduate or newer attorney (0-5 years) or equivalent experience that provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability to perform the essential functions of the job.
Assistant City Attorney: At least one year of experience as a practicing attorney.
Assistant City Attorney: Some municipal or public sector law experience.
Senior Assistant City Attorney: 4 or more years of experience as a practicing attorney, or equivalent experience that provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability to perform the essential functions of the job.
Senior Assistant City Attorney: Municipal or public sector law experience, specifically in the areas of land use, construction (capital improvements) and procurement, real property and property acquisition, eminent domain, general advice work for government, or similar work for private entity clients that engage in public contracting or interact with governmental entities.
Senior Assistant City Attorney: Some experience at the Land Use Board of Appeals, municipal, state, and/or federal court is desirable, but not required.

Responsibilities

Provide professional legal services to the City under direction and guidance of the City Attorney, Deputy City Attorney, and Senior Assistant City Attorneys.
As directed by the City Attorney, attend City Council, Planning Commission and other City committee/board meetings and work sessions to address legal issues and provide advice on compliance with public meetings, records and ethics laws, and meeting/hearing procedures.
Participate in meetings with City staff, applicants/developers, community members and other agencies relating to City business.
Provide legal advice to staff regarding implementation of Council goals and City and department strategic plans.
Assist or take lead in competently drafting contracts, ordinances, resolutions, intergovernmental agreements, property transaction documents and legal memoranda.
Provide day-to-day legal advice to the City Manager, City department heads and staff including Community Development, Engineering, Police, Fire, Finance, Accessibility & Equity, Communications, City Recorder, Code Enforcement, Procurement, Water Services, Transportation & Mobility, Airport, and Affordable Housing.
As directed by the City Attorney, participate in litigation involving the City, including proceedings in Municipal Court, Land Use Board of Appeals; Circuit Court, District Court and Appellate Court. Typical duties include research and trial preparation, drafting of pleadings, motions and briefs.
Senior Assistant City Attorney may have leadership and mentoring opportunities and responsibilities.
Attend City Council, Planning Commission and other public meetings or work sessions as directed by the City Attorney; provide legal advice as requested and provide advice on compliance with public meetings, records and hearings procedures.
Act as lead attorney for various departments as assigned by the City Attorney.
Review documents, assist in drafting and developing contracts, agreements, ordinances, resolutions, intergovernmental agreements, property transaction documents, and legal memoranda, to assure legal protection for the City in conformance with applicable local, state and federal laws.
As directed by the City Attorney, participate in civil litigation involving the City, including matters before the Land Use Board of Appeals, Municipal Court, Circuit Court, District Court and Appellate Court as assigned.
Research, prepare, and/or defend cases, draft pleadings, motions, and briefs, and recommend decisions regarding litigation strategy.
Work closely with the City Attorney and City Manager to provide legal advice to all City departments, implement City strategic planning and Council goals.
Attend Council meetings as lead attorney when City Attorney is not available.
Fundamentally, advance and protect the interests of the City and its citizens in all matters in a growing, increasingly complex city.