Assistant Town Attorney

Town of Chapel Hill•Chapel Hill, NC

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

A Town employee that reports to and works at the direction of the Town Attorney. The Assistant Town Attorney will handle a wide variety of legal matters. The attorney will work with a variety of stakeholders including the Town Manager’s office, department heads, and the Town Council, and will aid the Town in its service to a highly engaged community. This is the ideal job for a local government law generalist who shares the Town of Chapel Hill values of equity, inclusion, and social justice. NOTE: This position may close without notice.

Requirements

Knowledge of North Carolina laws, especially as they pertain to municipal governments
Ability to work autonomously with minimal supervision
Use web-based software systems
Use Microsoft Office Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, or similar tools
Solve problems and make sound decisions
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and customers
Communicate effectively orally and in writing
Use strong verbal and writing skills.
Use strong research, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Model behavior that is consistent with the Town’s RESPECT values.
A Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited school of law is required.
A minimum of 10 years of experience as a practicing attorney performing relevant, high-level legal work; or comparable legal teaching experience; or a combination thereof.
A valid NC driver’s license and the availability of private transportation or the ability to provide transportation between job sites is required.
License to practice law in North Carolina in good standing, or licensure reciprocity.

Nice To Haves

History of strong academic achievement preferred.
Experience in local government or public entity law, particularly North Carolina municipal law.
Experience with contract law; land use and zoning law; employment law; and/or litigation, quasi-judicial proceedings, and/or administrative hearings.
Licensure in North Carolina preferred.

Responsibilities

Provides daily legal counsel to Town Council, the Town Manager, and Town departments on nearly all aspects of the Town’s work, represents the Town in judicial and administrative proceedings, and advises selected Town boards and commissions.
Participates, over time, in nearly all aspects of the office’s work, from reviewing contracts, to advising on land use and zoning matters, to advising on employment matters, negotiating settlements, to drafting and revising ordinances and policies.
Exercises independent judgment and initiative and must communicate promptly, courteously, and clearly about Town legal matters.
Completes all other duties as assigned.