City Attorney - City of Rutland

Gallagher, Flynn & Company•Rutland, VT

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

This is a great opportunity to serve as legal counsel for the City of Rutland, its city officials, employees, boards and commissions and to make a positive impact on the City. The City Attorney supports the enforcement of city ordinances, regulations and by-laws and represents the City in civil litigation cases. This is an appointed position which can be re-appointed every two (2) years and requires the approval of the Board of Aldermen.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school or a Bachelor’s Degree and completion in a law office study program , including at least five (5) years of extensive experience in legal practice.
Public law practice experience preferred.
Licensed to practice law in the state of Vermont.
Must be able to effectively and accurately draft memoranda, litigation documents, agreements, new ordinances and policy initiatives.
Prior supervisory experience leading a team of 2-3 individuals.
Ability to plan, coordinate and effectively supervise work of others.
Must be able to provide constructive feedback aimed at helping employees improve their job performance and development.
Demonstrates above average knowledge and skill with Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe.
A high degree of accuracy, neatness, integrity, tact and courtesy.
Ability to learn and comprehend laws, ordinances, codes and regulations applicable to the operations of the municipality.
Ability to plan, develop and implement office procedures and make decisions regarding priorities and work schedules.
Must be able to work in a team environment, while also being self-directed.
Must have strong verbal and written communication skills.
Must be able to interact well with office staff and the public.
Must be able to work evenings to attend committee and board meetings.
Must be comfortable with public speaking and making presentations.
Complies with punctuality and attendance expectations of the department.
Schedules time off appropriately and ensures that office is adequately staffed at all times during operating hours.
Must have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
Must be capable of successfully completing a background check.

Nice To Haves

Public law practice experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Serves as the chief legal counsel for the City of Rutland
Performs thorough and accurate legal and policy research and analysis
Provides general legal and policy advice to the Mayor, Board of Aldermen, City Departments as well as various city boards and commissions
Drafts and reviews legal documents (including agreements and contracts), ordinances, and other rules and regulations
Performs the role of lead negotiator during collective bargaining discussions with the City’s four (4) bargaining units.
Handles pre-work and preparation in advance of negotiations
Works with Human Resources to review, revise and draft work place policies
Provides support and counsel to Human Resources, Mayor, department heads and union leadership to resolve grievances and other employee relations issues
Reviews and coordinates responses to all public record requests received by the City of Rutland
Ensures compliance with matters such as Open Meeting Laws; Municipal Ethics, etc.
Negotiates and prepares documents for real estate transactions and provide legal advice relating to development activities involving the city
Represents the City during litigation including all aspects of pleadings, discovery, negotiation, settlement, trial and appeals
Procures outside legal counsel either directly or in consultation with representatives of the Vermont League of Cities and Towns to address specific or specialized concerns and issues
Regularly attend board and commission meetings for purposes of providing real-time advice and guidance (Board meetings are held twice a month on Mondays)
Prepares or oversees the preparation of resolutions and related communications for action by the boards and committees
Coordinates covered insurance claims and lawsuits with the City’s insurance carrier
Performs duties of traffic Court Judge
Develops and administers the budget for the Legal Department
Supervises legal department staff including legal interns, administrative support and Assistant City Attorney

Benefits

Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance with an HRA (effective the 1st of the month after completing 30 full days of employment)
Dental and vision coverage
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Participation in the Vermont Municipal Employees' Retirement System (VEMRS)
Generous time off with a focus on work/life balance
14 paid holidays annually
Bereavement leave
Education and tuition reimbursement opportunities
Relocation package available
Employees at the City of Rutland enjoy a supportive workplace culture focused on professional growth, community impact, and maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life.