City Attorney

The City of Spring Hill Kansas•Spring Hill, KS

1d•$136,406 - $213,616•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the supervision of the City Administrator, the City Attorney is an exempt position under FLSA. This employee is a member of the City’s Leadership Team and is responsible for providing comprehensive legal services, representing the City in lawsuits, drafting ordinance violations and contracts as well as legal opinions. This employee acts as the Chief Legal Officer for the City, supervising the City Clerk and overseeing compliance with the Kansas Open Records Act and Kansas Open Meetings Act, and providing legal counsel to City Officials and Staff to ensure proper management of municipal risks and compliance with local, state and federal laws. This employee is responsible for reviewing and interpreting City Code and providing opinions to staff regarding land use, zoning, labor and employment relations matters, insurance or risk legal liability, etc. Responsibilities also include overseeing Community Services. The City Attorney does not perform prosecutorial, public defender or judicial services. The City Attorney oversees bond counsel but does not provides bond counsel or public financing services. This employee should possess a comprehensive knowledge of municipal law, excellent communication, organizational, project management, research, case management and public relations skills.

Requirements

Juris Doctor degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association required
Member of the State of Kansas Bar association in good standing required
Valid driver’s license is required
Five years experience with substantial background in municipal, public or local government law required
A thorough knowledge of the legal profession principles and practices as applied to municipal, public or local government law
Proficiency in land use, zoning, employment law, public finance and constitutional law
Able to acquire a thorough knowledge of City policies and procedures
Strong legal research, analytical skills, drafting ability, negotiation and communication skills
Capable of supervising employees within own department and providing training to employees City-wide
Ability to operate computers, printers, photocopiers, desk and cell phones, and other office equipment
The ability to advocate, negotiate, understand and anticipate problems, to develop and enforce policies and budgets, to interpret data and develop concepts to explain findings, and to read and interpret written documents, federal, state, and local environmental regulations and reports is required
Excellent supervisory skills, organizational, management, oral and written communication skills
Proven leader; relationship builder with a collaborative approach, relatable communicator with a strong ability to explain complex legal concepts to non-legal audiences and superior listening skills
Must be able to professionally and effectively communicate with citizens and elected officials
Thorough knowledge of the legal field
Excellent analytical, research, public relation, organizational , oral and written communication skills
Ability to read and comprehend city, state and federal regulations and laws
Ability to work on several projects at once while demonstrating diplomacy and judgement along with excellent organizational skills
Independent problem solving is a major factor in this position
Independent decision making is a major factor in this position
Exercises frequent supervision over subordinate personnel (if applicable)
Responsible for department equipment and resources
Has authority to purchase necessary department equipment and supplies
Participates in the annual budget process
Daily contact with co-workers, subordinate personnel and the City Administrator, along with occasional contact with the organization's Governing Body and citizens

Nice To Haves

Oversees bond counsel but does not provides bond counsel or public financing services
The City Attorney does not perform prosecutorial, public defender or judicial services

Responsibilities

Provides leadership, management and direction to the Mayor, City Council and City Staff on all components of municipal law and legal matters relating to City operations
Prepares and reviews ordinances, resolutions, contracts, deeds, easements, bonds, and other legal documents
Represents the City, or supervises outside counsel, in civil litigation, lawsuits, administrative, tort and eminent domain proceedings
Manages legal risks and overseas outside counsel when specialized legal services are required, such as retained litigation counsel, bond counsel, and municipal court officers
When applicable, leads, supervises and evaluates personnel towards the improvement of programs, processes and procedures to increase efficiency, effectiveness and productivity
Drafts, negotiates, and reviews legal contracts with outside vendors and contractors
Monitors changes in laws and ensures the City policies remain current and develop strategies to minimize legal liabilities
Manages legal aspects of property acquisitions, easements, public works and engineering projects
Provides direct supervision and oversight of the City Clerk and Community Services Department
Responsible for the training, development and utilization of department personnel when applicable, including regular training on City policies such as EEO policies
Reviews and approves department invoices and statements for line item budget accounting within the City Attorney’s department
Responsible for short and long-range planning goals of the City Attorney’s department
Attends all City Council, Planning Commission, and Board of Zoning Appeals meetings, as well as any other committee or board as requested by the City Administrator, providing legal advice and serving as parliamentarian
Assists FOIA officer in responding to KORA requests
Enforces department policies, procedures, safety procedures and practices
Effectively communicates to elected and appointed officials, citizens and other interested parties while keeping the City Administrator informed of departmental activities, project status and any other relevant matters