City Attorney

City of Rock Springs•Rock Springs, WY

5d•$58 - $81•Onsite

About The Position

Under general administrative direction, the City Attorney plans, directs, manages, and oversees the activities and operations of the City Attorney's Office. This role coordinates assigned activities with other City departments and outside agencies and provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Mayor. The position exercises direct supervision over professional and technical staff.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
Membership in the Wyoming State Bar and license to practice law in the State and Federal courts.
Seven years of increasingly responsible professional experience in municipal or other government law including five years of management and supervisory experience.
Knowledge of operations, services and activities of a comprehensive municipal law department.
Knowledge of organization and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs, policies and operational needs.
Knowledge of organization, duties, powers, limitations, and authority of City government and the City Attorney's Office.
Knowledge of modern and complex principles and practices of municipal law program development and administration.
Knowledge of principles and applications of civil, criminal and administrative law including those relative to municipal operations, municipal finance, parliamentary procedures, and other legal proceedings.
Knowledge of judicial procedures and rules of evidence.
Knowledge of methods of legal research; established precedents applicable to municipal activities.
Knowledge of advanced principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.
Knowledge of principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation.
Knowledge of pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations.
Ability to provide administrative and professional leadership and direction for the City Attorney's Office.
Ability to develop, implement and administer goals, objectives, and procedures for providing effective and efficient legal services.
Ability to plan, organize, direct and coordinate the work of professional and technical personnel; delegate authority and responsibility.
Ability to select, supervise, train and evaluate staff.
Ability to represent the City in a wide variety of judicial and administrative proceedings.
Ability to prepare and present difficult cases in court.
Ability to present statements of law, fact and argument clearly and logically.
Ability to conduct research on complex legal problems and prepare sound legal opinions.
Ability to analyze a wide variety of legal issues and prepare diverse legal documents.
Ability to interpret and apply legal principles and procedures.
Ability to interpret and apply Federal, State and local policies, procedures, laws and regulations.
Ability to identify and respond to Mayor and City Council issues, concerns and needs.
Ability to analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
Ability to research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures and techniques.
Ability to prepare and administer large and complex budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost effective manner.
Ability to prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports.
Ability to exercise good judgment, flexibility, creativity, and sensitivity in response to changing situations and needs.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Ability to establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Ability to operate modern office equipment including computer equipment.

Responsibilities

Assume full management responsibility for all services and activities provided by the City Attorney's Office including civil litigation, prosecution of misdemeanor criminal offenses in City and State courts, advising City officials and City Council on legal issues pertaining to their proposed actions, and preparing appropriate City ordinances, resolutions and other legal documents.
Manage the development and implementation of the City Attorney's Office goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for each assigned service area; establish, within City policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; allocate resources accordingly.
Continuously monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assess and monitor work load, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identify opportunities for improvement; direct the implementation of changes.
Represent the City Attorney's Office to other City departments, elected officials and outside agencies; explain and interpret City Attorney's Office programs, policies, and activities; negotiate and resolve sensitive, significant and controversial issues.
Select, train, motivate and evaluate City Attorney's Office personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies.
Plan, direct and coordinate the City Attorney's Office work plan; meet with staff to identify and resolve problems; assign projects and programmatic areas of responsibility; review and evaluate work methods and procedures.
Manage and participate in the development and administration of the City Attorney's Office budget; direct the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; direct the monitoring of and approve expenditures; direct the preparation of and implement budgetary adjustments as necessary.
Coordinate City Attorney's Office activities with those of other departments and outside agencies and organizations; provide staff assistance to the Mayor and City Council; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
Conduct a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies; recommend modifications to City Attorney's Office programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate.
Provide legal advice and opinions to the Mayor, Department Directors, City Council, and City boards and commissions, as required; advise staff and officials on the legal requirements and consequences of proposed actions; conduct on-going legal research in connection with legal issues pertaining to the City.
Represent the City and its boards, commissions, and agents in legal proceedings before courts, administrative agencies and boards, and arbitrators including to prepare pleadings, conduct legal research, prepare briefs and memoranda, appear in court, and negotiate with other parties.
Represent City management on labor issues; participates in collective bargaining on behalf of City management; participate in contract interpretation and administration; represent the City in grievance and labor and contract arbitration.
Analyze, review and draft proposed legislation for the City Council.
Analyze, review, and draft contracts which bind or obligate the City; provide legal opinions and recommendations to ensure the City is properly and effectively represented in such matters.
Participate on a variety of boards and commissions; attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of law.
Monitor and assist in legal work performed by outside attorneys retained to represent the City in various cases.
Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.