City Attorney - Concord, NC

Developmental Associates • Concord, NC

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The City of Concord is seeking a highly accomplished legal professional with a passion for public service to serve as its next City Attorney. This role involves leading the legal services department during a period of significant growth, supporting the Mayor and City Council, advising staff, and managing litigation. The ideal candidate will have experience helping local governments maintain stability while preparing for growth, and will demonstrate vision and strategy to strengthen the legal department's infrastructure, ensuring the team is proactive, cross-trained, and equipped to deliver more legal services in-house. The City Attorney will be a visible representative of the City, demonstrating impeccable professionalism in demeanor and communication.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor from an American Bar Association-accredited law school.
• At least ten (10) years of increasingly responsible professional experience.
• At least five (5) years of supervisory experience.
• North Carolina Law License.
• Admission to practice in North Carolina Courts.
• Admission to practice in federal courts, including the Federal District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina.
• Valid North Carolina Driver’s License.
• Applicants must meet the City criteria for an acceptable driving record.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in Municipal or Public Law.
• Experience in Contract Law.
• Experience in Employment Law.
• Experience in Environmental Law.
• Successful litigation background.
• Experience as a City Attorney or with other public sector entities.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the official legal advisor to the Mayor and City Council, as well as the City Manager, other staff, boards, commissions, and committees of the City.
• Develop, review, and revise City contracts.
• Represent the City in litigation, including conducting investigations, drafting and filing legal documents, appearing in court proceedings, and representing the City at trial and post-trial proceedings.
• Establish a consistent, legally sound process for vetting and managing public records requests to improve efficiency and ensure organizational compliance.
• Serve as the primary expert on public records statutes, educating and guiding Department Heads on the public records release process.
• Effectively manage current contracts, including interlocal agreements, while strategically preparing for an increase in volume and complexity of contractual obligations.
• Provide in-house legal oversight and support of contractual agreements to the organization’s departments.
• Increase engagement with internal and external stakeholders, particularly department heads, to foster a culture of collaboration and trust.
• Maintain a physical presence at important City events and attend quasi-judicial board meetings to provide direct legal accessibility.
• Lead the legal department in being a collaborative team player to other departments, establishing trust and credibility across the organization.
• Facilitate litigation management with a hands-on approach to managing both in-house legal matters and those outsourced to external counsel.
• Provide robust support and representation for City staff members who are involved in depositions, mediations, or other litigation proceedings.
• Protect the City Council and the organization from external lawsuits by identifying and mitigating liabilities before they escalate.

Benefits

• Various health insurance plans
• On-site wellness center for the prevention, intervention, and management of acute and chronic illness
• Multiple free fitness centers
• Participation in the NC Pension Plan
• 401(k) Retirement Plan

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager