City Solicitor First Associate

City of Springfield•C151-Law, MA

About The Position

Responsible for reviewing all claims asserted against the City, both pre-litigation and active litigation. Assigns matters to department staff based on subject matter of claim and complexity. Represents the City as the primary trial counsel in all courts and administrative agencies and represents the City in front of boards, commissions, City Council and School committee. Work is performed under the supervision of the City Solicitor. Supervision is exercised over office clerical personnel.

Requirements

Juris doctorate degree.
Minimum of ten years of law experience, particularly with trial court experience on a variety of claims
Admission to practice law before all of the courts of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Nice To Haves

Considerable knowledge of common and statutory law, municipal ordinances, established legal precedents, and sources of legal reference.
Considerable knowledge of the legal bases of the structure and function of municipal government.
Considerable knowledge of the principles, practices, methods, materials of legal research and investigation.
Considerable knowledge of legal pleadings and practices, and effective techniques of presenting cases in court.
Considerable knowledge of judicial procedures and the rules of evidence including trial experience in state and federal courts.
Ability to analyze and prepare legal documents and instruments.
Ability to perform independent research and to interpret laws and precedents.
Ability to present evidence and other legal material effectively in written or oral form.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, municipal officials, court officials, and the general public.

Responsibilities

Acts for the City Solicitor in his/her absence or as delegated; provides continuity and legal assistance in the affairs of the office of the City Solicitor.
Provides legal advice, counsel, and opinions for the Mayor, City Council, boards, commissions, committees, officials, office heads, and as assigned by the City Solicitor.
Studies statutes, ordinances, precedents, bylaws, rules and regulations and carries on related legal research.
Prepares ordinances, orders, resolutions, contracts, leases, deeds, obligations, and other legal instruments and documents.
Prepares briefs and pleadings, and presents and argues in court, actions, suits and proceedings brought by or against the City, municipal offices, or a City official in his/her official capacity.
Appears before the legislature, its committees, and various state bodies of quasi-judicial nature, to represent the City’s interests.
Interviews witnesses, confers with parties, attorneys, and municipal officials, and otherwise investigates suits against the City; negotiates out-of-court settlements.
Attends meetings and hearings of various municipal boards and commissions to provide legal advice and counsel.
Supervises the work of office clerical personnel and professional personnel as delegated.
Performs related work as required.