Deputy City Attorney - Land Use

City of Raleigh • Raleigh, NC

403d • $121,471 - $173,096

About The Position

The Deputy City Attorney provides comprehensive legal services to the City Council, City Manager, and City officials, focusing primarily on land use issues. This role involves staffing various committees, managing the land use practice area, and responding to legal inquiries in a timely manner, often in public settings. The position requires a strong understanding of municipal law and the ability to handle complex legal matters effectively.

Requirements

• Juris doctorate degree (J.D.) or equivalent from an accredited law school required.
• At least 10 years of increasingly responsible legal experience, with a focus on land use matters for at least 8 years.
• License to practice law in North Carolina required by hire date.
• Admission before U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina required after hire date.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and legal research software (Westlaw).

Nice To Haves

• 15 to 20 years of law practice experience.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary work groups.
• Interest in areas of law relevant to municipal practice.

Responsibilities

• Provides direction and guidance to those within the land use practice area and other relevant practice areas.
• Participates in the CAO Executive Team.
• Mentors Senior Associate and Associate attorneys, assisting with their professional development.
• Balances workloads among attorneys in the land use practice area.
• Coordinates with other Deputies and Senior Deputies on workflow issues within assigned practice areas.
• Attends meetings with Planning and Development Services Department staff.
• Represents the City Attorney in meetings with Council members and other officials as directed.
• Maintains detailed knowledge of activities within the assigned practice area.
• Handles complex land use matters and keeps abreast of relevant legal developments.
• Manages difficult situations with diplomacy and discretion.
• Maintains confidentiality regarding office operations.
• Acts as lead counsel in politically charged matters and assists with issue spotting at the Council level.
• Attends Council, Committee, and Board meetings as directed by the City Attorney.
• Assists with items on City Council agendas and other boards' agendas as requested.
• Participates in the City's Strategic Planning efforts and other operational improvements.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid holidays
• Professional development opportunities
• Flexible work hours

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree