Deputy City Attorney

City of Manhattan Kansas•Manhattan, KS

About The Position

The Deputy City Attorney provides professional legal services to the municipality and supports the City Attorney as assistant director of the Legal Services Department. The department includes a criminal division (Manhattan Municipal Court) and a civil division (City Attorney’s Office). The role advises the City Commission, City boards, the City Manager, and City staff on complex legal matters; represents the City in municipal, state, and federal courts; and manages major projects as directed by the City Attorney. The Deputy City Attorney serves as acting City Attorney in the City Attorney’s absence and performs administrative and supervisory functions. This is a regular, exempt, full-time position. The generally scheduled workday is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The stated annualized starting salary range is $120,568.81 to $156,4563.70, depending on qualifications. The position is open until filled and may close at any time.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
License to practice law and membership in good standing in the Kansas bar and the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas.
At least seven years of progressively responsible experience practicing law, including at least five years of municipal law experience.

Nice To Haves

Prior supervisory experience over attorneys and other legal positions.

Responsibilities

Provide professional legal services to the City Commission, City boards, the City Manager, and City staff on complex municipal legal issues.
Conduct legal research and analysis; provide legal opinions; and develop legal documents addressing complex and sensitive municipal matters.
Prepare and review ordinances, resolutions, memoranda, pleadings, reports, recommendations, administrative and personnel policies, forms, permits, letters, press releases, informational documents, and other communications.
Negotiate, review, and draft contracts, leases, construction documents, real estate documents, and economic development deals.
Research, interpret, and apply City ordinances and resolutions and applicable state and federal laws.
Review, investigate, and respond to allegations, claims, or complaints against the City.
Meet with City staff to answer legal questions, apply legal points and procedures, and recommend changes to meet legal requirements.
Respond to time-sensitive legal issues raised by City Commissioners or employees in person, by phone, or by email.
Represent the City of Manhattan in Municipal Court and state and federal courts.
Manage major projects assigned to the City Attorney’s Office, as directed by the City Attorney.
Serve as acting City Attorney in the City Attorney’s absence.
Attend governing body, City board, and committee meetings to provide legal counsel.
Maintain current knowledge and training on legal issues, case law, statutes, and regulations affecting the municipality.
Perform administrative and supervisory functions, including supervising Legal Department employees in the City Attorney’s absence.
Make decisions and provide recommendations regarding hiring, termination, compensation, and promotion.
Assist the City Attorney with training and mentoring new employees in the City Attorney’s Office.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Boot, clothing, and vehicle allowances, if applicable.
City-issued cell phone, if applicable.
Required contributions to the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS); voluntary retirement contributions through Nationwide, Mission Square, and Empower KPERS 457.
Wellness, medical, vision, dental, and prescription drug benefits.
10.5 paid holidays per year plus one floating holiday.
12 to 26 days of paid vacation per year, based on years of service.
12 days of paid sick leave per year.
Up to six weeks of paid parental leave.
Education reimbursement and professional development support.
Reimbursement of up to $8,000 per calendar year for tuition and fees; professional development funds depend on the department budget, and certification or licensure costs may be reimbursed.
Long-term disability, employer-paid group life insurance, basic life insurance, an employee assistance program, and voluntary benefit options.