Principal Attorney - City of Birmingham

JobsQuest•Birmingham, AL

1d•$108,617 - $168,500•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Birmingham is seeking an experienced Principal Attorney to perform complex professional legal duties. The role includes preparing complex and difficult cases for trial and providing legal assistance to executive-level leadership, including the City Council, department heads, and boards. The attorney conducts legal research, establishes goals and timelines for departmental projects, advises and provides feedback to less-experienced attorneys, negotiates agreements, and participates in professional development activities. The Principal Attorney represents the City, its boards, agencies, and employees in court and before administrative boards, agencies, and mediators. The position investigates claims and complaints, prepares and handles litigation, drafts and reviews legal documents, provides legal advice to support compliance and decision-making, negotiates agreements, and manages agency projects. The work is conducted almost exclusively indoors in office and courtroom settings. It is primarily sedentary, with occasional walking, standing, or lifting of items weighing up to 25 pounds. The role uses standard office equipment, including a computer, phone, and copier.

Requirements

Membership in the Alabama State Bar Association in good standing.
Experience in litigation or transactional work handling complex legal issues, such as police misconduct, excessive use of force, workplace discrimination, personal injury claims, constitutional rights violations, agreements, real-estate transactions, ordinances, or government procurement issues.
Experience assigning and delegating work to administrative support staff.
Experience as the lead attorney in litigation or transactional matters.

Responsibilities

Represent the City, boards, agencies, and employees in trials, appeals, and proceedings before administrative boards, agencies, and mediators.
Investigate claims and complaints by or against the City and prepare for and represent the City and its staff in litigation to eliminate or minimize liability and loss.
Draft and review legal documents in accordance with applicable laws to protect the legal position of the City, boards, and agencies and guide decision-making.
Provide legal advice and communicate with local businesses, residents, and professionals to support adherence to applicable laws, codes, and ordinances and minimize legal liability.
Conduct legal research and participate in professional development activities to maintain current knowledge of applicable laws and legal procedures and a license to practice law.
Negotiate agreements, including claim settlements and contracts, with individuals and attorneys on behalf of the jurisdiction.
Manage agency projects by setting goals and timelines, delegating responsibilities, reviewing work, coordinating with outside agencies and vendors, and completing project reports.
Assign and delegate work to administrative support staff.
Advise and provide feedback to less-experienced attorneys.