Senior Assistant City Attorney III

City of Flagstaff•Flagstaff, AZ

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The City Attorney is seeking two qualified Senior Assistant City Attorney IIIs to serve in the Civil Division of the City Attorney’s Office. Senior Assistant City Attorneys in the Civil Division are assigned to multiple division and/or section clients and handle all legal matters of those assigned clients. The primary clients for the attorneys selected through this recruitment will be the City’s Human Resources and Risk Management Division, Planning and Development Services Division, Grants and Contracts Section, and/or Purchasing Section. While the focus for these positions may be the divisions and sections listed above, the selected attorneys will also be assigned to other clients based on the experience of the attorney selected and the best interests of the City, as determined by the City Attorney. The Senior Assistant City Attorney III actively supports and upholds the City’s stated mission and values. Under supervision of the Deputy City Attorney, employees of this class perform senior level work independently. This position is responsible for assisting the City Attorney to provide legal services for the City, including research and analyses of complex legal issues, drafting ordinances and legal memoranda, enforcement of ordinances and statutes, representing the City in federal, state, and local administrative courts and agencies, and advising City staff and the City Council. For this recruitment, we are asking that all candidates provide a resume and cover letter with their application. These positions will remain open until filled. Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis, with the first review of applications occurring on July 17th. Applicants are encouraged to apply early for first consideration. Regular in-office attendance is an essential expectation of these positions to support collaboration, customer service, and operational effectiveness. Requests for remote work arrangements will be considered in accordance with the City's Remote Work Policy and departmental needs.

Requirements

Ten years of experience in the practice of municipal law or other areas of civil law related to the practice of municipal law (e.g., land use, human resources, litigation, tax, transactional/contracts, economic development, real estate, utilities and water law).
Graduation from a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association with an L.L.B., or a J.D.
Member in good standing with the State Bar of Arizona.
Valid driver's license

Responsibilities

Provides excellent customer service to both internal and external customers.
Serves as legal counsel to two or more City departments or fields of law (e.g. airport, clerk and elections, code compliance, community development, economic development, engineering, finance, grants and contracts, housing, personnel, real estate, and water services)
Works with outside legal counsel on assigned litigation matters.
Analyzes and determines the legality of proposed City actions under the City Charter, City Code, Federal and State Constitutions, and Federal, State and Local law.
Attends City Council, board, commission, or other meetings to advise on legal issues and questions.
Conducts trainings for board and commission members regarding conflicts of interest, open meetings, public records, and their duties as City officials.
Conducts trainings for City staff on areas of expertise.
Researches and drafts ordinances, resolutions, intergovernmental agreements, development agreements, contracts, deeds, leases, and other legal documents.
Negotiates with third parties and writes contracts, intergovernmental agreements, development agreements, leases, easements, licenses, deeds, and other legal documents.
Reviews and prepares proposed revisions to City Charter, City Code, and City policies and procedures.
Approves the form of all legal documents.
Advises departments regarding legal matters affecting their operations.
Provides general information to the public regarding legal proceedings and procedures and responds to general questions or concerns relating to City legal matters.
Represents the City, Mayor, City Council, and City employees in Federal, State, and Local administrative courts and agencies, and in appellate actions.
Reviews proposed laws pending in the State Legislature that affect City policy and the enforcement of laws in the City, and counsels City departments regarding such legislation.
May be asked to draft proposed bills or legislation.
Researches and renders opinions and advice on a wide range of complex legal issues to City Council, boards, and commissions, as directed by City Attorney, and to upper-level administrative staff.
Prepares legal memoranda and briefs and performs legal analyses.
Provides legal advice regarding personnel policies, discipline, complaints, claims and other personnel matters.
Reviews, revises, drafts and approves employment/personnel policies and forms.
Reviews and/or drafts responses and position statements regarding EEOC claims asserted against the City.
Assists with revenue recovery (e.g. fees, rent, local transaction privilege taxes).
On occasion, assists with formation of special taxing districts.
Keeps abreast of current court decisions and legislation and advises relevant City departments of the effects of those decisions and legislation on City operations.
Represents the City by attending legal seminars, and other attorney networking groups.
Enforces City code and policies regarding zoning, building and safety, water, nuisances, and other City interests.
Pursues uniform and consistent application of laws, policies and procedures, to promote integrity and faith in public government.
May be assigned to mentor or supervise other attorneys in areas of expertise, and to provide supervision for support staff and interns.
Fills in when City Attorney and Deputy City Attorney are not available.
Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Arizona State Retirement System with 100% Match
457 Deferred Compensation Options
Up to 4% Annual Pay for Performance Increase
Group Insurance including Health, Dental and Vision coverage
Flexible & Health Savings Accounts
13 Paid Holidays, Vacation, Sick Leave, Personal Leave, Paid Parental Leave, Bereavement, Jury Duty
Life Insurance, AD&D, Short- and Long-Term Disability and Voluntary Life Insurance
First-Time Homebuyer Assistance
Qualified Public Student Loan Forgiveness Employer
Tuition Assistance
Employee Clinic, Telehealth, Wellness Program & Incentives
Tobacco Cessation Program
Employer Assistance Program
Recognition including Work i versary, Wonderful Outstanding Worker (WOW), On-the-Spot, 7k Award, and City Manager's Excellence Awards
Employee Discounts: Mountain L ine Bus Eco Pass, Aquaplex, and Recreation Centers