Senior Assistant City Solicitor/Labor And Employment Attorney (Unclassified)

City of Cincinnati•Ohio 45202, OH

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

The City of Cincinnati Solicitor’s Office is seeking an experienced labor and employment (L&E) attorney to join the Labor & Employment Division. The Labor & Employment Division is responsible for managing the City’s defense-oriented litigation and assessing legal issues and providing solution-oriented guidance regarding potential City liability in multiple contexts. The Labor and Employment attorney will be responsible for providing legal advice and representation related to L&E matters, including all aspects of litigation, arbitration, administrative advocacy, collective bargaining, appellate matters, and compliance with labor contracts and applicable state and federal law. The successful candidate will act as a resource and liaison for City of Cincinnati leadership, the Department of Human Resources, and departmental HR liaisons, and will manage special projects and assist other attorneys in the office as assigned. The L&E attorney will provide and review written opinions and documents, legal research and analysis, and internal and external communications. The successful candidate will work with the City of Cincinnati administration to review policies and practices impacting L&E matters in the City’s multiple departments and agencies, helping the City to consistently provide a positive and constructive work environment for over 6,000 City of Cincinnati employees. The L&E attorney will review new and proposed legislation impacting the City of Cincinnati workforce and the City’s operations and provide related legal guidance to leadership in the Solicitor’s Office and the City Administration.

Requirements

At least five years of L&E legal experience, preferably with a public employer or similar corporate entity.
Substantive experience regarding compliance with relevant employment laws, including Title VII, ADA, FMLA, FLSA, EEO, and civil service law.
Excellent communication skills.
Advanced legal analysis skills.
Innovative decision-making skills.
Sound judgment and discretion.
Ability to work independently in performing assigned responsibilities.
Excellent drafting skills.
Excellent research skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills.
Demonstrated commitment to public service.
Currently licensed to practice law in Ohio.
Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited academic institution.
Knowledge of modern and complex principles and practices of public law.
Knowledge of basic methods of public administration.
Knowledge of legal principles, practices, and procedures of civil, constitutional, and administrative law.
Knowledge of public sector law, including familiarity with federal and state L&E laws and regulations.
Experience with collective bargaining laws, contract negotiation, and compliance requirements.
Knowledge of methods and techniques of effective legal research.
Knowledge of the organization, duties, powers, limitations, and authority of City government.
Knowledge of pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations and their past applications.
Awareness of the organization, duties, powers, authority, policies, and procedures of both the City Solicitor's office in general and the Litigation Division.
Advanced legal writing skills.
Knowledge of ethical standards as applied to the City Solicitor’s Office and all public employees in Ohio.
Ability to work collaboratively and congenially within the office and with a diverse constituency.
Ability to prepare clear, concise, and effective legal position papers and opinions.
Ability to negotiate, draft, review, and execute agreements, including MOUs, settlement agreements, or other documents related to L&E matters.
Ability to organize, interpret, and apply legal principles and knowledge of complex legal problems.
Ability to provide concise and well-reasoned recommendations on legal issues and questions from internal clients in situations in which laws, regulations, and legal precedent may be unclear.
Ability to communicate substantive legal issues to non-lawyers in a concise and effective manner, in written and verbal contexts.
Ability to manage case preparation and presentation of City cases in court.
Ability to practice effective time management.
Ability to establish and maintain effective, collaborative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Ability to research legal issues through various computer programs and applications.
Ability to stay engaged in continued professional development through appropriate internal and external trainings.
Ability to interact with elected officials, City administration, community stakeholders, and the public.
Currently licensed to practice law in the State of Ohio.

Nice To Haves

Experience working within or closely with a governmental organization or other complex organization.

Responsibilities

Providing legal advice and representation related to L&E matters, including all aspects of litigation, arbitration, administrative advocacy, collective bargaining, appellate matters, and compliance with labor contracts and applicable state and federal law.
Acting as a resource and liaison for City of Cincinnati leadership, the Department of Human Resources, and departmental HR liaisons.
Managing special projects and assisting other attorneys in the office as assigned.
Providing and reviewing written opinions and documents, legal research and analysis, and internal and external communications.
Working with the City of Cincinnati administration to review policies and practices impacting L&E matters in the City’s multiple departments and agencies.
Reviewing new and proposed legislation impacting the City of Cincinnati workforce and the City’s operations and providing related legal guidance to leadership in the Solicitor’s Office and the City Administration.
Investigating L&E claims against the City and potential municipal liability in multiple contexts.
Responding to L&E claims in defense of the municipal corporation and its officers and employees in court or other tribunals.
Interacting regularly with City decision makers, elected officials, and community stakeholders to implement strategic initiatives.
Drafting complex legal opinions and providing timely guidance to City clients.
Collaborating with and supporting attorneys and staff within the division.
Researching legal questions and evaluating the impact on City policies and procedures.
Providing legal guidance and written legal opinions to City departments and other City clients.
Appearing in court and administrative proceedings to represent the City's interests as required.
Coordinating office activities with those of other departments, outside agencies, and organizations.
Providing necessary assistance to the City Solicitor.
Preparing and presenting reports and other office correspondence.
Reviewing legal publications to keep abreast of current legal issues and cases.
Attending seminars to keep abreast of new laws.
Preparing various legal memoranda and correspondence.
Responding to citizen inquiries as assigned.
Representing the City Solicitor’s Office at a variety of City boards and commissions.
Attending and participating in professional groups and committees including private mediation programs.
Performing related duties and responsibilities as required.