Town Attorney

Town of Monument•Woodmoor, CO

77d•$180,000 - $214,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Town Attorney provides assistance to Town staff on complex legal issues, primarily focusing on application of the Town’s Municipal Code, contract drafting and review, land use and development matters. The Town Attorney is also responsible for providing legal advice and representation to the Town’s elected officials and assisting Department Heads and other Town Staff on various legal issues. The ideal candidate should enjoy challenging legal work, collaboration, and problem-solving.

Requirements

Juris doctor degree from an accredited law school.
Colorado State bar license in good standing with no disciplinary actions or sanctions.
Admission to practice before all Colorado State courts and the United States District Court of the District of Colorado.
Minimum of seven (7) years of legal experience as an attorney in private practice or in the public sector.
Five (5) years of experience in land use, subdivision and zoning, real estate law, and contracts.
Three (3) years of experience supervising others and managing department operations.
Two (2) years minimum experience in municipal law.
Valid Colorado motor vehicle driver’s license with an acceptable motor vehicle record.
Licenses and certifications must be kept current and in compliance with continuing education requirements as a condition of employment.
Thorough understanding of federal, state, and local laws, as well as Town rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
In-depth knowledge of land use codes, real estate law, zoning regulations, and land use planning principles and processes.
Broad knowledge of public administration principles, policies, and practices.
Comprehensive understanding of field-specific knowledge, municipal operations
Familiarity with Home Rule Charter processes, policies and procedures.
Knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and standards.
Proficient in legal research, statutory interpretation, analysis, and drafting (contracts, memos, opinions).
Strong verbal, written, and public speaking communication skills.
Effective leadership, team management, and cross-department collaboration.
Skilled in problem-solving, decision-making, and analytical thinking.
Proficient with technology (including Microsoft 365) to manage records, streamline operations, and maintain confidentiality.
Strong customer service and interpersonal skills, including de-escalation in sensitive situations.
Able to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Demonstrate integrity, discretion, and sound professional judgment.
Effectively advocate and present legal arguments in support of Town interests.
Manage departmental operations and a high-volume workload with strong organization and attention to detail.
Analyze complex legal issues, apply critical thinking, and implement practical solutions.
Work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Adapt to shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Conduct thorough legal research and maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
Maintain ability to travel locally/regional and meet employment requirements (background check, drug screening).

Nice To Haves

Prior experience as a local government attorney is highly desired.

Responsibilities

Provide legal counsel to Town officials on municipal law (land use, zoning, code enforcement, labor, legislation).
Represent the Town in litigation, administrative proceedings, and dispute resolution.
Advise on and manage real estate transactions and related documents.
Ensure compliance with Open Meetings Law and public process requirements.
Respond to Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) requests.
Draft, review, and approve legal documents including ordinances, resolutions, contracts, leases, deeds, intergovernmental agreements, and policies to ensure legal sufficiency and compliance with applicable laws.
Develop standardized templates for service contracts, purchase orders, and other recurring legal documents.
Advise on land use code, zoning, and permitting interpretation.
Draft, negotiate, and enforce development and infrastructure agreements.
Counsel staff and boards on quasi-judicial procedures and decision standards.
Identify and mitigate land use–related legal risks (takings, exactions, fees, due process).
Assist with long-range planning and updates to codes and development policies.
Represent the Town on zoning actions, permits, variances, and code enforcement.
Works with the Town’s insurance carrier to review insurance risks and claims, provide recommendations to Town staff to enhance risk management, and monitor claims handled by insurers and their appointed adjusters and/or attorneys.
Collaborate with departments to identify and mitigate legal risks, including areas such as employment law, workers’ compensation, and confidentiality issues.
Manage and oversee contracts with outside legal counsel and administrative law judges, ensuring alignment with Town interests and tracking billable hours for contracted entities.
Negotiate, monitor compliance, and participate in meetings related to grants and intergovernmental agreements.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with officials, employees, attorneys, community representatives, and the public.
Communicate legal matters to the public, press, and other governmental entities as needed.
Collaborate with Administration, Finance, Human Resources, Planning and Zoning, and other departments to support Town initiatives and resolve legal concerns.
Attend Town Council meetings, and other public or volunteer board meetings as required.
Participate in workshops, seminars, and training to stay current on legal developments.
Regularly review new case laws, statutes, and regulations affecting the Town and advise on compliance and implications.
Perform legal research and prepare oral and written opinions on complex legal issues.
Act as an agent in negotiations, mediations, and specified legal or business transactions when authorized.
Carry out other duties as assigned by the Town Council or Town Manager.