Town Attorney

Town of Monument•Monument, CO

18d

About The Position

Town of Monument: The Town of Monument aspires to provide leadership that delivers municipal services responsibly, while working to inspire public confidence to achieve the vision of the future. The Town of Monument is focused on meeting the community’s needs with the utmost integrity, obligation of service, and responsibility by being held accountable and respecting the diversity and values of its constituents. Position Summary: 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. Benefits : Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Long Term Disability Insurance Life and AD&D Voluntary Accident Coverage, Hospitalization Coverage Voluntary Critical Illness Coverage Legal Shield/ID Shield benefit FMLA/Bereavement/Jury Duty Leave ADAA & PDA Compulsory enrollment in 401(a), employer 2:1 contribution Voluntary enrollment in 457(b), employer 2:1 contribution Vacation and Sick leave 14 observed holidays, 1 additional personal day Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness eligible employer Essential Duties and Responsibilities: The following statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job and do not include other nonessential or peripheral duties that may be required. The organization retains the right to modify or change the duties or essential functions of the job at any time. Legal Counsel & Representation Provide legal advice and formal opinions to Town Council, department heads, boards, commissions, and staff on a wide range of municipal matters including land use, zoning, civil code enforcement, labor relations, and legislative interpretation. Represent the Town in civil and criminal litigation, administrative proceedings, mediations, arbitrations, and settlement discussions. Advise and represent the Town in real estate transactions and disputes, including drafting and negotiating property-related documents. Advise Town Council on the Open Meetings Law, public hearings, resolutions and executive sessions. Assist and/or respond to requests under the Colorado Open Records Act. Document Review & Drafting 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. Land Use & Development Advise on the interpretation and application of the Town’s land use code, zoning regulations, and permitting processes. Experience drafting, negotiating, and enforcing development agreements, annexation agreements, subdivision improvement agreements, infrastructure agreements, and vested property rights agreements. Strong background advising staff and boards on procedural fairness, evidentiary standards, findings of fact, and decision-making criteria in quasi-judicial hearings. Demonstrated ability to advise on and mitigate legal risk related to takings claims, exactions, impact fees, growth management, vested rights, and constitutional due process. Assist in the development and revision of long-range plans, regulatory codes, and development guides. Represent the Town in legal matters related to zoning changes, variances, special use permits, and code enforcement. Risk Management & Insurance 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. Contract & Outside Counsel Management 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. Communication & Collaboration 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. Meetings & Continuing Education 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. Additional Duties 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.

Requirements

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.
Proficiency with technology resources to automate tasks, maintain confidentiality, streamline operations, and manage physical and digital records.
Proficient with Microsoft 365 application suites.
Strong skills in statutory interpretation, legal research, and analysis.
Excellent writing skills, particularly related to drafting contracts, legal memos and opinions and other Town Council or staff directed legal writing projects.
Leadership and team management skills that inspire and motivate staff.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong professional customer service skills; interact with others in a friendly, positive manner and with professional courtesy.
Ability to apply acquired skills in dealing with stressed or upset individuals; techniques to calm others and maintain composure during sensitive situations.
Proficiency in operating computers and software programs; typing using a keyboard.
Public speaking skills for engaging with community members and the Council.
Proficiency in managing multiple projects, meeting deadlines, and coordinating with various stakeholders.
Work effectively with team members and other departments.
High comprehensive analytical and problem-solving skills.
Skilled in problem-solving and decision-making, troubleshooting issues, and evaluating solutions.
Excellent time management and ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to establish trust, credibility, and exercise discretion, ethics, and integrity.
Confidence and persuasion in presenting legal arguments and advocating Town interests.
Ability to manage a small department to ensure efficient and effective operations.
Ability to identify legal issues, analyze potential solutions, and implement practical strategies to resolve complex legal challenges.
Exercise sound and professional judgment in accordance with Town policies, procedures, and ethical principles, including discretion and confidentiality, as well as moral, economic, social, and political factors.
Ability to prioritize, organize, and manage a high caseload with great attention to detail.
Ability to work individually and collaboratively in a team setting.
Ability to operate a motor vehicle for local and regional travel.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team to achieve specific outcomes.
Adaptability to changing priorities, fast-paced environments.
Apply critical thinking to solve complex problems and make informed decisions.
Conducting thorough research to gather relevant information and insights.
Capability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
Ability to successfully pass a background check and drug screening.
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 bar license in good standing.
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.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience as a local government attorney is highly desired.
No substitution of experience for education is permitted.

Responsibilities

Provide legal advice and formal opinions to Town Council, department heads, boards, commissions, and staff on a wide range of municipal matters including land use, zoning, civil code enforcement, labor relations, and legislative interpretation.
Represent the Town in civil and criminal litigation, administrative proceedings, mediations, arbitrations, and settlement discussions.
Advise and represent the Town in real estate transactions and disputes, including drafting and negotiating property-related documents.
Advise Town Council on the Open Meetings Law, public hearings, resolutions and executive sessions.
Assist and/or respond to requests under the Colorado Open Records Act.
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 the interpretation and application of the Town’s land use code, zoning regulations, and permitting processes.
Experience drafting, negotiating, and enforcing development agreements, annexation agreements, subdivision improvement agreements, infrastructure agreements, and vested property rights agreements.
Strong background advising staff and boards on procedural fairness, evidentiary standards, findings of fact, and decision-making criteria in quasi-judicial hearings.
Demonstrated ability to advise on and mitigate legal risk related to takings claims, exactions, impact fees, growth management, vested rights, and constitutional due process.
Assist in the development and revision of long-range plans, regulatory codes, and development guides.
Represent the Town in legal matters related to zoning changes, variances, special use permits, 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.