Job description

City of Somerton
Job Description

Job Title: City Attorney
Department: Legal
FLSA: Exempt
Pay Grade: Contract
Salary Range: Starting at $95,000

SUMMARY: Under administrative direction, acts as chief legal advisor to the Mayor and Council, City Manager, and department directors; provides legal opinions and strategy, minimizes risk and liability, manages legal issues, and represents the City in administrative proceedings and legal actions. This position is appointed and approved by the City Council. The incumbent serves at the direction and pleasure of the City Council.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Plans, directs, reviews and evaluates the functions of the City Attorney's Office, including professional civil and criminal legal work, real property acquisitions, maintenance of properties leased to third parties, risk management, and duties as

Designated Public Lobbyist for the City.

• Serves as chief legal advisor to the Mayor, City Council and City Manager; attends public meetings to provide legal advice and information, and presents findings, recommendations and effective solutions.
• Exercises independent judgment within broad policy guidelines; evaluates complex legal issues and recommends and implements solutions to minimize risk and safeguard the City's operations.
• Represents the City in reviewing, approving, and negotiating legal issues; assures that legal issues are resolved within

City policy guidelines; reviews and evaluates pertinent decisions, policies, regulations, claims, civil actions and other legal matters; assures effective communication of issues and strategies with the City's core management team.

• Manages the case preparation and resolution of litigation, negotiations, settlements, prosecutions, and other municipal legal proceedings; develops legal assessments and strategies; conducts factual and legal analysis to determine whether legal issues should be prosecuted or defended, based on the facts of law and evidence; conducts conferences with opposing parties concerning settlement of cases.
• Manages civil and criminal proceedings in collaboration with contracted legal professionals.
• Develops, renders and reviews verbal and written opinions, legal positions and ordinances for the City.
• Manages assigned staff, prioritizes projects, evaluates performance, and resolves workload and technical issues; assures that quality standards are met, and appropriate services are provided.
• Monitors changes in state and Federal regulations, standards and legislation governing municipalities.
• Supports the relationship between the City and the public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with residents, visitors, and City staff; promotes the City goals and priorities and complies with all City policies and procedures.
• Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines

• Juris Doctorate Degree is required.
• Seven (7) years of experience in a public sector legal practice, including experience with real estate law.
• Or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Knowledge of:

• City organization, operations, policies and procedures.
• State of Arizona criminal and civil statutes, rules, administrative orders, policies and procedures, and applicable Federal rules and regulations.
• Arizona judicial procedures and rules of evidence.

• Legal precedents and court decisions impacting municipal government.
• The duties, powers, authorities and limitations of a municipal attorney.
• Legal research methods, techniques, sources, and databases.
• Legal case management procedures, ethics and techniques.
• Legal, ethical, and professional rules of conduct for public sector employees.

Skill in:

• Directing and coordinating the City Attorney's Office operations.
• Interpreting and explaining legal standards and procedures, applicable Federal and state rules and regulations, and City policies and procedures.
• Reviewing and assessing legal issues and documents.
• Exercising controlled discretion, negotiating agreements and mediating difficult situations.
• Litigating cases in legal hearings and courtroom settings.
• Researching and identifying precedence in case law.
• Verbal and written communication and exercising judgment and discretion in decision making.
• Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands.
• Managing staff, delegating tasks and authority, and coaching to improve staff performance.
• Using initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with attorneys, law enforcement agencies and other participants in the civil justice process.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
A valid Arizona State Driver's License is required. Must be licensed by the State Bar of Arizona to practice law in the State of
Arizona and remain active with all annual requirements.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed in a standard office environment. May occasionally be required to bend, reach, stoop, and lift objects. An employee in this class is required to live inside the city limits within eighteen months of appointment.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $95,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Somerton, AZ 85350: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Experience:

• Public sector legal practice: 7 years (Preferred)
• Real estate law: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• State Bar of Arizona (Required)

Work Location: In person

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