Senior City Attorney - Litigation - Salt Lake City

Link to Apply: https://slcgov.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/SLC/job/Senior-City-Attorney---Litagation_JR2973

Position Title:

Senior City Attorney - Litigation

Job Description:

Under the general administrative direction of the City Attorney, incumbent performs highly responsible and complex legal work in the City Attorney's Office. Works independently and applies professional judgment in providing legal advice and support, including the preparation and presentation of cases. Requires complex problem solving and skillful legal strategy in dealing with complex and politically charged issues. May instruct and direct subordinate professional and clerical employees. Work is performed in accordance with general policies and in close collaboration with the City Attorney or Deputy City Attorneys.

This position will primarily involve representing the City and its employees in civil litigation in administrative proceedings and federal and state courts. Work may include defending the City in matters of land use, employment, code enforcement, civil rights, personal injury, subrogation, condemnation, contracts, and appeals. Other assignments may include: reviewing ordinances and resolutions, preparing legal opinions, reviewing contracts and advising elected officials, department directors, City boards and commissions and employees on legal matters. Prior experience representing government entities and a familiarity with governmental immunity and/or GRAMA are an advantage.

Early application submittal is encouraged. This position will remain open until filled and may close at any time without notice.

TYPICAL DUTIES:

  • Prepares ordinances, resolutions, contracts, and memoranda for study and consideration by City Attorney and/or other City officials.

  • Represents the city in civil proceedings in all federal and state courts and in administrative agencies.

  • Prepares and reviews legal opinions and advises city officials, department heads, boards, commissions, and employees on legal questions. Represents the city through the mayor and city council, as well as department heads and other employees.

  • May be assigned to any legal work in the City Attorney’s Office. Responsible for highly complex legal work. May instruct and direct subordinate professional and clerical employees. Majority of assignments are usually specialized and involve specific assignments and responsibilities for advising a particular department or in a specialized area of legal expertise. 

  • Performs related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Graduation from a recognized college of law with a JD or LL.B degree and one of the following: (1) a minimum of six years of full-time paid employment in the practice of law (which may include working as a full-time, paid judicial clerk), (2) a minimum of five years full-time paid employment in the practice of law (which may include working as a full-time, paid judicial clerk) with at least three of those years working for a municipality (3) a minimum of 6 years full-time paid employment working for a municipality or governmental entity advising on and/or implementing policy, ordinances, or legislation, with demonstrated use of the JD degree in the role(s).

  • Must be a member in good standing of the Utah State Bar or have the ability to become a member within a reasonable amount of time, depending on the circumstances and as determined by the City Attorney.

  • Ability to analyze, appraise and organize facts, evidence and proceedings, and to effectively   present such material orally and in writing.

  • Demonstrated skill in organizing, analyzing and retaining familiarity with large numbers of

  • complex court cases and/or transactional matters. Demonstrated ability to rapidly assimilate facts; respond impromptu; examine witnesses effectively; argue persuasively, all under hostile and stressful circumstances. Ability to effectively present such material orally and in writing.

  • Demonstrated ability to acquire and retain familiarity with sophisticated and rapidly changing principles of law and apply legal principles to complex factual situations.

  • Extensive knowledge of principles of civil law, judicial procedures and rules of evidence.    

  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with members of the City Attorney’s Office, other employees, court officials, and the public.

  • Ability to train and develop subordinate professional employees in legal research, writing

  • and presentation methods and proceedings.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Extensive experience handling civil litigation in administrative proceedings and state and federal courts.

  • Knowledge of law affecting municipal corporations.

  • Familiarity with governmental immunity and GRAMA.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

  • Comfortable working positions, handling light weights, intermittent sitting, standing and walking.

  • Frequent exposure to stressful situations as a result of human behavior, workload and consequence of decisions.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required of personnel so classified.  All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Offers of employment are contingent on successful completion of a criminal background check in accordance with City policy and applicable law.  Criminal offenses will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and do not automatically disqualify a candidate from City employment.

POSITION TYPE

Full-Time

POSITION SALARY RANGE

$150,000/yr. - $200,000/yr.

DEPARTMENT

Attorney's Office

Full Time/Part Time:

Full time

Scheduled Hours:

40

Link to Apply: https://slcgov.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/SLC/job/Senior-City-Attorney---Litagation_JR2973

Job OpportunitiesBeth Kennedy