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NEOGOV · 3 weeks ago

Assistant City Attorney - Civil Division

Duluth, MN

Full-time

Onsite

Entry, Mid Level

$98K/yr - $149K/yr

2+ years exp

The City of Duluth is seeking an Assistant City Attorney to join their Civil Division team. The role involves performing professional legal work in areas such as community development, finance, and public works, including drafting legal documents and representing the City in legal matters.

GovTechHuman ResourcesInformation TechnologySoftware

No H1B

Responsibilities

Perform general legal research and prepare written and oral opinions on various legal issues for the City Council, City departments, City authorities, and various boards and commissions

Prosecute violations of City ordinances, misdemeanors, and certain gross misdemeanor level violations and represent the City and its authorities in all actions at law

Assist in preparing, reviewing and drafting ordinances, resolutions, motions; review exceptions to model agreements/contracts to be made or entered into by the City and its authorities and approve the form of such instruments

Attend meetings and provide legal support and advice to the City Council, City authorities, and various city boards and commissions as directed

Represent the City and its authorities in litigation; appear before courts and administrative proceedings to represent the City's interest as required

Provide technical assistance with respect to the acquisition, sale or abandonment of real property including acceptance of deeds on behalf of the City; assist with legal work regarding elections, special assessment districts and bond issues

Investigate claims and complaints against the City and its authorities and recommend appropriate action regarding their handling

Receive and respond to public inquiries, citizen complaints, and requests for information

Establish and maintain positive working relationships with departments by maintaining two-way communication, producing consistent results, advocating for the team when appropriate, and offering expertise to improve processes, systems, and the organization

Provide written and oral legal opinions as requested by the City Attorney

Provide training, coaching, and mentoring for employees

Demonstrate highly effective leadership by promoting and supporting the mission and vision of the organization, recognizing and defining issues, and taking initiative towards improvements

Recommend the hire, transfer, assignment, promotion, employee grievance resolution, discipline, suspension, or discharge of assigned personnel

Provide for ongoing training of employees in emerging methods, trends, technologies, and proper and safe work methods and procedures

Coordinate with various City departments, other government agencies, and community groups to develop methods of sharing resources, minimizing duplication, and simplifying procedures

Establish and maintain positive working relationship with the employees by maintaining two-way communication, producing consistent results, advocating for the team when appropriate, and offering expertise to improve processes, systems, and the organization

Other duties may be assigned

Qualification

Licensed to practice lawLegal researchDrafting agreementsMunicipal law knowledgeCommunication skillsInterpersonal skillsProblem-solving techniquesLeadership skillsAttention to detailTime management

Required

Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school or equivalent

Must be licensed to practice law in the State Bar of Minnesota, in good standing

Minimum of two years' relevant legal experience

Excellent drafting, research, communication, and interpersonal skills

General knowledge of legal principles and practices, including civil, criminal, constitutional and administrative law and procedure

Knowledge of judicial procedures and rules of evidence as applicable to the assigned areas of responsibility

Knowledge of modern and moderately complex principles and practices of municipal law as applicable to the assigned areas of responsibility

Knowledge of established precedent and sources of legal reference and methods of legal research

Knowledge of modern office practices, methods, and technologies

Knowledge of English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation

Knowledge of techniques for effectively representing the City and its authorities in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations

Knowledge of techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City and authority staff

Knowledge of problem-solving and conflict-resolution techniques

Knowledge of applicable safety requirements

Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, City policies and procedures

Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, statutes, regulations, codes, and standards related to the area of responsibility

Knowledge of effective leadership and personnel practices

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources practices, leadership technique, and coordination of people and resources

Knowledge of budgetary, and management principles, practices, and procedures

Skill in researching and analyzing issues, developing recommended actions, preparing reports, and maintaining records

Skill in drafting and negotiating contracts and agreements

Strong written communication skills

Sound legal judgment, proactive initiative, ability to analyze issues

Exhibit attention to detail in written product to withstand high levels of scrutiny

Possess and exhibit skill to keep the City Attorney and Deputy City Attorneys apprised of issues and potential developments in a timely manner

Skill in the operation of office equipment including, but not limited to, general computer systems, job required software applications, the internet, and modern office equipment

Skill in managing one's own time and the time of others

Skill in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail

Skill in mediation and dispute resolution

Skill in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems

Skill in motivating, developing, and leading people

Ability to organize, interpret, and apply legal principles and knowledge of complex legal problems; effectively apply legal knowledge and principles in court

Ability to present statements of law, fact and argument clearly and logically

Ability to prepare and present cases in court

Ability to conduct research on legal problems, analyze and prepare sound legal opinions

Ability to properly interpret and make decisions in accordance with laws, regulations, and policies

Ability to use good judgment in decision-making

Exhibit qualities of dependability and accountability

Ability to create and maintain a positive working environment that welcomes diversity, ensures cooperation, and promotes respect by sharing expertise with team members, fostering safe work practices, and developing trusting work relationships

Ability to communicate and interact effectively with members of the public

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing

Ability to recognize, analyze, and problem-solve a variety of situations

Ability to consistently and independently prioritize one's own work and the work of others, including scheduling, assigning staff, and securing resources

Ability to handle difficult and stressful situations with professional composure

Ability to establish goals and objectives

Ability to set expectations and provide training in safe and proper work methods, development, and coaching for employees

Ability to interpret and apply laws, contracts, regulations, policies, and procedures

Ability to manage a budget and work within the constraints of that budget

Ability to enforce safety rules and regulations

Ability to maintain confidential information

Ability to demonstrate dependability, responsibility, and consistency in job performance

Ability to exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions

Ability to analyze, organize, and prioritize work while meeting multiple deadlines

Exhibits leadership qualities of dependability and accountability

Ability to attend work as scheduled and/or required

Preferred

Experience in economic development, city planning, zoning, land use, commercial and residential property transactions, right of way, environmental law, real estate financing, and drafting agreements

Municipal experience