Assistant City Attorney - City Of Charleston

General Description

The purpose of this class within the organization is to represent the City of Charleston in all legal matters, providing the highest level of legal representation to the City. This class works under administrative supervision, developing and implementing programs within organizational policies and reports major activities to executive level administrators through conferences and reports.

Duties and Responsibilities

The functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the job/class as necessary.

Essential Functions:

Strives to be efficient and effective at balancing and meeting the common needs and reasonable expectations of core constituents.

Contributes towards the department's mission by continuously striving to meet expectations, strategic goals and objectives.

Researches, analyzes and interprets federal, state and local laws/policies/regulations to provide written and oral legal opinions to the Mayor, City Manager, City Council, and department heads on a wide range of issues.

Researches and subsequently drafts legislation for laws within the City and state municipal laws; develops, writes, reviews and revises ordinances.

Assists the City Collector in collecting outstanding debts by devising strategies, making phone calls, drafting letters, and filing lawsuits as the need arises; negotiates settlements, including the drafting of promissory notes/payment plans.

Represents the City in various civil lawsuits filed against, or involving the City, which generally includes researching, analyzing and interpreting laws and filing the necessary court documents, in state or federal court.

Represents the City in appeals of business and occupation taxation judgments at the state court level, including preparation of all attendant pleadings and briefings.

Researches and analyze case law, regulations, federal, state, and local laws; as well as writes briefs in support of the City's position in litigation matters.

Consults with City employees and department heads; analyzes potential legal ramifications and determines a plan of action.

Consults with the City Council regarding potential legal issues that proposals may face or issues involving their constituents; attends meetings of the City Council, various committees, commissions and boards, rendering legal advice as necessary; appears and represents the City at civil mediations and depositions with various City employees.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

Requires a Law Degree from an accredited college or university and eight (4) years of experience in practicing law.

Special Certifications and Licenses:

License to practice law in the State of West Virginia.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: In order to provide efficient and effective services, the City seeks team members who possess the following core competencies that are aligned with the City's vision: Accountability - takes responsibility for own actions; Adaptability - responds positively to change; Communications - listens, speaks and/or writes in a clear, concise and respectful manner; Customer Service - provides courteous, accessible and quality assistance to internal and external customers; Initiative - takes proactive action to complete work or resolve issues; Judgment & Decision Making - evaluates issues and makes sound factual decisions; Professional Development - seeks opportunities to enhance technical skills and job knowledge; Teamwork and Cooperation - collaborates with other team members to fulfill the City's vision and departmental strategic goals and objectives

Salary & Benefits: The City offers an excellent compensation and benefits package including a competitive salary and access to a full range of fringe benefits including health, vision, dental, disability and life insurance; the PERS (State) Retirement program; 457 deferred compensation plan and a generous paid leave (vacation and sick leave) plan.

EEO: The City of Charleston provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all current employees and new applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, age, national origin, ancestry, religion, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship, pregnancy or maternity, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable national, federal, state or local law.