ASSISTANT CORPORATION COUNSEL at City of Schenectady

ASSISTANT CORPORATION COUNSEL

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:  
Performs professional, highly responsible legal services for the city; performs related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: 
This is professional legal work of more than ordinary difficulty calling for the application of the principles and practices of law within broadly defined limits.  The work calls for the exercise of independent judgment under the general supervision of the Corporation Counsel.

EXAMPLES OF WORK:  (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)

• Acts as counsel and trial attorney in many kinds of cases involving the enforcement of law;
• Prepares and tries actions brought in courts against the City;
• Prepares drafts of legal instruments such as contracts, deeds, and leases;
• Prepares lists of tax liens for title examination;
• Assists in preparing foreclosure matters;
• Provides legal counsel to various boards and bodies relating to municipal subjects, at conferences, meetings, and hearings;
• Assists in preparing draft legislation;
• Consults with, advises and prepares legal memoranda for members of the various city departments on a wide variety of legal issues;
• Has charge of the law department during the absence of the Corporation Counsel.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:   
Knowledge of the principles and practices of common law and of city, state, and federal laws; thorough knowledge of civil court procedure and of the rules of evidence; knowledge of the general functions and administrative activities of the city government; skill in preparing and drafting legal instruments; ability to analyze, appraise, and apply legal principles, facts and precedents to legal issues; ability to plan and supervise the work of others; good command of language; initiative; tact; and courtesy; good professional judgment; good address; good physical condition.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:  
Experience in the practice of law and graduation from a law school of recognized standing; or any equivalent combination of experience and training sufficient to indicate ability to do the work.

SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR ACCEPTANCE OF APPLICATION: 
A license to practice law in New York State.