First Assistant Corporation Counsel

FIRST ASSISTANT CORPORATION COUNSEL - General employment applications may be obtained at the office of the Municipal Civil Service Commission, 4th floor, City Hall, Governmental Plaza, Binghamton, New York, 13901 or from the City Website ghamton-ny.gov. Application must be submitted by 4:45 P.M. on last date to file.

• Act as the legal adviser of the Common Council and of the officers, boards, and departments of the City.
• Appear for and protect the rights and interests of the City in actions, suits, and proceedings brought by or against it or any City officer, board or department, and advise that such officer, board or department shall not employ other counsel.
• Assist the Corporation Counsel in rendering legal counsel to the Mayor and to the City Council; provide extensive legal expertise and exercise independent judgment and discretion under general supervision of the Corporation Counsel.
• Possibly supervise the Research Aide and clerical staff of the Department as needed.
• Perform related work as required.
• Typical work activities include acting as legal interpreter for the City Council regarding City code, charter and ordinances; preparing resolutions, ordinances and local laws for final drafting and approval for Mayor and Council members; and providing legal counsel for federal and state matters including civil rights, labor relations, civil service, personnel, human rights and EEOC matters, FOIL, workers compensation.
• Represent the City in civil rights, employment, personal injury, unemployment insurance, water and sewer matters, and in collection and small claims procedures; prosecute City code violations; serve as plaintiff in related actions; may be appointed as hearing officer for issues such as condemnation, billing disputes, and union matters; supervise subordinates as needed.

• Familiarity with principles and practices of common law and with City, State, and Federal laws, especially in Criminal and Municipal Corporation Law.
• Familiarity with civil court procedures and rules of evidence; understanding of municipal government operations.
• Skill in drafting legal instructions; ability to analyze and apply legal principles and precedents to problems.
• Ability to plan and supervise subordinates; clear and effective speaking; initiative; independent and professional judgment; diplomacy and tact.
• Ability to operate a personal computer and use common office software (word processing, spreadsheets, databases) with acceptable speed and accuracy.
• Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

• Duly licensed and admitted Attorney at Law.

The City of Binghamton is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to workforce diversification. All new hires are required to pass a pre-employment drug test as a condition of employment. Broome County residency is required at time of appointment.