Assistant Attorney

JOB SUMMARY & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

JOB SUMMARY

Under general direction of the City Attorney and/or Deputy City Attorney and within guidelines set by policies, rules, and regulations, this position provides legal services to the city including representation of the city in civil matters, litigation of claims and suits filed on behalf of or against the city and the provision of legal guidance to the City of Northport, its officers, and employees.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Participates in all stages of legal proceedings including appeals; develops and implements legal strategy for pending cases; researches laws and ordinances pertaining to cases; interprets codes, regulations, and policies; drafts and files legal questions, motions, requests, and briefs; reviews and analyzes case records; prepares witness examinations, cross-examinations, depositions; presents oral arguments in jury and non-jury trials; negotiates settlement of cases.
• Provides legal advice and assistance to city departments pertaining to changes in criminal law, city ordinances, and Municipal Court procedures; assists departments in the preparation for implementation of changes and in the recommendation for changes to existing law or procedures.
• Represents the city in civil litigation and plaintiff actions at the discretion of the City Attorney; enforces contracts and permits; files numerous plaintiff cases relating to the collection of debt owed to city; defends or assists in the defense of legal claims against the city; represents employees or officials in the defense of any action performed while acting in an official capacity on behalf of the city.
• Assists the City Attorney and/or Deputy City Attorney in the provision of legal guidance to the Mayor and the City Council pertaining to municipal issues; drafts and reviews myriad ordinances, and resolutions as required for action by the City Council; attends City Council meetings.
• Researches, analyzes, composes and drafts myriad legal and administrative briefs, contracts, permits, pleadings, amendments, settlements, and correspondence; researches laws and ordinances; confers with supervisors, city officials, attorneys, elected officials, and staff; ensures all legal documents are in compliance with local, state, and federal codes and regulations.
• Receives and calendars court dockets; forwards dockets to appropriate personnel for recording and notification to applicable personnel, agencies, and individuals.
• Attends meetings, seminars, and training sessions to remain knowledgeable of departmental operations, to promote improved departmental performance, and to advise on changing state/municipal codes and criminal/civil law, policies, and regulations; participates in governmental and professional committees; provides advice and guidance; makes presentations and conducts lectures on relevant issues to a variety of professional and municipal organizations; serves as media spokesperson on behalf of the city.
• Shares knowledge with city officials, departments, municipalities, staff, and the general public for mutual and departmental benefit; develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships with officials, departments, representatives from organizations, and the public so as to maintain good will toward the city and to project a good department image.
• Conducts investigations and/or inquiries at the request of the Mayor, City Council, and department heads.
• Answers phone and directs calls to appropriate person; responds to inquiries from law offices, general public, and departments.
• Fills in for co-workers.
• Must accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, in a timely manner.
• Performs other reasonably related duties in a safe manner as assigned by immediate supervisor or other supervisors as required.

Education and Experience:

Juris Doctorate and membership in good standing with the Alabama State Bar Association with a minimum of two (2) years’ experience in municipal, criminal, constitutional law, or related field, preferably in a public sector environment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special

Qualifications:

• Must attend continuing education courses as stipulated by state law.
• Possession of a valid, State of Alabama driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle. Requirement exists at the time of hire and as a condition of continued employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of City ordinances, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of modern office practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other similar programs).
• Skill in planning and organizing work.
• Skill in utilizing such office equipment as a calculator, typewriter, facsimile machine, and copier.
• Skill in interpersonal relations; establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees and the general public.
• Skill in verbal and written…