Assistant City Attorney
City of St. Joseph, MO
Saint Joseph, MO
Full-time
Legal
Posted on May 25, 2022
Assistant City Attorney
Salary: $64,197.17
Job Summary/Scope
Performs a variety of administrative, technical, and professional work activities in conjunction with providing legal services and advice on behalf of the City. No budgetary or supervisory responsibilities.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Identifies, compares and evaluates options regarding legal aspects of City operations and provides legal advice to City departments.
- Attends City Council and City Board and Commission meetings in the absence of, or at the direction of, the City Attorney and attends work sessions for the purpose of providing legal advice, as requested.
- Analyzes federal and state legislation affecting the City, as requested.
- Conducts legal research to analyze, interpret, and make decisions.
- Drafts legal opinions and associated documents.
- Reviews and approves ordinances and resolutions submitted by other City departments as to form
- Prepares, ordinances, resolutions, deeds, civil pleadings, contracts, leases, and other legal documents.
- Assists in the negotiation of proposed agreements, as assigned.
- Drafts and/or reviews policies and procedures prior to implementation to ensure legal compliance.
- Interprets provisions of the City Charter, Code of Ordinances, and City policies and procedures.
- Represents the City before state and federal agencies, as assigned.
- Represents the City in litigation and administrative hearings, as assigned.
- Performs Municipal Court prosecutorial duties, as requested.
- Responds to citizen complaints, as assigned.
Other Duties and Responsibilities
Performs all other related duties, as assigned.
Education
Juris Doctor Degree from an accredited law school required.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- State of Missouri License to practice law.
- Valid Driver’s License.
- Knowledge of sources for researching municipal, state, federal, and common law.
- Knowledge of municipal law and inter-governmental relationships.
- Knowledge of judicial proceedings and trial techniques, including case management and the rules of evidence
- Knowledge of regulatory, land use, contract, and real estate law.
- Ability to work with elected officials, staff members and citizens effectively and efficiently.
- Ability to use tact, discretion, initiative, and independent judgment within established guidelines.
- Ability to apply logical thinking to analyze, interpret and solve complex legal problems and/or accomplish associated tasks.
- Ability to communicate complicated legal and factual situations and issues to both experts and laypersons (both verbally and in writing).
- Ability to work under pressure in potentially stressful situations.
- Ability to work independently and to follow-up on assignments without being prompted.
- Ability to use appropriate time management skills, including the ability to effectively organize and prioritize work, set priorities, and meet critical deadlines.
- Two or more years previous work experience in municipal law or related field highly desirable.
Material and Equipment Directly Used
Uses a variety of office equipment, including a personal computer with a variety of software programs, Internet-based research applications, and other standard office-related equipment. There may be times when use of personal vehicle may be required.
Working Environment/Physical Requirements
Work is performed in an office or court setting with a controlled environment. Occasional need to perform field visits to compile information. Work may involve extended periods of sitting or standing, bending, reaching, and stooping. Seldom need to lift more than 10 to 20 pounds. Some overnight or day travel may be required for business purposes. Vacation and other leave scheduling shall be requested of, and approved by, the appropriate supervisor.
Employee Behavior and Conduct
City employees shall conduct themselves in a professional manner and shall exhibit and extend such professional conduct as is appropriate for the circumstances to those with whom they come into contact, both internally and externally, during the performance of their duties. Examples of professional conduct include, but are not limited to, being communicative, informative, fair, honest, and respectful.
Passing of a drug screening required prior to appointment.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The City is a Governmental entity subject to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which requires that otherwise qualified handicapped individuals be protected from discrimination.
The City is a Governmental entity subject to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which requires that otherwise qualified handicapped individuals be protected from discrimination.