Closing Date: 3rd May, 2024
Description:
Are you a professional looking to serve the community? Join our team! The City of Chesapeake is seeking an experienced individual to fill the role of Assistant City Attorney IV. The successful candidate will render high level legal services to the City of Chesapeake and assist with oversight of departmental operations. The position is responsible for preparing complex legal documents, providing legal advice, conducting legal research, representing the City in court proceedings, mediating disputes, and supervising staff. The position works within broad policy and organizational guidelines; independently plans and implements projects; and reports progress of major activities through periodic conferences and meetings.- Provides legal advice on complex issues to departments and agencies of the City; provides oral and written legal opinions.
- Drafts ordinances, contracts, petitions, motions, orders, pleadings, resolutions, leases, deeds, license agreements, policies, writs and other legal documents.
- Reviews, revises, and approves proposed ordinances, contracts, policies, procedures, and other documents for legal sufficiency.
- Provides legal representation to the City in judiciary and administrative proceedings, including trial and appellate work. Serves as “first chair” litigator in major court cases and manages significant caseload, including interviewing witnesses, preparing and reviewing exhibits, legal research, evidentiary motions.
- Provides specific legal guidance and representation to City staff in ongoing matters before the court and administrative and regulatory bodies.
- Participates in mediation and pre-trial settlement conferences and makes recommendations to the City Attorney regarding proposed resolution of disputes.
- Attends citizen meetings for purposes of responding to legal questions and providing legal explanation of City programs and issues.
- Assists the City Attorney in administrative investigations concerning matters of concern to the City Council and the City Manager.
- Assists the City Attorney and Deputy City Attorney in providing oversight of office management and supervision of staff, including training, assigning and evaluating work, counseling, and recommending disciplinary action.
- Attends staff, commission, Council, Board, and other professional meetings to exchange information or provide legal counsel.
- Facilitates major property acquisitions for City projects, including title work, document preparation, and condemnations. Conducts real estate closings.
- Mediates disputes involving the City or any of its boards, commissions, or committees.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications:
Vocational/educational Requirement:
- Requires a Juris doctorate.
Experience Requirements:
In addition to satisfying the vocational/educational standard, this class requires a minimum of four years of related, full-time experience in the practice of local government law or equivalent experience.
Special Certifications and Licenses:
- Requires a Commonwealth of Virginia Law License, or eligibility for membership in the Virginia Bar.
- Requires a valid driver's license and a driving record that is in compliance with the City Driving Standards.
Special Requirements:
Employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies. Emergency operations support work and work locations may be outside of normal job duties.
