City Attorney

Closing Date: 30th April, 2024

Description:

Function
Are you a legal powerhouse ready to serve as the trusted legal advisor for our vibrant city and its diverse array of departments, committees, and authorities? If you're passionate about municipal law and eager to make a positive impact on our community, we want you on our team!

What You'll Do:

• Serve as the chief legal adviser and attorney for the City Manager, Assistant City Managers, Department Heads, City Council, and other key stakeholders.
• Provide legal guidance and representation to committees, boards, and authorities, including the Economic Development Authority, Planning Commission, Review of Real Estate Assessment Board, Hampton Federal Area Development Authority (FADA), the Treasure, and Commissioner of the Revenue.
• Foster a culture of integrity, transparency, and accountability within the City Attorney's Office and across the organization.
• Guide and inspire a team of 15 dedicated full-time employees while steering the strategic allocation of a $1.5 million budget.

Examples of Work:

• Leads and mentors a talented team of legal professionals, technical and clerical personnel overseeing their delivery of expert counsel, guidance and customer service to the City Manager's office, City Council, and subordinate entities, including commissions, departments, boards, and authorities. Assigns tasks, reviews progress, and ensures the quality and timeliness of all legal work. Spearheads personnel management, including hiring, training, performance evaluations, and disciplinary actions, to foster a high-performing team.
• Proactively engages with the City Council agenda, actively participating in work sessions and public meetings to offer legal insights on various matters such as property tax, assessments, public safety, governance, liability, and economic development initiatives. Ensures thorough legal analysis is conducted for each matter, providing accurate information to decision-makers. Validates the legal integrity of resolutions, ordinances, and other documents prior to presentation to City Council, thereby mitigating legal risks.
• Advocates for the city's interests by representing it in a diverse range of legal proceedings across Circuit, District, Virginia Supreme, and Federal Courts, as needed. Conducts comprehensive research, gathers evidence, and ensures procedural readiness for court appearances. Additionally, guides and supports fellow attorneys in navigating complex cases, conducting pre-court reviews as necessary.
• Collaborates closely with the City Manager and key stakeholders to address legal challenges efficiently and effectively, resolving issues at the lowest organizational level whenever possible.
• Oversees external litigation matters handled by outside legal counsel, ensuring alignment with the city's strategic initiatives and legal standards.
• Performs additional duties as necessary to support the legal needs of the city and its stakeholders.

Qualifications:
What We're Looking For:

• Graduation from an American Bar Association (ABA) approved law school and a license to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• Active membership in good standing with the Virginia State Bar.
• Six (6) to nine (9) years of progressive managerial experience in practicing law, with at least five (5) years in a supervisory capacity.
• Preferably, prior experience in municipal law is desired.
• Thorough knowledge of municipal law, as well as a comprehensive understanding of local, state, and federal laws and court decisions impacting municipalities.
• Proficiency in conducting legal research, preparing clear and concise legal documents and briefs, and adeptness in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex legal agreements, contracts, and settlements.
• Ability to interpret laws, regulations, and policies accurately and make decisions accordingly.
• Demonstrated capability to plan and supervise the work of other attorneys effectively.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, presentation, and mediation skills are essential.
• Capacity to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize tasks efficiently.
• Commitment to embracing diversity and fostering and maintaining productive working relationships with City officials, community leaders, professional groups, as well local and state entities.

Features
Additional Requirements:

• Must possess a valid driver's license and must have and maintain a satisfactory driving record based on the City of Hampton's criteria.
• Must successfully pass a background check prior to any offer of employment or promotion
• Requires the ability to plan and supervise the work of others; communicate effectively both orally and in writing with users and stakeholders of different backgrounds and disciplines; establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with city officials, employees and the public.
• Requires the ability to function as a team member and must be adaptable to performing effectively under moderate to high levels of stress. Requires the ability to embrace change and function as a lead agent of change within the organization.
• Operates with autonomy under the oversight of the City Council, collaborating closely with the City Manager and City Clerk.
• Assumes a high-level managerial role necessitating astute and independent decision-making within established guidelines and policies.
• Engages extensively with the City Manager's team, City Council, department heads, staff, citizens, and external agencies.
• Functions adeptly as part of a team and demonstrates adaptability in high-pressure situations.
• Executes duties with unwavering professionalism and integrity, grounded solely in legal and factual considerations, devoid of political, partisan, or personal influences.
• Designated as essential personnel during emergencies, providing crucial support to the Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
• Prepared to work long and irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Engages in frequent local travel and occasional out-of-town trips as necessary.
• Required residency within the City limits of Hampton within twelve (12) months of assuming the position for the duration of time in the position.

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