Assistant City Attorney

Location: Justice Center, Leawood, KS 66211

Department: Legal / Municipal Court - Legal Services

Division: Legal Services

Job Status: Full-Time

Shift: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Days Worked: Mon., Tue., Wed., Thu., Fri.

Hour Per Week: 40

Details: Starting salary range $71,198-$88,997 / year, DOQ

The Assistant City Attorney performs advanced professional legal work of a general or specialized nature in the provision of legal services to the City and its departments. The Assistant City Attorney has the responsibility for performing a variety of assignments which require the application of advanced legal knowledge and abilities and requires independent judgement with little review and guidance. This position assists the Prosecutor and the City Attorney as required.

•Responsible for negotiating and preparing City contracts, deeds, leases, bond and financing papers, insurance policies, and other legal documents and instruments for various City departments.

•Provides legal advice to and consults with staff, City department heads and managers. Responsibilities include but are not limited to performing legal research, preparing opinions on various legal issues for City departments, boards, commissions, and agencies and rendering legal advice on behalf of the legal department.

•Responsible for interpreting, drafting, and approving legal documents and statues including but not limited to City Codes, ordinances resolutions, and administrative policies. 

•Responsible for preparing and approving form agreements and assists in the negotiation of proposed agreements.

•Responsible for the monitoring of liability claims and lawsuits involving the City.

•Performs legal research and prepares opinions on various legal problems for City departments, boards, commissions and agencies.    

•Provides legal recommendations with regard to risk avoidance concerning City projects and programs. 

•Represents the City in municipal and state courts, before various boards and commissions, at administrative hearings and in lawsuits.

•Functions as legal advisor for assigned City departments, boards and commissions.

•Performs research, studies, and gives testimony on behalf of the City concerning legislative matters.

•Assists in identifying training needs for City departments, developing, and administrating training seminars for departments on applicable state and federal laws.

•May assume responsibility of the legal department in the absence of the City Attorney or Assistant City Attorney/Prosecutor.

•Performs administrative assignments as delegated by the City Attorney. Responsibilities include but are not limited to preparing reports and recommendations, working with City officials in improving and maintaining the delivery of legal services to City departments.

•Monitors the City’s risk management and insurance program. Responsibilities include but is not limited to reviewing asset lists and assisting in insurance application process.

•Works with state officials, federal officials, and other legal professionals to remain informed on current and pending legislation. Analyzes federal and state legislation determining impact affecting the City.

•Stays informed of new and pending legal issues and provides up to date information in the form of case law, statutory changes, and legal advice to departments.

•Required to attend and represent the City at City Council, commissions, boards and committees meetings.

•May assist in investigating a variety of legal-related subjects as directed by the City Attorney. Prepares accurate and complete reviews and reports as necessary.

•Employee may be asked by the supervisor to perform other duties that are not listed but are essential to the job.

 

Minimum Qualifications / Requirements -

•Ability to protect and maintain confidentiality of information.

•Ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines with effective results.

•Ability to read, write, and understand the English language with proper spelling and grammar to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

•Ability to work independently, as part of a team and with the public.

•Ability to use safe work practices while on the job.

•Ability to problem solve and negotiate effectively; to analyze and interpret federal, state, local and courts laws, rules, regulations, and directives; perform complex and complicated legal research and analysis.

•Ability to prepare and present the City’s case before any court or administrative agency required or as directed by the City Attorney.

•Ability to explain laws, policies, and procedures.

•Ability to use legal software programs utilized by the Legal Department.

•Standard office procedures, systems, and practices including the use of a computer.

Education, Training, and Certification Requirements -

•Must have a Juris Doctor Degree from an accredited law school.

•Must be licensed to practice law or obtain license in the State of Kansas and the federal district court for the District of Kansas within six (6) months of hire. Membership in the Missouri bar preferred.

•Knowledge of judicial procedures and rules of evidence and Kansas municipal court procedures.

•Knowledge of ordinances, Federal and State Constitutions and statutes, and court decisions relating to municipal operations.

•Completion of NIMS requirement within one year of hire.

•Must possess a valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record per the City’s drivers Use of Vehicles for City Business policy throughout employment with the City.