Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
DEFINITION
To provide a wide range of professional legal services to the City departments and various City boards and commissions; to represent the City in civil and criminal litigation; to draft, review and negotiate City ordinances, resolutions, contracts and other legal documents; and to provide complex staff assistance to the Assistant City Attorney and City Attorney.
JOB CLASSIFICATION
Exempt, Non-Safety Sensitive.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general direction from the City Attorney.
PRIMARY DUTIES--The following are examples of primary duties assigned to positions in this classification. Other related duties and responsibilities may be assigned.
1. Supervise Municipal Court practice.
2. Perform legal research and prepare written and oral opinions on various legal issues.
3. Confer with and render legal advice to City staff in establishing departmental policies and procedures; interpret and apply laws, court decisions, ordinances and other legal sources in advising staff in legal matters; update and provide training to staff on changing legal requirements; recommend revisions to policies and procedures in order to meet legal requirements.
4. Prepare, draft and review ordinances, administrative regulations, resolutions, contracts, deeds, leases and other legal documents and instruments; offer opinions as to legal sufficiency and/or advisability of documents presented to the City by outside parties.
5. Provide staff assistance to the City Attorney and Assistant City Attorney; prepare and present staff reports and other related correspondence, documents, reports and opinions.
6. Prepare cases for hearings, trials and other judicial proceedings.
7. Represent the City in court and agency proceedings.
8. Represent the City at various City Council and board and commission meetings as directed by the City Attorney or Assistant City Attorney.
9. Attend administrative, departmental and board meetings to advise on legal matters; represent the City at various professional and civic meetings.
10. Coordinate work with other staff in the City Manager’s and City Attorney’s offices and Municipal Court.
11. Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen complaints and requests for information.
12. Represent the City Attorney's Office to other departments, elected officials and outside agencies; coordinate assigned activities with those of other departments and outside agencies and organizations.
13. Investigate claims and complaints against the City and initiate or recommend appropriate action; supervise and participate in the preparation of cases for hearings, trials and other judicial proceedings; represent the city in such proceedings.
14. Assist in training, motivating and evaluating legal support personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and termination procedures.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Legal principles and practices in civil, criminal, constitutional and administrative law and procedures.
Tort law and liability insurance litigation.
Principles, materials and methods of legal research.
Legal precedents and court decisions impacting municipal government.
Statutes, codes and regulations applicable to municipal government activities, civil and criminal proceedings.
Principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration.
Judicial procedures and rules of evidence
Statutes and court decisions relating to civil rights and public labor law
Ordinances, statutes and court decisions relating to municipal corporations, and use, real property, contracts and administrative law.
Modern office procedures, methods and equipment including computers.
Ability to:
Provide responsible assistance to the City Attorney and Assistant City Attorney.
Represent the City in judicial and administrative proceedings
Effectively prepare and prosecute civil and criminal cases.
Coordinate and assist in civil litigation handled by outside counsel.
Analyze a wide variety of legal issues.
Conduct research on legal problems and prepare sound legal opinions.
Interpret and apply Federal, State and local policies, laws and regulations.
Negotiate.
Perform legal work requiring the use of independent judgment and initiative.
Review and prepare a wide variety of legal documents.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Work flexible hours.
Speak, read, comprehend, and write the English language fluently.
Experience and Training Guidelines
Minimum Requirements:
Experience:
Three years of increasingly responsible experience practicing municipal law.
Training:
A Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
License or Certificate:
Admission to Colorado bar or another state if reciprocity may be attained.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, the City of Grand Junction Leadership Track certification within two (2) years of appointment.
Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Environmental Conditions:
The job is performed in the following working environment:
Office environment; exposure to computer screens.
Physical Conditions:
The job is characterized by:
Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.
The following physical activities are very or extremely important in accomplishing the job’s purpose and are performed on a daily basis:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit for prolonged periods. The employee is regularly required to see, hear, talk, stand, twist and use repetitive motions in the conduct of work. The employee is also required to perform light lifting.