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
Provide a wide range of professional legal services to the City departments and various boards and commissions; represent the City in civil litigation and administrative matters; draft, review and negotiate City ordinances, resolutions, contracts, and other legal documents; provide complex staff assistance to the City Attorney and operating departments principally engaged in land use and development matters.
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 but not designed to be a comprehensive listing. Other related duties and responsibilities may be assigned.
1. Perform legal research and prepare written and oral opinions on various legal issues, principally those involving and concerning land use and development matters.
2. Confer with and render legal advice to City staff in establishing and revising departmental policies and procedures; attend administrative, department, and board meetings as needed; interpret and apply laws, court decisions, ordinances, and other legal sources in advising staff in legal matters; update staff on changing legal requirements.
3. Prepare, draft and review ordinances, 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.
4. Provide staff assistance to the City Attorney and Assistant City Attorney; prepare and present staff reports and other related correspondence, documents, reports, and opinions.
5. Represent the City in court and agency proceedings as well as at various City Council, Planning Commission, and Zoning Board of Appeals meetings as directed by the City Attorney.
7. Coordinate work with other City staff and staff in the City Attorney’s offices. .
8. Respond to citizen inquiries, issues, questions, and requests for information.
9. Perform other duties of a similar nature or level.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Judicial procedures and rules of evidence.
Principles of civil, constitutional, municipal, and administrative law.
Ethical principles and rules.
Tort law and liability insurance litigation.
Statutes and court decisions relating to civil rights and public labor law.
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.
Ordinances, statutes, and court decisions relating to municipal organizations, specifically: land use, real property, employment law, public utility law, public safety, contracts, administrative law, or similar areas relevant to a municipal practice.
Modern office technology and equipment, including computers and related software applications.
Applicable Federal, State, and local codes, laws, and regulations.
Ability to:
Analyze a wide variety of legal issues.
Coordinate and assist in civil litigation handled by inside and outside counsel.
Conduct research on legal problems and prepare sound legal opinions.
Perform legal work requiring the use of independent judgment and initiative.
Perform with integrity demonstrating honesty and sensitivity to ethical issues.
Avoid actual and apparent impropriety and conflicts of interest.
Review and prepare a wide variety of legal and title records and documents.
Operate and use modern office equipment including computer and various software applications.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Perform and exercise appropriate judgment under pressure.
Participate effectively in team problem solving.
Speak, read, comprehend, and write the English language fluently.
Experience and Training Guidelines
Minimum Requirements:
Experience:
Three (3) years of responsible criminal and/or municipal law and/or related areas such as land use, real estate, sales and use tax, public finance, telecommunications, civil litigation, elections, public utilities, and other local government law with experience preferably in a municipality, county, district attorney’s office, state or federal government or agency.
Training:
A Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school.
Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.
License or Certificate
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Colorado driver’s license.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, admission to the Colorado State Bar Association.
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 daily:
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.