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
Direct, manage, supervise and coordinate the activities and operations of the City Attorney's Office; serve as the legal advisor to the City Council, City Manager, boards, commissions and other staff; and provide a full range of legal services to the City including preparation of legal opinions, representation in legal actions, document preparation and related work.
JOB CLASSIFICATION
Exempt, Non-Safety Sensitive.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives policy direction from the City Council.
Exercises direct supervision over professional, technical and clerical staff.
PRIMARY DUTIES--The following are examples of primary duties assigned to positions in this classification. Other related duties and responsibilities may be assigned.
1. Assume management responsibility for assigned services and activities of the City Attorney's Office; recommend and administer policies and procedures.
2. Manage and participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies and priorities for assigned programs; recommend and administer policies and procedures.
3. Monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; recommend, within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels.
4. Plan, direct, coordinate and review the work plan for legal support staff; assign work activities, projects and programs; review and evaluate work products, methods and procedures; meet with staff to identify and resolve problems.
5. Render legal opinions to the City Council, City boards and commissions, the City Manager and department staff as required; analyze legislation affecting the City.
6. Prepare civil cases for trial; investigate claims and complaints by or against the City; try cases before County, State and Federal courts.
7. Perform the most complex legal tasks and work including representing the City before appellate courts and administrative bodies.
8. Prepare or review drafts and assist in the negotiation of proposed agreements; prepare or review ordinances, resolutions, deeds, pleadings, contracts and other legal documents.
9. Select, train, motivate and evaluate legal support personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and termination procedures.
10. Oversee and participate in the development and administration of the division's annual budget; participate in the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; monitor and approve expenditures; implement adjustments.
11. Serve as the liaison for the City Attorney's Office with other divisions, departments and outside agencies; negotiate and resolve sensitive and controversial issues.
12. Serve as staff on a variety of boards, commissions and committees; prepare and present staff reports, legal analyses and other necessary correspondence.
13. Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of public law.
14. Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Operational characteristics, services and activities of a public legal office.
Principles and practices of program development and administration.
Principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration.
Principles of civil, constitutional and administrative law.
Judicial procedures and rules of evidence.
Principles, materials and methods of legal research.
Legal precedents and court decisions impacting municipal government.
Statutes and codes applicable to civil proceedings.
Duties, powers, limitations and authorities of a city attorney.
Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation.
Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.
Ability to:
Oversee and participate in the management of a comprehensive public legal office.
Oversee, direct and coordinate the work of lower-level staff.
Select, supervise, train and evaluate staff.
Participate in the development and administration of division goals, objectives and procedures.
Research, analyze and apply legal principles, facts, evidence and precedents to legal problems.
Give sound legal advice and counsel.
Draft legal documents such as ordinances, resolutions, statutes and contracts.
Prepare, present and conduct trials and legal appeals.
Present statements of fact, law and argument clearly and logically in both written and oral form.
Use a wide variety of legal research methods.
Effectively represent City policies with citizens, organizations and other government agencies.
Prepare and administer large program budgets.
Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports.
Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
Research, analyze and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Speak, read, comprehend, and write the English language fluently.
Experience and Training Guidelines
Minimum Requirements:
Experience:
Seven (7) years of increasingly responsible professional experience in municipal or other government law including trial experience.
Training:
A Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.
License or Certificate
Possession of membership in the State Bar of Colorado.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Environmental Conditions:
The job is performed in the following working environment:
Office environment: some travel to other locations; 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.