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
Perform a variety of legal duties supporting the City Attorney, City Council, City departments and boards and commissions; represent the City in litigation; draft, review and negotiate City ordinances, resolutions, contracts and other legal documents; and provide complex staff assistance to the 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. Assist the City Attorney in representing the City to other departments, elected officials and outside agencies; negotiate and resolve sensitive and controversial issues.
2. Perform legal research and prepare written and oral opinions on various legal problems for the City Council, City departments and boards and commissions.
3. Confer with and render legal opinions to department heads in establishing departmental policies; recommend changes in policies and procedures in order to meet legal requirements.
4. Prepare, draft and review ordinances, resolutions, contracts, deeds, leases and other legal documents and instruments; offer opinions as to legal acceptability when presented to the City for consideration by an outside agent or agency.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Assist in the development and administration of the budget; assist in forecasting funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; monitor expenditures and implement corrections.
8. Serve as staff on a variety of boards, commissions and committees; prepare and present staff reports, legal analyses and other necessary correspondence.
9. Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of public law.
10. 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.
11. Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
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.
Modern office procedures, methods and equipment including computers.
Principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration.
Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.
Ability to:
Provide responsible assistance to the City Attorney.
Prepare and prosecute civil and criminal cases.
Review lawsuits and claims filed against the City and recommend appropriate courses of action.
Participate in court proceedings.
Offer sound legal advice and counsel.
Use a wide variety of legal research methods.
Interpret and apply Federal, State and local policies, laws and regulations.
Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
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:
Four years of increasingly responsible experience practicing municipal law.
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; 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.