City Attorney UN

Job Description

Responsible for managing all legal affairs affecting the City. Work involves responsibility for supervising and approving the work of all subordinates and outside counsel; providing legal advice and counsel to the City Council, Mayor, Chief Administrative Officer, Director of Council Services and department heads. The position requires the exercise of extensive public contact of a sensitive and demanding nature.

This is an unclassified at-will position.

Job descriptions are intended to present a general list of tasks/duties performed by employees within this job classification. Job Descriptions are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

Advertisement as required by Article V, Section 4(f)(1) of the City's CharterESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the functions listed below. Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

• Plan, organize, direct, assign, and supervise the work of subordinates and outside counsel; review and approves settlements of litigation and legal opinions, contracts, ordinances, resolutions, legislation, and other legal documents.

• Provide advice and counsel to the City Council, Mayor, and Chief Administrative Officer and Director of Council Services; provides oral and written opinions and advice on litigation and legislation.

• Attend all City Council meetings; responds to questions and renders advice.

• Represent the City on pending legal matters and litigation.

• Perform related work as required.

Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school recognized by the American Bar Association plus experience in the practice of municipal law, managing a budget, municipal, local, state government and intergovernmental affairs to include direct supervisory experience.
The City Attorney must be a licensed attorney at law admitted to practice by the State Bar of New Mexico.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Possession of a valid Driver's License or the ability to obtain by date of hire.
Possession of a City Operator's Permit (COP) within six (6) months from date of hire

Preferred Knowledge
• Constitutional, federal, state, and local law affecting municipal government

• Judicial procedures

• Established precedents and sources of legal reference applicable to municipal activities

• Municipal ordinances and charter provisions relating to the authority and function of municipal departments

Preferred Skills and Ability
• Plan, direct, and coordinate the work of subordinate attorneys

• Analyze, appraise, and organize facts, evidence, and precedents concerned in difficult and complex cases and to present such material in a clear and local form for oral and written presentations or briefs, opinions, orders, and decisions

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, including City officials and the general public