Assistant City Attorney

City of Gastonia; Gastonia (NC); On-site; USD 107,000 - 128,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Gastonia seeks a qualified attorney to provide legal services and counsel on behalf of the City, including drafting and reviewing legal documents and representing the City in state and federal courts and administrative proceedings.

Under the supervision of the City Attorney and Deputy City Attorney, the role requires professional judgment to support City operations and public interest. Strong knowledge of municipal and property law is essential.

Qualifications

• Requires Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Three or more years of municipal, governmental, or real property law experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provides legal advice and counsel to City officials, departments, and staff regarding municipal operations, legal responsibilities, statutory authority, and compliance with applicable local, state, and federal laws.
• Reviews proposed City actions, policies, procedures, and operations for legal compliance, applying knowledge of municipal law, constitutional law, civil rights, employment law, land use and zoning, administrative law, and other applicable legal principles.
• Drafts, reviews, and interprets contracts, deeds, ordinances, resolutions, policies, leases, releases, agreements, and other legal documents to protect the City's interests and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Reviews departmental contracts, procurement activities, and related agreements to ensure compliance with state procurement statutes, City policies, and City Council-approved resolutions.
• Assists with or independently manages litigation and administrative proceedings involving the City, as assigned, including preparing legal pleadings, conducting legal research, developing case strategies, and representing the City before judicial and quasi-judicial bodies.
• Attends meetings of City boards and commissions, as assigned, providing legal guidance on procedural requirements, statutory authority, regulatory compliance, and matters under consideration.
• Conducts comprehensive legal research using modern legal research platforms; monitors changes in legislation, regulations, and judicial decisions affecting municipal government; and evaluates their potential impact on City operations.
• Prepares and communicates legal opinions, recommendations, and complex legal information clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, to support informed decision-making by City officials, management, and staff.
• Establishes and maintains effective professional relationships with City officials, employees, court personnel, members of the legal community, and the public while exercising sound legal judgment, discretion, and professionalism in the performance of assigned duties.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Skills

Legal advice

Counsel to city officials

Public sector policy

Education

Juris Doctor (ABA-accredited)

Municipal/real property law experience

Tools

Legal research platforms

Job description

The purpose of this position is to perform complex professional and administrative work in providing legal services on behalf of the City of Gastonia. Responsibilities include providing legal advice and counsel, preparing and reviewing legal documents, and representing the City in state and federal trial and appellate courts, as well as administrative proceedings, as assigned.

Work is performed under the general supervision of the City Attorney and Deputy City Attorney, with professional judgment and discretion exercised in carrying out assigned responsibilities.

Hiring range: $106,650-127,965

The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

• Provides legal advice and counsel to City officials, departments, and staff regarding municipal operations, legal responsibilities, statutory authority, and compliance with applicable local, state, and federal laws.
• Reviews proposed City actions, policies, procedures, and operations for legal compliance, applying knowledge of municipal law, constitutional law, civil rights, employment law, land use and zoning, administrative law, and other applicable legal principles.
• Drafts, reviews, and interprets contracts, deeds, ordinances, resolutions, policies, leases, releases, agreements, and other legal documents to protect the City's interests and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Reviews departmental contracts, procurement activities, and related agreements to ensure compliance with state procurement statutes, City policies, and City Council-approved resolutions.
• Assists with or independently manages litigation and administrative proceedings involving the City, as assigned, including preparing legal pleadings, conducting legal research, developing case strategies, and representing the City before judicial and quasi-judicial bodies.
• Attends meetings of City boards and commissions, as assigned, providing legal guidance on procedural requirements, statutory authority, regulatory compliance, and matters under consideration.
• Conducts comprehensive legal research using modern legal research platforms; monitors changes in legislation, regulations, and judicial decisions affecting municipal government; and evaluates their potential impact on City operations.
• Prepares and communicates legal opinions, recommendations, and complex legal information clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, to support informed decision-making by City officials, management, and staff.
• Establishes and maintains effective professional relationships with City officials, employees, court personnel, members of the legal community, and the public while exercising sound legal judgment, discretion, and professionalism in the performance of assigned duties.
• Performs related work as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE PREFERENCES

• Requires Juris Doctorate from an ABA accredited law school.
• Three (3) or more years of municipal, other governmental, or real property law experience preferred.

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES

• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license with an acceptable driving history.
• North Carolina law license and admission to state bar.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.

• Performs sedentary work that involves walking or standing some of the time and involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or sustained keyboard operations.

UNAVOIDABLE HAZARDS (WORK ENVIRONMENT)

Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.

• None.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE

The City of Gastonia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the City to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

STANDARD CLAUSES

May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays and emergencies (man-made or natural) to meet the business needs of the City.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

ESSENTIAL SAFETY FUNCTIONS

It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures, and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses.

Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed, and employees are properly trained.

The City of Gastonia is an equal opportunity employer committed to maintaining a professional, respectful and supportive workplace. We welcome qualified applicants who are interested in serving our community. Final candidates may be required to participate in reference checks, and any offer of employment will be contingent upon completion and satisfactory review of criminal background check and drug screening, consistent with City policy and applicable law.