Assistant City Attorney

Madison, City of; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 92,000 - 97,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Madison is seeking an Assistant City Attorney to handle entry‑level professional legal work in municipal and circuit court prosecutions, with potential involvement in civil litigation, ordinance drafting, and legal advice to city agencies. Starting pay varies by experience, with opportunities for loan forgiveness through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Minimum qualifications include graduation from an accredited law school and Wisconsin bar admission upon appointment.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited law school.

Responsibilities

• Prosecute ordinance violations, including adopted statutory traffic offenses.
• Negotiate plea agreements with unrepresented defendants and defense counsel.
• Communicate with civilian and police officer witnesses regarding the City’s case.
• Maintain case files.
• Prepare and present the City’s case at trial in municipal and circuit courts.
• Coordinate with other prosecutors and City departments.
• Research legal issues that arise during the prosecution of cases.
• Provide legal advice to the Police Department.
• Advise on legal obligations, litigation, and processes.
• Respond to inquiries from elected officials, the media, and the public.
• Draft documents including ordinances, resolutions, contracts, reports, and legal opinions.
• Attend Administrative hearings and provide legal recommendations on behalf of the City or advice to the hearing body.
• Prepare and present pleadings, briefs, and other court papers in connection with administrative hearings and civil trial litigation.
• Perform related legal research.
• Research using paper, computer, and internet sources.
• Present legal research conclusions in concise and persuasive manner.
• Perform other related work as required.

Education

Graduation from an accredited law school

Job description

General Description

The Office of the City Attorney is hiring for the position of Assistant City Attorney. This position involves entry-level professional legal work in the preparation and prosecution of cases primarily in municipal court, and sometimes in circuit court. Prosecution may include ordinance violations, including adopted statutory traffic offenses such as first offense operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs (OWI) and other general ordinance violations including, but not limited to, offenses against peace and quiet, underage drinking tickets, damage to property, theft, and trespass violations, as well as violations of building, fire, and health code. This position may also eventually involve other diverse legal activities including civil litigation, appellate work, general law practice, ordinance drafting, and legal advice to city agencies consistent with the needs of the organization. This classification encompasses all non-managerial positions engaged in professional legal work within the City Attorney's office. The Office of the City Attorney provides a supportive work environment with training and guidance from other team members and colleagues. Work is performed with varying degrees of independence as employees gain necessary proficiencies. Work assignments, in addition to the prosecutorial assignment, are assigned as employees gain necessary experience and expertise, and there is an opportunity to be exposed to, and learn, a variety of areas of municipal practice.

Starting pay will be $91,534.82 for a selected candidate who has less than three (3) years of related legal experience.

Starting pay will be $96,657.60 for a selected candidate who has three (3) or more years of related legal experience.

Employees may be eligible for loan forgiveness through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Black, Indigenous, people of color, women, trans, nonbinary, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We value the unique blend of lived experiences and diverse perspectives that comes from non-traditional education pathways and the variety of transferrable skills each candidate brings to the table. We value diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Even if every item on the job posting doesn’t match your experience perfectly, we encourage you to apply and share how your skills and experience can best serve our community.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities

Prosecute ordinance violations, including adopted statutory traffic offenses, and other general ordinance violations

• Negotiate plea agreements with unrepresented defendants and defense counsel
• Communicate with civilian and police officer witnesses regarding the City’s case
• Maintain case files
• Prepare and present the City’s case at trial in (municipal and circuit courts
• Coordinate with other prosecutors and City departments
• Research legal issues that arise during the prosecution of cases
• Provide legal advice to the Police Department

Provide ongoing (and Ad Hoc) legal support to City boards, commissions, and agencies, as assigned

• Advise on legal obligations, litigation, and processes
• Respond to inquiries from elected officials, the media, and the public
• Draft documents including ordinances, resolutions, contracts, reports, and legal opinions
• Attend Administrative hearings and provide legal recommendations on behalf of the City or advice to the hearing body

Prepare and present pleadings, briefs, and other court papers in connection with administrative hearings and civil trial litigation

• Prepare, review, and file all necessary legal papers on a timely basis for non-municipal administrative proceedings and civil litigation
• Present arguments on legal issues, as necessary

Perform related legal research

• Research using paper, computer, and internet sources, as needed for prosecution or other litigation
• Present legal research conclusions in concise and persuasive manner

Perform other related work as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited law school.

The City of Madison strives to provide exceptional customer service to all its residents and visitors. Therefore, successful candidates will have demonstrated ability to work effectively with multicultural communities or can articulate an understanding of cultural competency.

For a list of the knowledge, skills, and abilities, please view the class specification.

Special Requirements

• Admission to the bar in the State of Wisconsin upon appointment.
• Ability to meet the transportation requirements of the position. This position may require occasional travel within Dane County. Travel alternatives that do not require a driver’s license are available.

Candidates invited to an interview may be required to submit a writing sample.

Physical Requirements

Work is sedentary in nature and is generally performed in an office environment using office equipment such as telephone, computer, copier, calculator, etc. Stand-up desks are available.