ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY II

City of Rockford; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Rockford is seeking a licensed attorney to supervise and manage municipal litigation and provide legal services to city departments. The role involves representing the city in court and administrative proceedings, drafting agreements, and coordinating with outside counsel.

The position requires a law degree from an accredited school, 3 years of prosecuting municipal cases, and admission to the Illinois Bar.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited school of law with three years of experience prosecuting municipal cases.
• Must be a licensed member in good standing of the Illinois Bar.
• Possession of a valid Illinois driver’s license.
• Residency within Winnebago County or within 15 miles of Rockford City Hall within six months.

Responsibilities

• Supervises and coordinates Assistant City Attorney I.
• Represents the city in litigation and coordinates with outside consultants and counsel.
• Appears before courts and administrative proceedings to represent the city's interests.
• Supports litigation matters under supervision of senior attorneys, including depositions and trials.
• Assists in preparing, reviewing and drafting ordinances, resolutions, and motions.
• Negotiates, drafts, and reviews contracts in which the city is a party.
• Performs legal research and prepares memorandums and briefs.
• Advises on trial procedure and develops trial strategy; conducts voir dire.
• Provides supervision over staff and manages outside counsel supervision.

Skills

Supervision

Legal research

Court procedures

Communication

Municipal law

Drafting ordinances

Education

Law degree

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

Reports to: City Attorney Class Code: 1441

Pay grade: 110 FLSA: Exempt

Hourly Wage: $43.86 ~ $52.62

NATURE OF WORK

The public is served by this professional legal and supervisory work in performing legal services for local government.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

Primary work involves responsibility for representing the city’s interest in court and administrative proceedings and for performing legal services for departments of the city, including but not limited to negotiating, reviewing and drafting agreements in which the City is a party. Incumbent is responsible for coordinating and supervising prosecutorial services. Administrative assignments are received from a professional supervisor who provides limited guidance as required. Employees of this class are expected to use professional judgment and skill in carrying work to completion.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (These essential duties are only illustrative.)

Supervises and coordinates Assistant City Attorney I; provides training and coordination of department services.

Represents the city, and oversees its representation, in litigation and coordinating and communicating with outside consultants and legal counsel.

Appears before courts and administrative proceedings to represent the city's interests as required.

Supports litigation matters under the supervision of senior attorneys, including depositions, pre-trial hearings, dispositive motion practice, trial, and appeals.

Assists in preparing, reviewing and drafting ordinances, resolutions, and motions.

Negotiates, drafts, and reviews agreements/contracts to which the city is a party.

Performs legal research work on various points of law and prepares memorandums and briefs.

Interviews complainants and witnesses, including law enforcement officers, advises client in regard to trial procedure; develops trial strategy; conducts voir dire of potential jury panel; maintains records of all processes and cases.

Prepares legal documents for city departments, boards, and agencies.

May serve as chief advisor to city boards, committees, and commissions as assigned by the City Attorney or Legal Director.

Provides technical and functional supervision over administrative support staff and legal staff.

Provides first level oversight of outside counsel who provide legal services on specialized legal matters.

Receive and respond to public inquiries, citizen complaints, and requests for information.

Advises City departments on Freedom of Information Act requests.

Consults with city officers and employees, members of the Illinois Bar and with the general public on a variety of legal matters.

Performs other duties as required or assigned.

Maintains reasonable and predictable attendance.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision of a City Attorney and the Legal Director, who allow some latitude and independence in carrying out tasks and assignments to completion. Work is reviewed occasionally for timely accomplishments of tasks, for overall results achieved, and the degree to which the work meets the needs of the citizens served.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Exercises supervision over professional staff engaged in carrying out the various functions and requirements of their respective responsibilities. Supervisory responsibilities include assigning and evaluating work, resolving personnel problems, setting performance goals and standards, contributing to hiring and disciplinary decisions, and performing other supervisory functions.

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is usually performed in either a courtroom or an office setting. Work is usually stationary (either sitting or standing) with occasional walking, climbing stairs if elevators are not available, reaching, bending, lifting and carrying objects under 25 pounds or minimal physical activities. Work requires the ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time and to operate personal computers.

SUCCESS FACTORS (KSAs)

Knowledge of the principles of supervision and work coordination.

Knowledge of the application of legal principles to individual cases.

Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws.

Knowledge of court procedures and rules of evidence.

Knowledge of municipal, state federal and common law, and of constitutional law affecting city government.

Knowledge of city ordinances.

Ability to present cases in circuit court representing the city.

Ability to present the more routine civil cases in circuit court.

Ability to conduct legal research.

Ability to analyze and prepare legal documents.

Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Ability to assign, supervise and schedule the work of subordinates.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, municipal officials, and the public.

Skill in the operation of a personal computer.

EDUCATION, TRAINING & EXPERIENCE

Graduation from an accredited school of law and three years’ experience in prosecuting municipal cases. Any satisfactory equivalent combination of experience and training which ensures the ability to perform the work may be substituted for the required experience.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be a licensed member in good standing of the Illinois Bar.

Possession of a valid Illinois driver’s license.

Residency Requirement:

All employees (except Police and Fire) shall reside anywhere in Winnebago County or anywhere within fifteen (15) miles of the Rockford City Hall within six (6) months of completion of their introductory period, department heads and City Administrator shall live within the municipal boundaries of the City of Rockford within six (6) months of their completion of their introductory period.