ASSISTANT CITY SOLICITOR I - LITIGATION

City of Worcester; Worcester, Woburn (MA, MA); On-site; USD 79,000 - 104,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Assistant City Solicitor I for its Law Department. This role involves providing legal consultation, drafting documents, and representing the City in various legal matters. Ideal candidates will have a Juris Doctorate and at least one year of litigation experience. The position offers a competitive salary and benefits, alongside the chance to work in a dynamic and collegial environment. Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply, and preference will be given to Worcester residents. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in local governance and community service.

Qualifications

• Must possess a Juris Doctorate from an ABA accredited law school.
• One year of experience as a litigation attorney required.

Responsibilities

• Represent the City in civil, criminal, and administrative legal matters.
• Draft and file legal documents, including pleadings and briefs.
• Conduct legal research and provide legal opinions to city administrators.

Skills

Knowledge of City codes

Knowledge of state and federal laws

Legal research and writing

Litigation strategy

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Education

Juris Doctorate (JD)

Job description

ASSISTANT CITY SOLICITOR I - LITIGATION
LAW DEPARTMENT
CITY OF WORCESTER

The City of Worcester is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Assistant City Solicitor I - Litigation for the Law Department. Under the direction of the City Solicitor, the Assistant City Solicitor I will perform a wide range of professional legal duties, including providing legal consultation to departments, drafting legal documents and legislative acts, negotiating agreements, and litigating civil, criminal, administrative, and code enforcement cases. Assignments will be tailored to the individual's legal experience and demonstrated proficiency and the Attorney will be expected to handle legal matters across a variety of disciplines as directed by the City Solicitor. This role offers an exciting opportunity to be part of the dynamic, high-volume, and collegial Law Department.

Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS:

• Represent and counsel the City, City employees, departments, administrative boards and bodies on a wide variety of civil, criminal, administrative, and other legal issues.


• Represent the City, City employees, departments, administrative boards and bodies in all levels of state and federal courts, administrative bodies and tribunals.


• Litigate civil, criminal, administrative, code enforcement and appellate cases on behalf of the city, its employees, departments, administrative boards and bodies.


• Assist in the development of legal structures and codes.


• Assist in the interpretation and application of laws, codes and ordinances.


• Conduct legal research and communicate the results of that research succinctly and effectively in legal memoranda to the courts and legal opinions to city administrators.


• Draft, serve and file, as required, legal documents, such as discovery requests and responses, pleadings, memoranda, orders, findings of fact and rulings of law, trial documents, appellate briefs and related filings, outlines for questioning and arguments in trial courts, appellate courts, mediations, tribunals or administrative bodies.


• May be required to attend city board and commission meetings and conferences, sometimes in the evening hours.


• Present legal interpretations and alternatives.


• Attend and participate in staff, department or other meetings, conferences, on committees, and task forces.


• Keep abreast of developments in field or areas of interest or expertise.


• Perform other duties as assigned or as necessitated by workloads.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Thorough knowledge of City codes, City charter and ordinances.


• Thorough knowledge of state and federal constitutional and statutory provisions relating to municipalities.


• Thorough knowledge of state and federal rules of civil and appellate procedure and rules of evidence.


• Knowledge of the organization, functions and legal limitations on the authority of the various City departments, and of enforcement and procedural problems involved in the operation of such departments.


• Knowledge of the principles of civil and municipal law.


• Ability to analyze, appraise and organize facts, evidence and precedents, and to present such material effectively, orally and in writing.


• Ability to analyze cases for proper disposition; including possible settlement which requires cost analysis and the ability to present such information in a written memorandum


• Ability to determine alternative approaches to problems and to recommend a balanced use of legal and administrative approaches in resolving problems.


• Ability to present and argue cases in court, to handle unanticipated trial problems smoothly.


• Judgment in rendering legal advice with regard to litigation strategy.


• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with departments, boards, employees, court officials, public officials and the general public.


• Excellent organizational skills to manage cases, deadlines, appointments and court hearings.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Juris Doctorate (JD) from an ABA accredited law school


• One (1) year of experience practicing as a litigation attorney


• Massachusetts Bar member in good standing


• Valid Driver's License

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Municipal law experience


• Two (2) years of litigation experience

SALARY RANGE: $ 79,123 - $103,877 annually, full-time, exempt, with an excellent benefits package.

To apply, please visit: www.worcesterma.gov/employment or send resume and cover letter to: City of Worcester, 455 Main Street, Room 109, Worcester, MA 01608. OPEN UNTIL FILLED, applications received prior to or on FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2025, will receive preference. Preference is given to Worcester residents. The City of Worcester is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. Direct inquiries to: City Hall, Human Resources, Room 109, 508-799-1030, [e-mail].