Assistant Director of Law - Civil Division

City of Akron; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Akron seeks an Assistant Director of Law to provide a broad range of municipal legal services under the supervision of the Director and Deputy Director. The role involves complex legal work, drafting opinions and documents, and policy review for the City.

Duties include giving legal advice on governance, open meetings, ethics, and public records; drafting ordinances and contracts; handling litigation and claims; and representing the City at meetings and hearings.

Qualifications

• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Interpersonal and negotiation abilities
• Presentation and public speaking proficiency

Responsibilities

• Provides legal advice and representation on municipal governance, administrative and constitutional law, ethics, public records, open meetings, civilian police oversight, and related federal, state, and local requirements
• Reviews and drafts legal opinions, contracts, local ordinances and resolutions, and policies in compliance with laws
• Processes and litigates claims against the City, including preparation of answers to complaints, pleadings, depositions, exhibits and related memoranda
• Attends regular/special meetings, hearings, public sessions, and other proceedings involving City Council and boards
• Interacts with City Administration, public officials, law enforcement, and the public on sensitive matters
• Analyzes complex facts and legal issues, communicates clearly in writing and orally, maintains confidentiality
• Works collaboratively in a multifaceted municipal environment

Job description

The Assistant Director of Law provides a broad range of municipal legal services under the direction and supervision of the Director of Law and the Deputy Director of Law. The position requires the performance of complex legal work including analysis of complicated legal issues, drafting legal opinions and legal documents, and policy review.

Duties may include but are not limited to the following work. This listing is illustrative and not exhaustive; an employee may perform other related duties as assigned.

• Provides legal advice and representation on matters involving municipal governance, administrative and constitutional law, ethics, public records, open meetings, civilian police oversight, and related federal, state, and local requirements
• Reviews and drafts legal opinions, contracts, local ordinances and resolutions, and policies in compliance with federal, state, and local laws
• Processes and litigates claims against the City, including preparation of answers to complaints, pleadings, depositions, exhibits and related memoranda and papers
• Attends regular and/or special meetings, hearings, public sessions, and other proceedings involving City Council and administrative boards and commissions
• Interacts with City Administration, public officials, law enforcement and safety personnel, and members of the public concerning sensitive or high-profile matters
• Analyzes complex facts and legal issues, exercises sound judgment, communicates clearly in writing and orally, and maintains confidentiality
• Works collaboratively in a multifaceted municipal environment

This is an unclassified position.

Required: Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school, admission to practice law in Ohio, and good standing with the Supreme Court of Ohio. Demonstrated ability to conduct legal research, analyze complex legal issues, and prepare clear, practical legal opinions and documents. Strong written and oral communication, interpersonal, negotiation, and presentation skills. Ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines while exercising sound professional judgment. Demonstrated discretion in handling confidential and sensitive legal, personnel, and policy matters. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, City personnel, boards and commissions, law enforcement personnel, outside counsel, and members of the public. Proficiency with legal research platforms and standard office applications.

Preferred: At least three (3) years of paid legal experience in municipal law, governmental representation, litigation, labor and employment, administrative law, constitutional law, or other public sector practice. Experience representing municipalities or other public entities. Experience advising boards, commissions, civilian oversight entities, or public agencies. Familiarity with Ohio municipal law and the Akron Charter and Codified Ordinances. Experience advising on public records, open meetings, police oversight, internal investigations, constitutional law, or labor and employment matters. Experience drafting legislation, contracts, policies, and administrative procedures. Litigation experience in state or federal court or experience handling administrative hearings.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

The City of Akron is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with applicable federal and state employment laws. The City may modify the duties and responsibilities of this position as operational needs require.

The City of Akron is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program administered by the U.S. Department of Education. Additional information is available through Federal Student Aid: Public Service Loan Forgiveness.