Chief of Litigation

City of Topeka; Topeka (KS); On-site; USD 120,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Kansas Public Employee Retirement Sys.

Generous paid Vacation and Sick leave

Paid Life/Long Term Disability

Deferred Comp Savings Plan

Short-Term Disability Insurance

Tuition Reimbursement

Free Onsite Health & Wellness Clinic

Free in-house fitness facility

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

The City of Topeka seeks an experienced attorney to serve as Chief of Litigation, overseeing the Litigation division and providing expert counsel in matters involving the City, its elected officials, and employees. The role includes supervising staff, drafting and reviewing contracts, ordinances and policies, developing litigation strategies, and advising City departments.

JD required; Kansas license; seven years' experience; CJIS background check; salary up to $135,000 with comprehensive

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school (required).
• Licensed to practice law in Kansas (required).
• Minimum of seven years of professional law experience (required).
• Demonstrated supervisory experience (required).
• Knowledge of state and federal statutes, ordinances, procedures and evidence (required).
• Ability to analyze and interpret cases, laws, regulations, statutes, ordinances and contracts (required).
• Must pass CJIS background check (required).

Responsibilities

• Draft pleadings, argue motions, try cases and handle appeals in state and federal courts and administrative bodies.
• Assign, monitor and supervise work and performance of subordinate staff.
• Research and prepare legal opinions as requested.
• Draft and/or review ordinances and resolutions for form, content and legality.
• Prepare and present testimony to the state legislature.

Skills

Legal leadership

Organizational skills

Analytical reasoning

Contract drafting

Supervisory experience

Licensed in Kansas

7+ years' legal experience

CJIS background check

Knowledge of statutes & ordinances

Education

JD

Job description

The City of Topeka is seeking an experienced attorney to serve as its Chief of Litigation. This position is responsible for overseeing the City’s Litigation division, providing expert legal counsel and representation in matters that involve the City, its elected officials, and employees.

In addition to supervising the work of staff within the division, the Chief of Litigation drafts and reviews contracts, ordinances, policies and other legal documents, develops litigation strategies, and provides legal counsel to City departments.

What you'll do:

• Draft pleadings, argue motions, try cases and handle appeals in state and federal courts and administrative bodies.
• Assign, monitor and supervise work and performance of subordinate staff.
• Research and prepare legal opinions as requested.
• Draft and/or review ordinances and resolutions for form, content and legality.
• Prepare and present testimony to the state legislature.

The ideal candidate:

• Is knowledgeable regarding state and federal statutes, City ordinances, judicial procedures and rules of evidence.
• Is skilled in organization and time management.
• Has the ability to analyze, appraise and interpret cases, laws, regulations, statutes, ordinances and contracts.
• Has excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school is required.
• Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Kansas.
• Minimum of seven years of professional law experience in a relevant field is required.
• Demonstrated supervisory experience is required.
• Must pass an extensive background check, including a Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) background check.

Annual Entry Salary: Up to $135,000, depending on qualifications

The City of Topeka offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Kansas Public Employee Retirement System.
• Generous paid Vacation and Sick leave
• Paid Life/Long Term Disability Insurance
• Deferred Comp Savings Plan
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Free Onsite Health & Wellness Clinic
• Free in-house fitness facility
• Employee Assistance Program

The City of Topeka is an Equal Opportunity Employer