City Attorney

Decatur; Decatur (AL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Decatur seeks a City Attorney to direct the provision of legal services to the Mayor, City Council, department directors, and support staff.

The role requires a Juris Doctor degree, current Alabama Bar membership, and eventual residency in Decatur. Strong knowledge of state and federal law, civil litigation, and courtroom procedures is essential.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited school of law.
• Five years of general practice experience or two years of Municipal or County Government Law Experience is preferred.
• Experience sufficient to coordinate work within the division/department.
• Current membership in the State Bar of Alabama.
• Residence in Decatur, Alabama eventually.
• Knowledge of local, state and federal law.
• Knowledge of legal research principles.
• Knowledge of civil litigation and liability claims.
• Knowledge of relevant federal, state and city laws, regulations, and ordinances.
• Knowledge of courtroom procedure and rules of evidence.
• Knowledge of departmental functions, programs and services.
• Knowledge of computers and job related software programs.

Responsibilities

• Direct the provision of legal services to the Mayor, City Council, department directors, and support staff.
• Direct supervision over Assistant City Attorney, City Prosecutor, and Legal Assistant.

Skills

Legal research

Oral communication

Written communication

Supervision

Problem solving

Litigation

Education

J.D. degree

Bar admission (AL)

Residency in Decatur, AL

Tools

Legal software

Job description

This position directs the provision of legal services to the Mayor, City Council, department directors, and support staff.

• Graduation from an accredited school of law.
• Five years of general practice experience or two years of Municipal or County Government Law Experience is preferred.
• Experience sufficient to thoroughly understand the diverse objectives and functions of the subunits in the division/department in order to direct and coordinate work within the division/department, usually interpreted to require three to five years of related experience.
• Current membership in the State Bar of Alabama.
• Eventual residency in Decatur, Alabama
• Knowledge of local, state and federal law.
• Knowledge of legal research principles.
• Knowledge of civil litigation and liability claims.
• Knowledge of relevant federal, state and city laws, regulations, and ordinances.
• Knowledge of the rules of courtroom procedure and the rules of evidence.
• Knowledge of departmental functions, programs and services.
• Knowledge of computers and job related software programs.
• Skill in producing persuasive legal arguments.
• Skill in the analysis of problems and the development and implementation of solutions.
• Skill in training and supervising personnel.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

Guidelines

• Local, state and federal rules, statutes, codes, ordinances and regulations. These guidelines require judgment, selection and interpretation in application. This position develops department guidelines.

Complexity/Scope of Work

• The work consists of varied legal, management and supervisory duties. The variety and volume of issues to be managed contributes to the complexity of the position.
• The purpose of this position is to direct the provision of legal services to the City of Decatur. Success in this position contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of a variety of city operations.

Contacts

• Contacts are typically with co-workers, other city employees, elected and appointed officials, law enforcement personnel, attorneys, insurance agents and adjusters, business owners, and members of the general public.
• Contacts are typically to provide services; to give or exchange information; to resolve problems; to motivate or influence persons; or to justify, defend or negotiate matters.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

• The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, or stooping. The employee occasionally lifts light and heavy objects and distinguishes between shades of color.
• The work is typically performed in an office.

Supervisory and Management Responsibility

• This position has direct supervision over Assistant City Attorney, City Prosecutor, and Legal Assistant.