City Attorney

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

Job summary

City of Decatur, AL seeks a City Attorney to direct the provision of legal services to the Mayor, City Council, department directors, and staff. The role includes supervising the Assistant City Attorney, City Prosecutor, and Legal Assistant, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal law.

The ideal candidate will hold a law degree and Alabama Bar membership, with 3–5 years of related municipal experience and a residency in Decatur or willingness to relocate as required.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school is required.
• Minimum five years of general practice experience or two years in Municipal or County government law preferred.
• Experience to understand diverse objectives and coordinate work—typically 3–5 years in related roles.
• Active membership in the State Bar of Alabama.
• Residency in Decatur, Alabama is expected eventually.
• Knowledge of local, state and federal law.
• Knowledge of legal research principles.
• Knowledge of civil litigation and liability claims.
• 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 problem analysis and solution development.
• Skill in training and supervising personnel.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

Responsibilities

• Direct the provision of legal services to the Mayor, City Council, department directors, and support staff.
• Coordinate work within the division/department to align with city objectives.
• Supervise Assistant City Attorney, City Prosecutor, and Legal Assistant.
• Guide departmental functions, programs and services through legal insight.
• Engage with city officials, staff, attorneys, and the public as needed.

Education

Graduation from an accredited school of law

Tools

Computers & 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.