City Attorney

Kentucky League of Cities; Harrodsburg (KY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A municipal legal authority is seeking a city attorney in Harrodsburg, KY, to provide expert legal counsel and represent the city in legal matters. The ideal candidate will have a JD from an accredited law school, be licensed in Kentucky, and have at least three years of legal experience. Responsibilities include advising the city commission, drafting legal documents, and ensuring compliance with laws. The role requires strong communication and analytical skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum three years of legal experience, preferably in municipal or government law.
• Strong knowledge of constitutional law, land use, labor and employment, contracts, torts, and administrative law.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and opinions to the city commission and city departments.
• Draft, review, and approve legal documents including ordinances and contracts.
• Represent the city in civil litigation and other legal proceedings.

Skills

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Analytical skills

Collaborative teamwork

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school

Licensed to practice law in Kentucky

Job description

Description

The city attorney serves as the chief legal advisor to the city government, including the city commission, city administrative officer, and all municipal departments and city appointed boards and commissions. This role is responsible for providing expert legal counsel, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal laws, and representing the city in legal proceedings. The city attorney plays a vital role in shaping city policy, drafting legislation, and safeguarding the legal interests of the city. The city attorney does not provide legal advice regarding personal or private problems of citizens but can answer questions related to civic activities, including interpretation of the City Code of Ordinances.

General Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and opinions to the city commission, city administrative officer, and city departments on a wide range of municipal issues.
• Draft, review, and approve ordinances, resolutions, municipal orders, contracts, and other legal documents.
• Represent the city in civil litigation, administrative hearings, and other legal proceedings unless outside counsel is retained. Where outside counsel is retained, serve as liaison between outside counsel and the city.
• Implement and oversee prosecution of municipal code violations and infractions.
• Attend city commission meetings and other public forums as legal counsel.
• Monitor changes in laws and regulations affecting municipal operations and advise on necessary policy or procedural updates.
• Manage outside legal counsel when specialized expertise is required.
• Ensure compliance with public records laws, ethics regulations, and open meetings requirements.
• Participate in the risk management function.
• Handle some real estate transactions or oversee their completion.
• Supervise legal staff and manage the Legal Department’s budget and operations.
• Assist with legal advice for city boards and commissions.
• Provide support to CAO and human resources manager in personnel matters and training.
• Provide support on ABC compliance issues.

Required Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law in the state of Kentucky.
• Minimum of threeyears of legal experience, preferably in municipal or government law.
• Strong knowledge of constitutional law, land use, labor and employment, contracts, torts, and administrative law.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and analytical skills.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with elected officials, department heads, and the public.

Preferred Skills

• Experience in public sector litigation and legislative drafting.
• Familiarity with local government operations and public policy.
• Leadership and team management experience.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion.

Stacey Maynard
CAO
208 S Main St
Harrodsburg, KY 40330