Civil Attorney

City of Great Falls; Great Falls (MT); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Great Falls seeks a qualified attorney to provide a wide range of legal services to the City, including drafting and reviewing agenda reports, pleadings, briefs, motions, and court orders. The role involves legal memoranda, complex research, and representation in civil litigation and appellate matters.

Under the direction of the City Attorney, the successful candidate will advise City departments, boards, and officials on municipal law, draft ordinances, and ensure timely, practical

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Law firm or in-house experience is a plus but not required.

Responsibilities

• Drafts and reviews agenda reports, pleadings, briefs, motions and proposed court orders.
• Provides legal memoranda and guidance to City departments, officials, boards, and commissions.
• Conducts complex legal research and represents the City in civil litigation and appellate proceedings.
• Prosecutes code violations and handles related litigation.
• Testifies before courts and administrative bodies and maintains relationships with City leadership and public.
• Maintains knowledge of Montana law and procedural rules.
• Works under the direction of the City Attorney.
• Utilizes standard office technology and software as needed.

Skills

Legal research

Written communication

Verbal communication

Team collaboration

Education

Juris Doctor degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Professional responsibility for providing a wide array of legal services to the City, including drafting and reviewing agenda reports, pleadings, briefs, motions and proposed court orders; providing legal memoranda and guidance; conducting complex legal research; representing the City in civil litigation and appellate proceedings; and prosecution of code violations. Work is performed under the direction of the City Attorney.

• Provides timely and accurate legal advice and guidance to City departments, officials, boards, and commissions on a broad range of municipal legal matters.
• Prepares formal legal memoranda addressing significant issues requiring interpretation of law, analysis of complex facts, and practical recommendations for City management.
• Drafts ordinances, resolutions, contracts, policies, proposed legislation, and other legal documents for consideration by the City Commission and, when appropriate, the Montana Legislature.
• Conducts thorough legal research using traditional and electronic research methods and applies that research to provide timely, practical legal advice.
• Prepares pleadings, briefs, motions, case files, and other litigation-related documents, and represents the City in civil litigation, administrative proceedings, and related legal matters.
• Provides testimony and presents legal matters before courts, administrative tribunals, and other governmental bodies, as appropriate.
• Conducts factual investigations by interviewing victims, witnesses, law enforcement personnel, City employees, and other individuals to develop a complete understanding of complex or sensitive matters and effectively represent the City's interests.
• Effectively utilizes standard office technology, including computers, Microsoft Office applications, electronic records management systems, and other software necessary to perform assigned responsibilities.
• Performs related duties as assigned in support of the Legal Department and the City's mission.

• Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree.
• Law firm or in-house experience is a plus but not required.

NECESSARY SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS

• License to practice law in the state of Montana.
• Admission to, and in good standing with, State Bar of Montana
• Possession of a valid Montana driver’s license.

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL DEMONSTRATE THE ABILITY TO:

• Work collaboratively as a member of a professional team while managing multiple priorities and competing deadlines.
• Conduct complex legal research and apply legal principles to practical municipal issues.
• Maintain a working knowledge of Montana law, including civil and criminal procedure, and applicable federal, state, and local laws affecting municipal government.
• Communicate clearly, effectively, and professionally, both verbally and in writing.
• Exercise sound judgment, analyze risk, and provide practical, solution-oriented legal advice.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, City leadership, employees, law enforcement personnel, other governmental agencies, and members of the public.
• Consistently provide timely, reliable, and responsive legal services.
• Serve, when assigned, in the Emergency Operations Center within the attorney's area of expertise and maintain required Incident Command System (ICS) certifications, including IC 100, 200, 700, 800, and IC 300.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Exemplary Ethical Conduct
• Collaborative Team Player
• Strong Sound Judgment
• Innovative Problem Solving/Analysis
• Effective Leadership
• Clear and Professional Written and Verbal Communication Proficiency

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position does not supervise any other positions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is conducted in an office setting, and occasionally, in various courts of law or administrative tribunals.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required toperform general sedentary work and to lift and carry up to 10 pounds at a time; stand, walk, sit, bend, ride, grasp, push, pull and perform similar body movements; the possession of strong hand/eye coordination sufficient to use office equipment and to operate a motor vehicle; the ability to consult with City employees and the public; and the ability to represent the City in all aspects of litigation and other proceedings.

EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

The work schedule is a 40-hour work week, Sunday through Saturday. Work is generally performed Monday through Friday. There will be occasions when the work schedule exceeds a 40-hour work week. This position is exempt and ineligible for overtime.

TRAVEL

Travel is primarily local during the business day. Occasional travel may be required to attend off-site training and educational opportunities.