Corporation Counsel

Jersey City, City of; Jersey City (NJ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Jersey City seeks a seasoned attorney to serve as Corporation Counsel, the chief legal officer of the City. This executive role reports directly to the Mayor and oversees all legal affairs for the municipality, guiding the Mayor, City Council, and municipal departments.

The ideal candidate has at least ten years in complex public law practice, including public entity representation, with strong leadership, drafting, negotiation, and litigation management skills to supervise the Law

Qualifications

• Ten years of experience in law with public entity representation.
• Bar admission in New Jersey in good standing.
• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws affecting municipal government.
• Experience supervising attorneys and staff.

Responsibilities

• Provide principal legal advice to the Mayor, the City Council, the Business Administrator, the Chief of Staff, and all City departments on official duties.
• Oversee civil litigation involving the City and supervise internal staff and outside counsel for favorable outcomes.
• Draft, review, and approve ordinances, resolutions, contracts, deeds, bonds and other legal instruments.
• Assist in developing, implementing, and enforcing municipal policies and procedures.
• Supervise the Law Department staff and resources within the department.

Skills

Litigation management

Drafting & reviewing contracts

Advisory skills

Staff supervision

Negotiation

Public entity experience

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Job description

Description

The City of Jersey City is seeking a highly qualified and experienced attorney to serve as Corporation Counsel. This executive-level legal position reports to the Mayor directly and serves as the chief legal officer for the City. The Corporation Counsel will be responsible for managing all legal affairs for the municipality, with a strong emphasis on management and providing counsel to the Mayor, City Council, and all municipal departments. The ideal candidate will possess a minimum of ten (10) years of substantial experience in complex legal practice, preferably including public entity representation.

Examples of Duties

The Corporation Counsel’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Legal Advice and Counsel: Serve as the principal legal advisor to the Mayor, the City Council, the Business Administrator, the Chief of Staff, and all City departments, boards, and commissions on all matters pertaining to their official duties.
• Litigation Management: Attorney of record in all proceedings in which the City or any of its officers or employees are a party. Direct and manage all civil litigation involving the City, including prosecuting and defending legal actions. This involves oversight of internal legal staff and coordination with outside counsel to achieve favorable and cost-effective outcomes.
• Ordinances and Contracts: Draft, review, and approve all ordinances, resolutions, contracts, deeds, bonds, and other legal instruments involving the City, including supervision of internal legal staff and relevant outside counsel. Ensure all documents comply with local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
• Policy Development: Assist the administration in developing, implementing, and enforcing municipal policies and procedures.
• Departmental Oversight: Supervise and manage the legal staff and resources within the Law Department.

Qualifications

• Experience: A minimum of ten (10) years of experience in the practice of law, ideally with substantial and demonstrated experience in public entity representation, including but not limited to ordinance/contract drafting and litigation (civil defense, municipal defense, or a related field). Executive-level management experience of other attorneys and support staff in a legal office is highly desirable.
• Bar Membership: Must be licensed to practice law and be an active member in good standing with the New Jersey State Bar. Admission to the United District Court for the District of New Jersey is a plus.
• Education: A Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school is required.
• Knowledge & Skills:
  • Thorough knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations affecting municipal government, including Title 59, Open Public Records Act, Open Meetings Act, Municipal Land Use Law, Local Government Ethics Law, Local Redevelopment and Housing Law, Local Bond Law, Local Public Contracts Law, New Jersey Law Against Discrimination, New Jersey Conscientious Employee Protection Act, and both the New Jersey and federal Civil Rights Acts.
  • Exceptional courtroom, negotiation, settlement, drafting, and advisory skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage complex cases and supervise legal professionals.

Supplemental Information

Application requirements:

1. Resume and a compelling Cover Letter detailing relevant experience and specifically highlighting litigation successes and management experience.
2. At least three (3) professional references (name, title, organization, phone number, and email). Only one reference may be of a current or former coworker. References from opposing counsel or judges are highly encouraged. References will not be contacted without prior notification.

Please note that this role is subject to the residency requirements set forth by NJ First Act.