Deputy City Attorney

City of Meridian; United States; On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Meridian is seeking an experienced attorney to provide legal services and represent the city in civil matters. This position requires strong knowledge of municipal law and the ability to work with various city departments and officials.

Applicants must possess a Bachelor's and Juris Doctor degree, a valid Idaho Bar license, and a minimum of three years of governmental legal experience. The role includes mentoring other attorneys and providing legal advice across city functions.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years of governmental experience.
• Preferred: five years of municipal leadership or governmental legal practice.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice to City Departments and officials.
• Represent the City in civil litigation and administrative matters.
• Prepare and review legal documents for sufficiency.

Skills

Knowledge of criminal law

Knowledge of civil law

Ability to conduct legal research

Ability to communicate effectively

Ability to provide legal advice

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Juris Doctor Degree

Licensed attorney in Idaho

Job description

Job Summary

Perform any and all professional legal services for the City and related work as required. This position is at-will and serves at the pleasure of the Meridian City Attorney.

Responsibilities

• Provide the highest standard of legal ethics, accountability, and responsibility in representing the client, the City of Meridian.
• Provide timely civil legal advice, counsel, and assistance to all City Departments, the Mayor, the City Council, and City boards and commissions.
• Attend regular and special meetings of, and provide legal advice and counsel to, City Council, Commissions, Departments, and standing Committees; attend other meetings where legal presence is necessary or as directed by the City Attorney.
• Develop expertise in the functions of all Departments, including preparing and/or reviewing all contracts, memorandums, agreements, easements, licenses, and other legal work as necessary and assigned.
• Work independently with internal customers and external stakeholders.
• Mentor, lead, and work with other attorneys and staff in the office; supervise and assign work to Assistant City Attorneys, as needed, and support staff with approval of the City Attorney.
• Assist departments with ongoing civil litigation, depositions, and internal investigations.
• Civil Police advice as assigned or needed.
• Represent the City in civil litigation, administrative matters, and appeals.
• Act in the place of the City Attorney, on occasion, as required.
• Prepare and/or present written or verbal testimony regarding current or potential legislation to the State Legislature, internal or external stakeholders, and/or organizations.
• Conduct legal research and prepare memoranda, opinions, and correspondence to internal customers and external stakeholders.
• Review responses to public records requests.
• Prepare and review contracts, agreements, and instruments to ensure legal sufficiency to protect the interests of the City of Meridian.
• Perform any and all legal duties, as directed by the City Attorney, to serve the interest of the City of Meridian.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher from a four (4) year accredited college or university.
• Juris Doctor Degree from an accredited law school.
• Licensed attorney in the State of Idaho.
• Member in good standing with the Idaho State Bar.
• Minimum of three (3) years of governmental experience, or similar.
• Preferred: minimum of five (5) years of experience in municipal leadership or governmental legal practice.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of the principles of criminal, civil, and administrative law, particularly as they relate to Idaho municipalities.
• Knowledge of the principles of civil and criminal trial procedure.
• Familiarity with Idaho Rules of Civil Procedure, Idaho Rules of Criminal Procedure, Idaho Rules of Evidence, Idaho Appellate Rules, and Idaho Rules of Professional Conduct.
• Familiarity with complex parliamentary process utilizing Robert’s Rules of Order.
• Familiarity with Idaho Public Records Act, Open Meetings Law, Ethics in Government Act, Local Land Use Planning Act.
• Ability to complete legal research and writing.
• Ability to review, proof, and critique legal research and opinions of others.
• Ability to work independently with internal and external customers to provide outstanding customer service.
• Ability to represent the City before outside agencies, committees, and elected and/or appointed officials.
• Ability to communicate with and provide training to both one-on-one and in-group settings to other attorneys, internal staff, and citizen stakeholders.

Licensing

License in good standing with the Idaho State Bar.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

Work is performed primarily in an office environment with moderate noise level. The employee is frequently subject to inside environmental conditions, which provide protection from weather but not necessarily temperature changes, and is occasionally subject to outside environmental conditions. The position requires sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes to function in the general office environment, including sitting at a desk or in meetings for extended periods up to 8 hours per day and the ability to lift 40 lbs. Constantly requires clarity of speech and hearing, clear vision, and repetitive movement of wrists, hands, and/or fingers.

Travel Requirements

The position may travel within the City of Meridian. Occasional in-state travel to other jurisdictions may be required. Occasional out-of-state travel for training may be required.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

City of Meridian is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, order of protection status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state, or local law. The City of Meridian is unable to provide visa sponsorship at this time. This includes, but is not limited to, H‑1B and F‑1 visa categories. Candidates must possess valid work authorization in the United States that does not require employer sponsorship.