Deputy City Attorney (Labor Relations)

WICHITA COMPANY LIMITED; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 84,000 - 154,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Wichita is seeking a seasoned attorney to provide legal counsel to City staff, management, officials and boards on a wide range of municipal matters, with a strong emphasis on employment law, labor relations, and contract negotiations.

Candidates must have a J.D., be admitted to practice in Kansas, and have at least five years of municipal or civil litigation experience. Starting pay ranges from $83,895 to $153,816 depending on experience.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in Kansas.
• Minimum five years’ experience in municipal law, civil litigation, or business law.

Responsibilities

• Provides legal advice to City staff, management, officials and boards.
• Prepares ordinances, resolutions, contracts, leases and other legal documents.
• Represents the city in lawsuits, hearings, and appellate proceedings.
• Reviews policies to minimize legal exposure and liability.
• Other related duties as needed.

Skills

Civil law

Municipal law

Legal research

Oral & written communication

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Kansas license to practice law

Job description

Distinguishing Features of Work

This position performs professional legal work involving research, consultation, and representation of the City of Wichita in a wide range of municipal legal matters. Responsibilities include preparing and prosecuting cases, drafting legal documents, providing legal opinions, and advising City officials. The role has a strong emphasis on employment law, collective bargaining, labor relations, and contract negotiations. Work is performed under the direction of the Director of Law, with goals established and reviewed for progress.

Anticipated starting salary: $83,895.00 - $153,816.00 (on experience and qualifications)

Bargaining Unit: Employee Council

Workdays and Hours - Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm

• Posting may close at any time ** Examples of Work Performed
• Provides legal advice to City staff, management, elected and appointed officials and City boards.
• Prepares ordinances, resolutions, contracts, leases and other legal documents.
• Represents the city in lawsuits, administrative hearings, and appellate proceedings.
• Reviews policies to minimize legal exposure and liability.
• Performs a variety of assignments requiring advanced legal knowledge.
• Other related duties may be assigned as needed.

Requirements of Work

• Thorough knowledge of the principles and procedures of civil law, especially as they relate to municipal corporations, and the ability to apply this knowledge to varied legal problems.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles, methods and materials of legal research and investigation.
• Ability to analyze legal documents and instruments.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with associates, employees of other departments, representatives of outside agencies, City officials and the public.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to recognize and protect confidential information.
• Generally, an office environment with occasional travel for court appearances, meetings, or site visits.
• Primarily sedentary, though it requires prolonged visual concentration (screen time) and some interaction with the public. The employee must work the days and hours necessary to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks. The employee must be available (especially during regular business hours) to communicate with clients, supervisor, and any other person with whom interaction is required to accomplish duties.
• An employee shall not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others in the workplace.

Experience and Training

Required Experience And Training

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Membership in the Kansas District Courts and Federal District Court.
• Active license to practice law in Kansas.
• Five years’ experience in municipal law, civil litigation, or business law.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need of a sponsorship.

Preferred Experience and Training

• Three (3) years of experience in employment or labor law in the public or private sector.

Starting pay for current City employees will be determined by City of Wichita policy or applicable bargaining unit agreement.

Offers of employment are contingent upon passing a pre-employment physical, which includes drug screening, and upon satisfactory evaluation of the results of a criminal record check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws. Please find more information under the following links:

https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/legacy/files/fmlan.pdf

https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf

https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/legacy/files/eppac.pdf

CITY OF WICHITA

Full-time Employee Benefits

• VACATION - Most employees with less than five years employment earn 10 days of vacation per year. After five years, accrual rates increase at varying rates to varying maximums, depending on work schedule and/or union representation. Employees can accumulate and carry forward up to 240 hours each year.
• HOLIDAYS - There are eleven paid holidays. Employees also receive one Personal Holiday that is granted after the first six months of employment.
• SICK LEAVE - Sick leave accrual begins at one-half day per month. After five years, sick leave accruals are one work day per month. Employees can accumulate and carry forward all unused sick leave each year. Employees who use 24 hours (3 days) or less of sick leave in a calendar year earn a "Well Day." An additional "Well Day" can be earned following a year of perfect attendance.
• HEALTH INSURANCE - UMR / United Healthcare provides two levels of medical and prescription drug plans. Both medical plan are PPOs and do not require selecting a physician or referrals for specialty care. Both medical plans include Teladoc virtual care (primary care/mental health benefits at no charge), Dario healthy living programs, and VSP Vision benefits. Pre-tax premium deductions are offered. The City contributes 80% of the premium cost towards medical, prescription drug and vision insurance.
• DENTAL INSURANCE - Two Delta Dental plans are offered - Preferred and Traditional. The Delta Preferred plan requires using a dentist from a smaller network for a lower premium. The Delta Traditional plan allows use of any dentist, although benefits are higher using a dentist from the large Delta network. Benefits under both plans are the same (with the exception of some Orthodontic benefits) Pre-tax premium deductions are offered.
• LIFE INSURANCE - Low-cost voluntary term life insurance is available. Employees pay one-third of the cost. The amount of Basic Life coverage is two times annual pay up to a determined maximum amount. Dependent coverage is available at $20,000 spouse / $10,000 child(ren) for an additional $0.14 per pay period. Accidental death and dismemberment coverage is included. The plan is through MetLife.
• SUPPLEMENTAL LIFE - Additional voluntary employee-paid term life insurance is available from MetLife at low group rates. Participation in Basic Life is required. The Life Insurance plans are portable.
• LONG-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE- The voluntary employee-paid group disability plan from MetLife provides 60% of pre-disability income for injury or health related disabilities. Premiums are determined by income and age.
• VOLUNTARY ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT - Voluntary employee-paid AD&D from MetLife offers coverage for accidental death and dismemberment.
• RETIREMENT - The City offers two retirement plans - Wichita Employees (WER) Plan 3, and Commissioned Police & Fire Plan C-79. The WER plan is a defined contribution plan; Police & Fire is a defined benefit plan. Both are contributory - employees and the City share the cost.
• FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS - Employees may elect to make FSA pre-tax deductions for dependent care and/or unreimbursed medical expenses, reducing the cost of these expenses by eliminating taxes on the amount deducted.
• LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE - This plan from UNUM offers facility and home care benefits for employees, spouses, and some other family members. Several options for benefit amount and duration, and specific plan features, are available.
• MORE BENEFITS & SERVICES

Deferred Compensation Investment Program

Employee Discounts and Wichita Employee Association (WEA)

Bereavement Pay

Employee Emergency Assistance Fund

Voluntary Shared Leave Program

Training Programs

Longevity Pay

Credit Union

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Injury Leave (on-job injury)

Community Volunteer Events