Poughkeepsie City Government

DCRCOC; City of Poughkeepsie (NY); On-site; USD 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension/retirement plan

Paid holidays

Sick time

Vacation & personal time

Medical insurance

Dental & vision

FSA/DCA

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

City of Poughkeepsie seeks an Assistant Corporation Counsel to advise the Chief Executive Officer, Legislature, and operating departments on legal matters and to represent the municipality in court. The role involves preparing legal materials and local laws, with broad autonomy for independent judgment.

Requirements include an active New York State law license, strong time management, and excellent written and verbal communication skills. Residency within 30 miles is expected.

Qualifications

• Licensed to practice law in New York State.
• Legal experience in two or more areas of law is preferred (municipal, general, civil, traffic, building/zoning, and litigation).
• Exceptional time management skills and the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Reside within a 30-mile radius.

Responsibilities

• Researches the law and renders opinions when requested.
• Represents the municipality in cases before the courts where the municipality is a party, plaintiff or defendant.
• Prepares pleadings, appeals, resolutions, notices, contracts, and other legal papers and documents.
• Prepares local laws, ordinances, resolutions, legalizing acts, and other legislation.
• Attends meetings of the legislative body and advises that body when requested.
• Examines legal papers served on or filed with municipal departments and officials.
• Makes reports and answers correspondence.
• Does related work as required.

Skills

Licensed NY Attorney

Time management

Verbal & written communication

Residency compliance

Education

Juris Doctor / NY Bar

Job description

City of Poughkeepsie Job Opening

Assistant Corporation Counsel

Salary Range

$85,000 to $100,000 (salary commensurate with experience)

Working schedule

Monday-Friday, 40 Hour Work Week

Distinguishing Features of the Class

This is professional legal work involving responsibility for advising the Chief Executive Officer, Legislature, and operating departments of a municipality on matters of law, preparing legal material, and representing the municipality in the courts. An employee in this position is responsible for answering many legal questions affecting the municipality's organization and operations. General supervision is received from the Corporation Counsel with wide leeway permitted for the use of independent judgment.

Typical Work Activities

• Researches the law and renders opinions when requested;
• Represents the municipality in cases before the courts wherein the municipality is a party, plaintiff or defendant;
• Prepares pleadings, appeals, resolutions, notices, contracts, and other legal papers and documents;
• Prepares local laws, ordinances, resolutions, legalizing acts, and other legislation.
• Attends meetings of the legislative body and advises that body when requested.
• Examines legal papers served on or filed with municipal departments and officials;
• Makes reports and answers correspondence;
• Does related work as required.

The Candidate Must Meet the Following

• License to practice law in New York State,
• Legal experience in two or more of the following areas of law is preferred: municipal, general, civil, traffic, building/zoning, and litigation,
• Exceptional time management skills and the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks,
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Reside within a 30-mile radius

Benefits Include

• NYS Retirement System or VDC Retirement Plan (w/8% employer contribution)
• Paid time off: Holidays - 13 per year
• Sick Time - 13 per year
• Vacation Time - 2 weeks (prorated per date of hire)
• Personal Time - 5 days (prorated per date of hire)
• Medical insurance or opt-out cash stipend.
• Employer paid dental, vision and life insurance.
• FSA/DCA option
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development assistance to include CLE courses.

The City of Poughkeepsie is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages women, minorities, and persons with disabilities to apply.