Principal Attorney (Employment Law)

Strategic Government Resources, Inc.; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Birmingham seeks an experienced Principal Attorney to perform complex legal duties for the city, advising executive leadership on employment law matters, personnel policies, workplace investigations, labor relations, disciplinary actions, and compliance with federal, state, and local employment regulations.

The role requires Bar admission in Alabama in good standing, substantial litigation or transactional experience, and proven ability to supervise staff and manage high-stakes legal

Qualifications

• Bar admission in Alabama in good standing.
• Significant litigation or transactional practice involving complex issues.
• Experience leading and delegating work to administrative staff.

Responsibilities

• Represent the City, boards, agencies and employees in court, before administrative boards and mediators to protect the City’s position.
• Investigate claims and complaints against the City and prepare for and represent the City in litigation to minimize liability.
• Draft and review legal documents per applicable laws to guide decision-making and protect the City’s interests.
• Ensure adherence to laws, codes and ordinances on behalf of the City by providing legal advice and communicating with businesses, residents, and professionals.
• Conduct legal research and pursue professional development to maintain current knowledge and license to practice law.
• Negotiate settlements and contracts with individuals and/or attorneys on behalf of the City.
• Manage agency projects by setting goals, timelines, and coordinating with outside agencies and vendors.

Skills

Litigation/Transactional Experience

Lead Attorney Experience

Staff Delegation

Negotiation

Education

Alabama State Bar in good standing

Job description

The City of Birmingham seeks to hire an experienced Principal Attorney to perform complex legal duties for the city, including advising executive leadership on employment law matters, personnel policies, workplace investigations, labor relations, disciplinary actions, and compliance with federal, state, and local employment regulations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

The following are job-related qualifications that are required for employment consideration for this position:

• Member of the Alabama State Bar Association in good standing.
• Experience in areas of litigation or transactional work handling complex legal issues (e.g., police misconduct, excessive use of force, workplace discrimination, personal injury claims, violation of constitutional rights, reviewing and drafting agreements, employment law matters, personnel policies, workplace investigations, labor relations, disciplinary actions, and compliance with federal, state, and local employment regulations, etc.).
• Experience assigning and delegating work to administrative support staff.
• Experience as the lead attorney in litigation or transactional matters.

TYPICAL JOB DUTIES:

• Represents the City, boards, agencies and employees in court (e.g., trials and appeals), before administrative boards, agencies and mediators following legal standards and practices and City and departmental policies to protect the City’s legal position and achieve City goals.
• Investigates claims and complaints by or against the City and prepares for and represents the city in litigation involving the City and its staff in order to eliminate and/or minimize liability and loss.
• Drafts and reviews legal documents per applicable laws to protect the legal position of the City, boards and agencies and guide their decision-making processes.
• Ensures adherence to applicable laws, codes, ordinances, etc. on behalf of the jurisdiction (e.g., City of Birmingham) and its Boards/Agencies by providing legal advice (e.g., policy, other legal matters) and communicating with local businesses, residents, and professionals in order to minimize legal liability of the jurisdiction.
• Conducts legal research and participates in professional development activities to maintain a current, comprehensive knowledge of applicable laws and legal procedures and a license to practice law.
• Negotiates agreements (e.g., claim settlements, contracts, etc.) with individuals and/or attorneys on behalf of the jurisdiction.
• Manages agency projects by establishing goals and timelines, delegating responsibilities, reviewing work, working with outside agencies and vendors, and completing various project reports.