Assistant City Counselor Job at City of Columbia, MO
Serves as a member of the legal team to provide professional services to City officials, staff, boards and commissions; provides legal advice on diverse areas of municipal law to all City departments; researches and creates legal documents and opinions; represents the City before courts, administrative agencies and other forums.
Essential Job Functions
- Exercise independent judgment in providing professional legal services to the City under general direction and supervision of the Deputy City Counselor or City Prosecutor.
- Understand, interpret and serve as general legal counsel to department heads, city staff, and appointed officials with regard to various municipal legal issues and relevant laws and regulations.
Maintain a working knowledge of the Columbia City Charter, City Code, Missouri Sunshine Law and state and federal laws affecting municipalities.
Perform complex and detail-related work pertaining to assigned duties, including but not limited to land use, zoning, police, airport, utilities, public health, taxation, real estate, environmental and/or personnel issues.
Conduct legal research and render sound written and oral opinions.
Review and draft contracts.
Represent the City in negotiations for complex agreements or transactions.
Draft other legal documents and reports, including memorandums, pleadings, and proposed municipal ordinances or resolutions.
Attend and represent the City in judicial or administrative proceedings.
Conduct investigations and prepare reports.
Defend challenges to city actions or file actions on behalf of the city including negotiating with adverse parties, conducting discovery, preparing disclosures, preparation of witnesses and exhibits and conducting trial and post-trial appellate proceedings.
Develop a training curriculum for city staff or city volunteers and make public presentations in both oral and written form.
Ability to serve as the City ADA coordinator, Human Rights liaison, Citizens Police Review Board liaison, or Disabilities Commission liaison, as assigned.
Attend assigned meetings of City Boards and Commissions and provide advice and legal interpretation.
Review, file charges and prosecute municipal ordinance violations, as assigned.
Must remain current on legal issues affecting local government.
Keep the City Counselor, Deputy City Counselor and City Prosecutor advised of emerging issues through verbal and written updates.
Ancillary Job Functions
- Assist outside counsel in litigation.
- Participate in city-wide employee committees and strategic planning efforts from time to time.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Education and Experience - An equivalent combination of education, training and experience will be considered
- Possession of a Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school and a valid license to practice law in Missouri is required.
- Minimum three years of experience is required; experience in local government or public sector law is highly preferred.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities which may be representative, but not all-inclusive of those commonly associated with this position
- Understanding and familiarity of local, state and federal laws, policies and rules related to local government operations and proceedings.
- Knowledge of judicial procedure and rules of evidence.
Superior written and oral communications skills in order to draft complex documents, communicate legal opinions, and make public presentations.
Knowledge of principles practices and methods of legal research and sources for legal reference.
Outstanding ability to draft documents and provide sound advice and make recommendations related to City policies and procedures.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, department directors, elected officials, members of boards and commissions, court officials, and the general public.
Ability to effectively organize and prioritize work as well as concentrate on multiple tasks simultaneously.
Strong sense of professionalism, high ethical standards and integrity to maintain confidentiality of legal documents.
Ability to use good judgment and think quickly and rationally in difficult or stressful situations.
Ability to maintain professional attire.
Ability to effectively utilize Microsoft Office, Google, Westlaw, electronic case management and similar computer programs and ability to operate basic office equipment/machines.
Work Environment – Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job
- General office conditions. Exposed to moderate noise levels.
Physical Abilities that are commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job. The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions
- Required to reach and hold on to items at chest level or reach above the shoulder.
- Required to use close vision and be able to focus.
Must be able to sit or stand and talk in front of an audience for extended periods of time when appearing in court or giving a public presentation.
Regularly required to talk and hear; frequently required to sit, stand and bend at the knee and waist.
Must be able to have repetitive wrist, hand and/or finger movement to type and work on computer.
Must have finger dexterity and hand-eye coordination to work on computer, telephone, and related office equipment.
Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds.
Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.
Hours/Days
M-F; generally 8-5 with occasional evening and weekend work required.
Supervision Exercised
None.
Starting Salary
$65,437-$85,114/yr (minimum to midpoint); Commensurate w/Training and Experience
Pay Grade
C9
Number of Positions Available
1
Deadline to Apply
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
POSITION
IS
OPEN
UNTIL
FILLED
.
THE
PREFERRED
APPLICATION
DATE
IS
DECEMBER
31, 2022. The open position is in the Counselor/Civil Division of the Law Department. This is advanced professional work that requires the ability to communicate complex ideas effectively, both orally and in writing. A thorough knowledge of legal issues affecting local government is required. The attorney will work with city staff and select appointed boards and commissions. HOURS: Monday-Friday; generally 8-5 with occasional evening and weekend work required. NOTE: Please describe your strengths related to Essential Job Functions in a cover letter.
Notice to Applicants
Individuals needing accommodation to apply may call 573.874.CITY (2489)
TTY: 711 (MO RELAY)
THE CITY OF COLUMBIA IS A MERIT, AFFIRMATIVE ACTION, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: MALE / FEMALE
THE CITY OF COLUMBIA REQUIRES PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG TESTING
The City of Columbia participates in the federal E-Verify work authorization program
TTY: 711 (MO RELAY)
THE CITY OF COLUMBIA IS A MERIT, AFFIRMATIVE ACTION, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: MALE / FEMALE
THE CITY OF COLUMBIA REQUIRES PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG TESTING
The City of Columbia participates in the federal E-Verify work authorization program
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