Job Summary:
Under general direction of the City Attorney, the Deputy City Attorney position is responsible for assisting the City Attorney in providing general legal counsel to the City Manager, City Council, City Departments, and official City boards and commissions in multiple areas of municipal law. This position is also responsible for drafting and enforcing City ordinances, regulations and bylaws; drafting and negotiating contracts; land use planning and zoning; property acquisition, agreements, regulatory compliance, and related processes incident to City stormwater and highway projects; HR/labor and employment matters, including collective bargaining; representing the City in civil and criminal litigation cases; and all other matters assigned or within the purview of the City Attorney’s Office.
Examples of Duties Act as a deputy city attorney and acting city attorney when the city attorney is unavailable or absent.
Conduct thorough and accurate legal and policy research and analysis.
Develop legal opinions and provide general policy advice to city council, city manager, city departments, and boards and committees, as requested.
Draft and/or review legal documents (including agreements and contracts), ordinances, and other rules and regulations as required.
Coordinate and review public records responses and production and provide advice concerning open meeting law compliance.
Negotiate and prepare documents for real estate transactions and provide legal advice relating to development activities involving the city.
Enforce city ordinances, regulations and city bylaws in administrative forums and courts,
Provide legal advice to city administrative agencies concerning contested cases, as well as the implementation and development of ordinances, regulations, or policies.
Represent the city in litigation before state and federal courts and administrative agencies, including all aspects of pleadings, discovery, negotiation, settlement, trial, and appeals.
Assist in representing the city in legislative or lobbying activities.
Provide staff support to city council committees and other public bodies.
Minimum Required Qualifications Juris Doctorate from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.
Must be admitted and licensed to practice law in the State of Vermont.
Admitted to practice before and in good standing with the Vermont Supreme Court and the U.S. District Court or if not yet admitted, eligible for admission.
A minimum of five years' experience with preference in the practice of municipal law.
Supplemental Information Excellent and efficient oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively one-on-one and with groups of various sizes and skills.
Demonstrated ability to provide sound legal advice, exercise good judgment, and solve problems.
Excellent, coherent, and well-organized written communication skills, including the ability to explain and advocate using plain language.
Ability to establish effective relationships with city officials, colleagues, and members of the public.
Ability to work effectively in an advisory capacity with diverse groups of people.
Ability to conduct legal and other types of research and to analyze the results of that research accurately, thoroughly, and efficiently.
Regular attendance at the office and other locations in and outside the city, as needed.
Ability to understand and comply with city standards, safety rules, and personnel policies.
Ability to conduct and accurately analyze legal research thoroughly and efficiently.
Ability to effectively and accurately draft memoranda, litigation documents, agreements, new ordinances, and policy initiatives.
Demonstrated comfort with electronic communication, research, and organizational tools.
Other duties and special projects as assigned.
