Deputy City Attorney

Job Description

Job Description

PURPOSE OF THE CLASSIFICATION : Provides legal advice and representation; prosecutes crimes; conducts significant and complex civil lawsuits; draws up legal documents; prepares contracts, advises City officials as to legal rights, obligations, practices and other phases of applicable local, state and federal law; prepares cases for trial; drafts resolutions, ordinances and other documents; prepares legal opinions; practices in the area of labor or employee relations, planning and zoning, contract drafting and interpretation and nuisance abatement.

ESSENTIAL TASKS :

As needed Evaluates claims against the City and, if appropriate, assumes primary responsibility for representation of the City in jury and non-jury trials before local, state and federal courts.

As needed-Represents the City in adversarial proceedings before Municipal Court, District Court, Court of Civil Appeals, Oklahoma Supreme Court, Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals, the various United States Courts, state and federal, administrative agencies, boards and commissions, and at other hearings of concern to the City.

As needed-Evaluates criminal citations issued by city enforcement officers and citizen complaints to determine prosecutorial merit.

Interprets laws, rulings and regulations for City officials and staff.

Directs the investigation of claims and complaints by or against the City and recommends a course of action to the appropriate authority.

Performs complex legal research and prepares legal opinions regarding diverse matters relating to all areas of city government for the City Manager, City departments, boards and public officials.

Approves ordinances, resolutions and contracts as to legality and form; provides legal advice as to substance. Performs duties as the Prosecutor of Muskogee City Code violations in Municipal Court.

Drafts ordinances, resolutions, contracts, agreements, deeds, leases, franchises, etc.; reviews documents prepared by other agencies, departments or parties.

Drafts legal briefs, develops strategy, arguments and reviews testimony in preparation for litigation.

At the direction of the City Attorney, attends meetings of the City Council, trust authorities, boards or commissions at which legal advice may be necessary.

Communicates with city, state and federal officials through personal contact, telephone and written correspondence on matters of interest to the City.

Prepares cases for trial and represents the City in court and before quasi-judicial or administrative agencies.

Acts as legal counsel to boards and commissions as assigned by the City Attorney.

Operates office equipment such as fax machines, copiers, and phone systems, and uses computers for spreadsheet, word processing, database management, and other applications; learns to operate new office technologies as they are developed and implemented.

Other duties as assigned.

Must report to work on a regular and timely basis.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS :

The Deputy City Attorney reports directly to the City Attorney.

The Deputy City Attorney does not have any direct reports or supervisory responsibility, other than part time direction of the Paralegal for the department or as assigned.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks of this position.

QUALIFICATIONS :

Training and Experience : Graduation from an ABA accredited law school with a Juris Doctorate Degree andadmission to practice law before the Supreme Court of Oklahoma; and the ability to be admitted to practice beforethe United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, and the United States Court of Appeals for theTenth Circuit within six months of employment. At least (2) years experience in evaluation, preparation and litigationof civil and criminal matters before City, State and Federal courts, and before City, State and Federal administrativetribunals either as an attorney.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills : Knowledge or ability to be trained in the areas of municipal, state, and federal law. Knowledge in the area of state and federal constitutional law affecting city government and civil rights matters. Knowledge of city ordinances and charter provisions particularly as relating to the authority and functions of city departments. Considerable knowledge of judicial procedures and rules of evidence. Knowledge of established common law and judicial precedents and experience indicating a proven ability to use various sources of legal references. Ability to prepare and try cases before local, state and federal courts and administrative boards. Ability to prepare a wide variety of legal documents in the areas of contracts, real property, employment, public works, public funding and other areas of municipal concern. Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, orally and in writing and to read, analyze and understand complex written documents. Skill in conducting traditional and computer-assisted research on complex legal problems. Skill in operating the following tools and equipment : personal computer, including word processing program; calculator; telephone; copy machine and fax machine. Ability to prepare and analyze comprehensive legal documents; ability to carry out assigned projects to their completion; ability to establish effective working relationships with employees, City officials, the court system and the general public.

Physical Requirements : The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job in compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. On a case-by-case basis, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, arm and hand steadiness and finger dexterity will be needed enough to use a key board and telephone. Occasional sitting and standing is required. Occasional lifting and carrying of objects up to twenty (20) pounds. Occasional reaching, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crawling, twisting, handling and repetitive movements. Vision, speech, and hearing sufficient to perform essential tasks. Punctuality and reasonable attendance is essential. Must submit to drug screening and fitness to work physical exam.

Licenses and Certificates : License to practice law in the State of Oklahoma and member in good standing with the OBA. Must possess a valid Oklahoma driver's license or the ability to obtain one prior to employment.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT : Duties performed primarily in an office setting, but may require travel to county, state and federal courts, boards, commissions and administrative agencies. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet.