26-013 General Legal Counsel, Full-Time

Job Description

Job Description

The City Manager is seeking an individual to perform highly responsible professional legal work on behalf of the Municipal Corporation.  Work includes advising and working with City Council, City Manager and department directors on legal matters pertaining to municipal activities, policies and procedures. Performs complex legal work including, but not limited to legal research, legal consultation, preparation of legal opinions, prosecution of civil court trials involving municipal legal issues, drafting of legal documents, advising City officials as to legal rights, obligations, practices, and other aspects of applicable local, State and Federal law.  Some night meetings are required.

This is a full-time, exempt, 40 hour per week position.  Salary range is $138,569.60 to $200,532.80 annually.  Position is open until filled.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Except as specifically noted, the following functions are considered essential to this position. The listed examples may not include all duties found in this class) :

• Furnish the City Manager, the City Council and its committees, and all municipal administrative officials with legal opinions and advice related to their respective offices.
• Maintain a thorough knowledge of New Hampshire municipal law, as well as the New Hampshire right-to-know law, and engage in continued professional development to stay current in such areas of law.
• Review and manage all City civil litigation matters; coordinate and may prosecute all civil actions and suits to be commenced by the City before any tribunal in the State, whether in law or equity.
• Defend and advocate the rights and interests of the City, including the School District, in any suit or prosecution wherein any estate, right, privilege, acts of City government, or any breach of municipal ordinances may be brought into question.
• Draft or review all bonds, deeds, ordinances, obligations, contracts, leases, franchises, conveyances, and other legal instruments which may be required; reviews documents prepared by other agencies or parties.
• Approve ordinances, resolutions and contracts as to legal form; provide legal advice as to substance.
• Review and respond to Right to Know inquiries.
• Collect, interpret, and prepare data for studies, reports and recommendations. Submit such reports to the City Manager as may be required or as the City Attorney may deem it advisable to submit.
• Coordinate activities with other departments and agencies as needed.  Assist department directors to see that all laws and ordinances are adhered to.
• Interpret laws, rulings, and regulations for City officials and staff. Recommend the adoption by the City Council of such resolutions or ordinances as the City Attorney may deem necessary or expedient.
• Advise the City Council and City officials of legal conditions and current and future trends, and changes to State or Federal laws affecting City operations.
• Attend all meetings of the City Council, serving as parliamentarian. Attend other meetings at which attendance may be required.
• Represent the City in court, and before quasi-judicial or administrative agencies of government as may be required.  Gather evidence formulate defense or to initiate legal action.
• Confer with colleagues with specialty in various areas of law to establish and verify basis for legal opinions or proceedings; serves as a liaison between outside legal counsel and City officials on specialized legal issues.
• Review and develop responses to bankruptcy notices.
• Review, file, and oversee insurance claims.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, employees, other departments and agencies, and the general public.
• Maintain familiarity with and execute safe work procedures associated with assigned work.
• Perform other related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY REQUIREMENTS : Comprehensive knowledge of state statutes and case law relating to municipal laws and affairs; Considerable knowledge of laws relating to the purchase of goods and services, contracting, labor, employment, land use, environment, public records, insurance, and roads / traffic; working knowledge of modern policies and practices of municipal law and public administration. Skill in preparing pleadings, briefs, and other legal documents. Ability to prepare and analyze comprehensive legal documents; ability to carry out assigned projects to their completion; ability to efficiently and effectively administer a municipal legal department. Knowledge of the principles and procedures of civil law, especially as they relate to municipal government.  Knowledge of the principles and practices of legal research, judicial procedure, and rules of evidence.  Ability to collect and analyze data and make appropriate recommendations and reports. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, department heads, other City officials and the general public.

EDUCATION / LICENSURE / CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS : Law degree from an accredited college or university plus five (5) year’s practice in municipal law or closely related practice areas. Additional experience in labor, telecommunications, and / or environmental law desired. Admitted as member of NH Bar in good standing and completion of required continuing education. Valid motor vehicle operator license.

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