Assistant Corporation Counsel, Livable City Initiative

Introduction

This is a dynamic attorney position in the Office of Corporation Counsel assigned to the Livable City Initiative (LCI), New Haven's housing agency.

The role involves providing dedicated legal counsel to support LCI's mission of enforcing municipal anti-blight and housing code ordinances and promoting the health and safety of New Haven's housing stock.

The attorney will work under the supervision of the Corporation Counsel or Deputy Corporation Counsel, and will also work closely with LCI's Executive Director and all staff.

The attorney will be a key partner in the agency's current restructuring efforts, focusing on strengthening enforcement activities to ensure compliance with state and local law, related to housing.

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS

This is an attorney position under the direction of The Office of the Corporation Counsel. This position involves providing legal advice and counsel to various City departments, Boards and Commissions relating to their official duties in all aspects of municipal law.

The attorney is expected to exercise independent, professional judgement in the performance of work. Assistant Corporation Counsel is accountable to the Corporation Counsel or Deputy Corporation Counsel, who will periodically observe, review and evaluate work performance.

Hybrid remote work options for some aspects of the work may be available once work routine are established.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Applies principles and procedures of civil law, municipal law, constitutional, land use, employment, and real property law to a wide variety of legal issues affecting the operation of a municipality.
• Provides legal advice and counsel to various City departments, Boards and Commissions relating to their official duties in all aspects of municipal law.
• Performs legal research as necessary.
• Prepares written opinions for various City departments, Boards and Commissions upon request for adoption by the Corporation Counsel.
• Negotiates, prepares, reviews and approves as to form Board and Commission Resolutions, Contracts, Real Estate Agreements and other legal documents and instruments authorized by City Charter or Code of Ordinances.
• Represents the City of New Haven, its officers and employees, and Boards and Commissions in civil claims and lawsuits before state and federal courts.

Drafts all related pleadings, briefs, appeals and memoranda for filing with the appropriate forum.

Represents the City of New Haven, its officers and employees, and Boards and Commissions in Administrative Hearings.

Specific to this LCI assignment :

• Serve as an integral part of LCI's team, developing a deep understanding of the agency's practices and administrative challenges to support its mission effectively.
• Provide comprehensive legal advice and counsel to LCI's Housing Enforcement, Residential Rental Licensing, and Anti-Blight enforcement programs.
• Collaborate with LCI and City officials to develop and update policies, procedures, and ordinances that enhance the department's enforcement capabilities and overall effectiveness.
• Represent LCI in citation hearings, particularly in cases against absentee landlords or owners of blighted properties that negatively impact neighborhoods.
• Work closely with the landlord licensing team to ensure all residential rental properties in compliant with City ordinances.
• Conduct legal research to develop innovative strategies for ensuring compliance with City health and safety standards.
• Assist in drafting and implementing legislation and / or regulations that support LCI's mission and goals.
• Perform in-depth legal analysis on complex housing and code enforcement issues, preparing written opinions and recommendations for LCI leadership.
• Negotiate, prepare, review, and approve legal documents related to LCI's operations and initiatives.
• Represent the City of New Haven in civil claims and lawsuits before state and federal courts, as well as in administrative hearings.
• Contribute to the department's strategic planning, offering legal insights to shape policy and improve service delivery.
• Assist other Corporation Counsel with other projects / issues as needed.
• Perform other related work as required.

NOTE : The above description covers the principal duties and responsibilities of the job and shall not be construed as a complete listing of all duties or as a contract.

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Graduation from an accredited school of law; membership in good standing to the Connecticut bar; minimum of two years of experience practicing as an attorney.

Admission to Federal bar preferred. Must have experience in using Microsoft Office, software programs, or equivalent.

KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Knowledge of principles and procedures of civil law especially as they relate to municipal government; and the ability to apply this knowledge to varied legal issues.
• Knowledge of the principles, methods and practices of legal research.
• Knowledge of judicial and administrative procedures, and the rules of evidence.
• Knowledge of constitutional provisions, laws, regulations and ordinances affecting municipal operations.
• Knowledge of municipal government structures, and operations of Boards and Commissions, and their relationship to other public jurisdictions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with officials and employees of the City, and the general public.
• Ability to analyze, assess and organize facts, evidence and precedents concerned in cases.
• Ability to manage deadlines and multiple assignments simultaneously.
• Skill in court presentations and other hearings.

In relation to this assignment :

• Passion for housing law and a commitment to serving the City of New Haven;
• Strong knowledge of civil law principles, especially as they relate to municipal government, housing, and code enforcement;
• Expertise in legal research methods and ability to apply findings to complex urban housing challenges;
• Familiarity with judicial and administrative procedures, and rules of evidence;
• Understanding of constitutional provisions, laws, regulations, and ordinances affecting municipal operations, particularly in housing;
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team and establish effective relationships with city officials, employees, and the public;
• Excellent analytical skills to assess and organize facts, evidence, and legal precedents;
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to handle multiple assignments and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment;
• Knowledge of building codes, construction practices, and housing law (preferred);
• Experience in policy development and implementation (preferred);
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex legal concepts clearly to diverse audiences;
• Demonstrated commitment to public service and community development.

This position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on housing conditions in New Haven, working at the forefront of urban policy and enforcement strategies.

The ideal candidate will be a proactive, creative thinker eager to contribute to the improvement of LCI and the enforcement of housing standards across the City.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Membership in good standing to the Connecticut State bar.
• Federal practice experience preferred.
• Applicant MUST attach resume and writing sample to submission.

SALARY, BARGAINING UNIT & TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

This is a Special Fund, "Non-Tested" position.

This position is included in a collective bargaining agreement with Local 1303-464, Council 4, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO, available to review HERE .

Special Funded employees shall not be covered by the City pension but shall continue to be covered by Social Security.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of : (1) a pre-employment background check, (2) a pre-employment physical examination, including pre-employment drug screening accordance with the City's Drug Free Workplace Policy*, and (3) a 90-day probationary period.

Instructions and information on this pre-employment process are included in Conditional Offer of Employment.

Pursuant to the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, The City of New Haven has a adopted a Drug Free Workplace Policy.

The City of New Haven requires a pre-employment drug test, which includes screening for marijuana.

Selection Plan

Applications will be reviewed by the Department of Human Resources. Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the minimum requirements as listed within the job description;

failure to do so may result in disqualification. Position posted until filled.

Applicants must attach a resume and a writing sample to their submission.

It is critical that you complete the application thoroughly, as the information you provide will be used to ascertain if you are eligible to move forward in the selection process, and in some cases, this information may be used to determine the eligibility list.

Your application and resume should indicate that you meet the minimum requirements as listed. A hiring decision may be made prior to the removal of the job posting.

Information regarding the employment and selection process can be found HERE .

Please note that the only method of communication with applicants for this position will be by email. You must provide a valid, working email address and you will need to monitor your email, including spam / junk folders, for correspondence from the New Haven Human Resources Department.

We reserve the right to extend an application deadline or close a job posting early to ensure we can attract and identify the best candidate(s) for a position.

Conclusion

To apply for this opportunity :

• Complete your User Registration. You are encouraged to save your Applicant Profile for future use.
• You MUST click on the job posting you are interested in, and click Apply or Apply Online from within that posting.
• MAKE SURE the job you are applying for is named at the top of the page as you review your application!
• Review or modify your application for that position
• Click "Ready to Send App " or the " Send " tab; read page and click the attestation
• Click " Send to City of New Haven "
• You will be redirected to " CONFIRMATION OF EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION SUBMISSION "
• You will also receive an email and text, if a number was provided, confirming your submission
• If you do not receive this confirmation in the next 24 hours, your application has not been submitted - please contact us at [email protected]

Please Note, your Profile is NOT an application for an open position. After you create your Applicant Profile, you must still click on a Job Title and complete the application as instructed for each position .