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Corporation Counsel

City of New Haven, CT
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We have an exciting career opportunity open at the City of New Haven! Must be an elector of the City of New Haven within six months of appointment, as required by the City Charter (Art II, Sec. 12).

 

The City of New Haven is seeking an accomplished and strategic legal professional to serve as Corporation Counsel, the City’s chief legal officer and head of the Office of Corporation Counsel. This highly responsible executive position provides legal leadership across all aspects of municipal government and plays a critical role in advancing the Mayor’s policy priorities while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local law. The Corporation Counsel directs all legal operations for the City and serves as a trusted advisor to elected officials, boards, commissions, and senior leadership.

Reporting directly to the Mayor and serving at the Mayor’s pleasure, the Corporation Counsel manages a large and diverse legal department and oversees complex litigation, contracts, labor and employment matters, land use, and legislative affairs. This position requires exceptional legal judgment, proven leadership experience, and the ability to navigate high-profile, high-impact legal matters in a dynamic municipal environment.

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS

This is highly responsible professional legal and administrative work directing all operations of the City of New Haven’s Legal Department. The Corporation Counsel serves as the chief legal officer of the City, responsible for the management, coordination, and supervision of all legal affairs involving the municipality.

The position advises the Mayor, department heads, boards, commissions, and agencies on legal matters affecting the City and ensures that all municipal actions, contracts, ordinances, policies, and official documents comply with applicable laws. Work is performed with wide latitude for independent judgment and initiative under the general direction of the Mayor. Supervision is exercised over a staff of 12-15 professional attorneys, legal specialists, and 12 administrative personnel.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Legal Leadership & Administration

·         Plans, directs, and manages the operations of the Office of the Corporation Counsel, including litigation, contracts, labor and employment matters, land use, claims, and risk management.

·         Develops legal strategy for the City and oversees outside counsel as needed.

·         Establishes departmental policies, procedures, and performance standards.

Legal Research, Analysis & Counsel

·         Studies constitutions, statutes, ordinances, judicial decisions, regulations, and other legal authorities; conducts comprehensive legal research to interpret and apply the law.

·         Provides written and verbal legal opinions to the Mayor, City officials, boards, commissions, and agencies.

·         Advises on policy development and legal implications of municipal actions.

Drafting & Review of Legal Documents

·         Drafts, reviews, and approves contracts, resolutions, ordinances, regulations, deeds, bonds, and all official documents for form and legality.

·         Ensures that all City documents meet statutory, regulatory, and Charter requirements.

Litigation Management

·         Prepares briefs, motions, and legal pleadings; represents the City in court or administrative proceedings; oversees litigation performed by staff or outside counsel.

·         Develops settlement strategies and authorizes negotiations consistent with the City’s interests and applicable laws.

Legislative & Intergovernmental Affairs

·         Monitors state and federal legislation impacting municipal governance.

·         Appears before legislative committees to present the City’s position and advocate for municipal interests.

·         Coordinates with state, regional, and federal agencies on legal matters.

Community & Stakeholder Engagement

·         Responds to inquiries from citizens and external stakeholders on matters involving municipal law.

·         Works collaboratively with internal and external partners to support City initiatives.

Performs related work as required.

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

·         Graduation from a recognized, accredited law school (Juris Doctor).

·         Admission to the Connecticut Bar and in good standing.

·         Not less than ten (10) years of experience practicing law in Connecticut, as required by the City Charter (Art. VI, §13).

·         Demonstrated experience in municipal law, public-sector litigation, contract law, or related legal practice.

KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

  • Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and municipal laws affecting local government.
  • Extensive legal experience in areas such as labor & employment, land use, civil rights, contracts, finance/bonding, or municipal governance.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage complex litigation and high-stakes legal matters.
  • Experience in a supervisory or legal-department leadership role.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to present complex legal concepts to non-attorneys.
  • Experience working with elected officials, public agencies, or legislative bodies.
  • Skill in legal research, analysis, and drafting.
  • Proficiency in using applications such as Word and Excel for creating documents, reports, correspondence, spreadsheets, and presentations.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, and the ability to learn and use multiple web-based applications.
  • Ability to manage a diverse team of attorneys and legal staff. Ability to provide supervision, guidance, and training as needed.
  • Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and diplomacy.
  • Ability to effectively represent the City in legal forums and legislative settings.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and demonstrate ethical and professional integrity.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

·         Must possess and maintain a valid Connecticut Driver’s License.

·         Will be required to attend public meetings during evening or weekend hours.

·         Must be an elector of the City of New Haven within six months of appointment, as required by the City Charter (Art II, Sec. 12).

SALARY, BARGAINING UNIT & TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

This is a "General Fund" non-tested position.


This position covered by the Executive Management & Confidential Employee Policy, available to review HERE.

Hires into this class shall not be covered by the City pension but shall continue to be covered by Social Security; additionally, employer will contribute 7.5% of base pay into a defined contribution plan.

The City of New Haven does not sponsor employment visas. All applicants must have current authorization to work in the U.S. without employer-sponsored visa support.
 

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.