Assistant City Attorney
GENERAL PURPOSE
Performs assigned municipal civil and criminal legal related work responsibilities as required. Position otherwise operates under minimal supervision, and exercises independent judgment within the framework of accepted policies and practices.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Works under the direction of the City Attorney and City Manager.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Exercises supervision over legal and administrative staff.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The duties listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
- Primarily responsible for prosecution of petty misdemeanor, misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor crimes committed within the City, including required case preparation, court appearances and trial.
- Assist with DWI vehicle forfeiture program.
- Assist with provision of general municipal legal advice to City Manager, City Council and department heads.
- Drafts municipal ordinances and resolutions, and negotiates and drafts contracts/agreements and policies.
- Legal research and preparation of legal arguments and briefs necessary for decision making purposes, trial preparation and/or appeal.
- Respond to citizen/public inquiries relative to complaints, municipal policies and procedures.
- Works with City Attorney, City Manager and department heads to provide oversight and direction for City relative to projects, policies and operations.
- Acts as City Attorney when the City Attorney is absent.
- Attend City Council and various board or committee meetings as directed. Some meetings will be on mornings and/or evenings, before or after normal business hours.
- Performs other duties as apparent or assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:
(a) Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor (J.D.).
(b) Three (3) years of experience as a practicing attorney and two years of criminal law experience.
Special Requirements
(a) A member in good standing of the Minnesota State Bar Association.
(b) Member of good standing with the State Bar Association
(c) Licensed to practice law in the State of Minnesota
(d) Valid driver’s license.
(e) Must be bondable
Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
(a) Strong legal skills. Considerable knowledge of statutes relating to Minnesota Criminal Code and Rules of Criminal Procedure, as well as familiarity with municipal affairs and, in particular, laws relating to the purchase of goods and services, contracting, labor, employment, land use, environment, real estate and economic development. Working knowledge of modern policies and practices of municipal law and public administration.
(b) Strong verbal and written communication skills.
(c) Ability to carry out assigned projects to their completion.
(d) Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, city officials, the court system, and the general public.
(e) Ability to work and communicate in adversarial settings.