Position Overview

Company Name

Town of West Hartford

Job Title

Assistant Corporation Counsel

Description

The Town of West Hartford

Announces an Open Competitive Examination

For the Position of

ASSISTANT CORPORATION COUNSEL

(unclassified, non-union position)

APPLICATIONS WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED ELECTRONICALLY APPLICATION DEADLINE

OCTOBER 9, 2026

Under administrative direction of the Deputy Corporation Counsel, provides professional legal assistance to the Town Council, Town Manager, and municipal departments, boards, commissions and agencies on matters affecting the interests of West Hartford. Researches and prepares advice and opinions for the municipality in matters requiring interpretation of state or federal laws, Town Charter, ordinances, administrative regulations, contracts or other legal instruments.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Advise the Town Manager and municipal departments with respect to legal matters in a variety of areas including, but not limited to, municipal law, real estate law, land use and zoning matters, labor and employment law, health and building code enforcement, commercial real estate transactions, lease and license agreements, contracts and construction law.
  
• Provide counsel to the Board of Education regarding employee matters, policy revisions, updates to forms and waivers, and provide legal opinions on matters involving student privacy, public meetings and statutory authority.
  
• Prepare, draft, review and may negotiate a variety of contracts, including but not limited to, professional services contracts, vendor contracts, construction contracts, and service provider agreements.
  
• Serve as counsel to the municipality in property transfers, federal and state grant awards and redevelopment and construction projects, including affordable housing projects.
  
• Perform complex legal research and prepare legal opinions for municipal departments, commissions, boards and the Town Council.
  
• Assist outside counsel in the preparation of court documents in connection with suits, trials, appeals, and other legal procedures involving the municipality.
  
• Review and evaluate legal claims and suits against the municipality for settlement purposes.
  
• Attend settlement and status conferences related to pending litigation and administrative proceedings involving the municipality.
  
• Serve as counsel to the municipality in administrative proceedings before the Freedom of Information Commission, Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, Department of Public Health and Department of Transportation.
  
• Prepare and draft ordinances, resolutions, contracts, deeds and other legal documents.
  
• Advise boards and commissions with respect to the legal requirements for public meetings and public hearings and the legal issues presented by the matters before the boards and commissions.
  
• Conduct training sessions for municipal boards, commissions and staff.
  
• Manage assignments for law clerk and administrative staff.
  
• Provide other related duties as necessary.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of judicial procedures and rules of evidence.
  
• Knowledge of the principles, methods and practices of legal research.
  
• Knowledge of state and federal laws and constitutional provisions affecting municipal operations.
  
• Ability to draft pleadings, briefs, memoranda of law.
  
• Ability to research complex issues and to render sound opinions.
  
• Ability to judicial decisions to the interpretation of statutes, charter provisions, ordinances, and contract provisions.
  
• Ability to communicate effectively and persuasively.
  
• Ability to work with limited supervision and to exercise sound judgment.
  
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with office associates, other employees of the municipality and municipal elected and appointed officials.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Graduation from an ABA accredited school of law and admitted to the practice of law in the State of Connecticut; five (5) years' experience as an attorney, preferably in municipal law; or any combination of training and experience deemed equivalent by the Corporation Counsel.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must devote full time to the duties of the office and shall not otherwise engage in the practice of law.

FRINGE BENEFITS

Health, dental, and vision insurance; life and long-term disability insurance; flexible spending account; deferred compensation plan with 3% employer match; hybrid pension plan; vacation, holiday, and sick paid time off.

METHOD OF SELECTION

The evaluation of education and professional experience will determine qualified candidates for further consideration. Finalists will be required to submit professional references. Potential employment is contingent upon pre-employment checks.

APPLICATION PROCESS

The application for employment can be accessed from the Town of West Hartford website at Job Openings - Town of West Hartford and select this posting for application instructions. Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

Salary Range

$135000.00 -$155000.00

Job City

Town of West Hartford

Job State

CT

Job Country