Assistant City Attorney

SUMMARY:

Under limited supervision of the City Attorney, the Deputy City Attorney is responsible for supporting the legal needs of the City of Roswell including providing advice to City Administrators as well as representing the City in litigation and legal matters. Work originates through the ongoing need of City government to enter into contracts, enforce state and federal laws, and defend the City in litigation. Work involves considerable contact with City employees, the court system, and general public and highly complex legal principles and practices.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

-- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Prosecutes alleged ordinance violation in Municipal Court; represents the City in State District Court on cases appealed and on other matters; performs case preparation including necessary discovery work.
• Supports City Attorney as in-house counsel in providing legal advice to the City Manager, elected officials, and Department Heads including, but not limited to, the Chief of Police and other Police officials.
• Analyzes new planned program and systems for legal implications, viability, problems, etc.
• Provides legal guidance and assistance to the City Manager and Department Heads involved in contract negotiations and contract preparation and may perform actual negotiations or provide legal assistance to the authorized negotiating agent.
• Performs necessary legal work in the acquisition and disposal of property.
• Represents and/or coordinates, along with the City Attorney, the City's interest in liability matters being defended by attorney representing the City's insurers.
• Coordinates outside counsel engaged for specific specialized matters at the discretion of the City Attorney.
• Supports the City Attorney with day-to-day activities as assigned.
• Serves as acting City Attorney in the absence of the City Attorney.
• Assists with preparation of agenda and associated documents for Legal Committee as well as City Council meetings.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Supports the relationship between the City of Roswell and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with visitors and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines:

• Graduation from an accredited school of law with a Juris Doctor Degree and two year's professional legal experience, including experience with government operations preferred.

Knowledge of:

• State statutes relating to municipal affairs including but not limited to Sunshine laws, laws relating to the purchase of goods and services, constitutional rights, contracting, labor, employment, municipal and commercial real estate transactions, water law, land use law, environment and traffic laws.
• Criminal procedure and enforcement of statutes and ordinances.
• Practices, ethics and procedures of the legal profession.
• Government organization, legislative procedures and judicial procedures.

Skill In:

• Prepare briefs and other legal documents.
• Prepare and analyze comprehensive legal documents and documents related to local governance.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Interpret, apply and enforce Federal, State, and local polices, laws, and regulations.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Admitted and in good standing with New Mexico State Bar. Must possess a valid New Mexico State Drivers' License.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a standard office environment.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

This classification requires that a "Pre-Employment Release and Waiver Form" be completed and submitted along with the employment application. Candidates must pass a post-offer pre-employment drug screen administered by a City-designated facility.

CONDITIONS OF CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT

Incumbents and candidates must have and maintain a satisfactory driving record and insurability in accordance with the City's insurance carrier.

Pay:

$85,182.68 - $112,397.57 per year

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Employee assistance program Health insurance Life insurance Loan forgiveness Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person