ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY, SENIOR

JOB DESC RIPTION SENIOR ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY CITY ATTORNEY NEWPORT NEWS, VA CITY OF OPPORTUNITY GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES

: Provides a broad range of professional legal services to the City, to City departments and other municipal organizations, including the School Board, and to staff. Generally regarded as a provider of more complex legal services, for attorneys having at least five years experience as a practicing attorney and at least three years of experience in a municipal law office.

WORK BEHAVIORS/RESPONSIBILITIES

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General Counsel Relationships :

Acts as general counsel to specific major City departments and other municipal organizations, including the School Board.

Litigation :

Moderately complex litigation in federal and state trial courts, occasionally in state appellate courts, and before administrative tribunals. Exercises considerable discretion and independent professional judgment with respect to means and methods. Regularly required to prepare pleadings and occasionally required to prepare briefs or memoranda for submission to the courts. Demonstration of expertise in civil procedure and the rules of evidence.

Subject Matter Expertise :

Development and application of expertise in specific subject matter areas critical to the practice of law in a municipal law office. Work regularly requires application of sophisticated legal principles. Regular legal research into further specific applications of basic legal principles. Development of strong writing skills.

In Addition :

Occasionally provides training, guidance and technical assistance to more junior attorneys. Page 1 of 3

Revised:

11/4/2021 Occasionally monitors legal services provided by and administers agreements with outside counsel. Occasionally participates in the activities of professional organizations. Demonstration of strong organizational and time management skills required for successful resolution of conflicting demands for legal services. Improvement of knowledge of current developments in relevant areas of the law through continuing legal education. Satisfaction of annual mandatory continuing legal education requirements imposed by the Virginia State Bar. Work is performed with occasional supervision after an orientation period, generally with a more senior attorney specifically assigned to provide training, guidance and technical assistance as requested. Many tasks are performed without supervision. May assume responsibilities normally assigned to other job ranks depending on demands of the Office. Special projects as assigned by the City Attorney.

PERFORMANCE STANDARD

Must be a team player who functions successfully in a collaborative work environment and communicates effectively with other members of the City Attorney's Office. Must have the ability to maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, City department staff, citizens and counsel for third parties in an environment that frequently requires managing conflicting work demands and meeting tight deadlines. Employees at all levels are expected to effectively work together to meet the needs of the community and the organization through work behaviors demonstrating the City's Values. Employees are also expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

: Thorough knowledge of a wide range of legal principles; general knowledge of legal principles applicable to local governments in Virginia. Thorough knowledge of methods of legal research, including LexisNexis and Westlaw, and of methods of investigating background and evidentiary facts, including use of internet resources. Analytical and organizational skills appropriate to the nature of the work to be performed. Writing skills appropriate to the nature of the work to be performed. Verbal communication skills appropriate to the nature of the work to be performed. Page 2 of 3

Revised:

11/4/2021 Understanding of and use of word processing software and Windows-based computer and software systems.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

: Minimum of two years in classification as an Assistant City Attorney II, or equivalent experience in other employment as a practicing attorney.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

: Admitted to the practice of law as an active member in good standing of the Virginia State Bar. Valid driver's license and an acceptable background check.

NOTE:

This is a statement of representative responsibilities, work behaviors and requirements for the job. Not all responsibilities and work behaviors are stated. Not all positions covered by the job description will perform all responsibilities. Employees may be assigned similar or related work and any other work necessary to accomplish assigned responsibilities. Education and experience are stated in terms generally required to provide the entry-level knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for the position. This is an exempt position. Page 3 of 3

Revised:

11/4/2021