Assistant Law Director

Description:

Employee is responsible for the preparation, or to assist in the preparation, of all contracts, bonds, Ordinances or Resolutions, preparing and directing all litigation involving the municipality, providing written legal opinion(s), providing legal advice, counsel, and support to the City Manager, Law Director, Department Heads, all City Boards and Advisory Committees, and other staff in the conduct of the daily operations of the City and all other duties and responsibilities as may be required by the Law Director or City Manager.
While this is an entry level position, the position still requires a sophisticated professional with managerial skills, and the ability and willingness to achieve a high level of municipal legal experience. Employee must be able to provide and direct a wide range of legal support and services as the assistant to the chief corporate counsel and prosecutor for the A Government Entity.
The employee must be in, or within 1 year of employment obtain, active registered status with the Supreme Court of Ohio and have legal experience to directly manage and monitor complex and significant litigation and contractual negotiations including labor relations. The employee must possess a high level of legal knowledge and experience to be able to represent the City before the various courts, governing boards, committees, and all other legally constituted
Requirements:
This position requires the employee to have or obtain a Juris Doctorate degree or Bachelor of Law degree from a certified school of law plus certification by the Ohio Bar Association to be a practicing attorney in the State of Ohio at the time of employment or within one year from date of employment.
Summary:
Essential Functions:

• Negotiate terms and draft contracts and transactional documents for a variety of transactions, including real estate, economic development, and employment agreements.
• Assist in managing all aspects of civil litigation
• Review and respond to claims filed against the City or its employees
• Assist in handling any Human Resource matters (including but not limited to grievances, negotiations, employment, workers compensation, health insurance, and the like)
• Provide competent legal advice to the City Commission, City Manager, Law Director, and any Department Heads, City staff, and Board or Committee members
• Maintain/review public records request
• Conduct competent legal research and writing
• Prosecute all matters at the Municipal Court level
• Assist in assigning, reviewing and evaluating the work of subordinates
• Assist in developing and implementing office policies and procedures
• Provide responsive high-quality service to City employees, representatives of outside agencies and elected officials by providing accurate, complete, and up to date information, in a courteous, efficient, and timely manner
• Other matters as assigned

Working Conditions:
The working environment involves exposure to conditions generally found in an office setting; frequent interaction and verbal communication with City staff and the general public. Primary functions require use of office equipment, such as computer hardware and software applications, telephones, multifunctional devices, and other various electronics. Sufficient physical ability and mobility are needed to work in an office setting, including standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movements and fine coordination; and to travel to other locations using modes of private and commercial transportation.
Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and procedures relating to the duties of a municipal attorney and the organization, operations, and procedures of local government. Knowledge of policies and practices of municipal law and public administration and office administration, record keeping and automated office systems and procedures. Ability to review draft contracts, memorandum of law, and formal legal opinions. Capability to establish and maintain effective harmonious working relationships with city officials and departments, state agencies, and the public. Ability to establish and maintain record keeping systems and financial budgets. Able to communicate effectively in writing and orally. Ability to delegate responsibility and work well with subordinates. Capacity to work effectively under time constraints and meet deadlines. Ability to represent the City effectively and to negotiate and arbitrate. Excellent planning and organizational skills to handle a wide variety of matters at one time. Considerable skill in analyzing, appraising, and organizing facts, evidence, and precedents concerned in cases and legal problems. Strong supervisory and interpersonal skills. Proficient computer skills, including legal research. Must be willing and capable to take on additional duties as assigned.

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