Address
Form of workThis list may not include all tasks and/or knowledge which may be expected of the employee, nor does it cover all specific duties which may be required. Other duties may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be available to assist individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
Attends City Council meetings and serves as legal advisor to the Mayor, Council members, City Manager, and other City officials.
Drafts and oversees the drafting of ordinances, resolutions, agreements and other documents for City Council consideration, and writes or approves material in final legal form.
Establishes office procedures and policies and oversees general administration of Legal department.
Prepares annual budget and related reports for Legal department.
Conducts or oversees real estate transactions, condemnation proceedings, and special assessment processes.
Reviews and revises City contracts for clear presentation and limitation of City obligations and examines legal data to determine advisability of defending or prosecuting legal actions involving the City.
Studies Constitution, statutes, court and arbitration decisions, and ordinances of state and other municipalities for guidance on legality and effectiveness of proposed City actions.
Represents the City in civil matters in the courts and before other administrative bodies.
Provides legal advice to City personnel and City boards and commissions, including recommendations on employment, dismissal, and formal disciplinary actions.
Represents City interests in meeting with legal representatives from public, private and criminal justice agencies to coordinate projects, negotiate agreements, or settle disputes.
Acts as a negotiator, when directed by the City Manager, for the City in bargaining with employee unions; drafts labor contract proposals; and assists in the administration of labor relations programs.
Provides supervision over the City's procurement functions and employees and advises on procurement matters and City contracts.
Assists with special projects and other functions as directed by the City Manager.
Supervisory Functions:
Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
Supervises Deputy Corporation Counsel, subordinate attorneys and administrative assistant, procurement employees, paralegals and legal secretary, monitoring and evaluating their performance against operational and developmental goals.
Interviews and selects department personnel and acts as advisor to other City supervisory staff on legal issues affecting personnel management.
Makes final decisions involving formal staff discipline within the department, in consultation with Human Resources.
General Skill Levels
Knowledge of:
Principles and procedures of civil, criminal and business law.
Principles methods, materials and practices of legal research and investigation.
Judicial procedure and rules of evidence.
Local ordinances, state and federal laws and constitutional provisions affecting municipal operations and thorough knowledge of City operations, policies and procedures.
Current computer and/or electronic systems, techniques and requirements being utilized for specific applications in the department.
Skills in:
Working collaboratively across departments and with external stakeholders.
Providing strong, open, professional leadership.
Communicating clearly, effectively and professionally both orally and in writing.
Organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines and following up on assignments with minimum direction.
Relating to others in a highly professional manner. Use tact, discretion, initiative and independent judgment.
Ability to:
Analyze, appraise and organize facts, evidence, and precedents and to present such material effectively in writing and verbally.
Present and argue cases in court with skill in publicly speaking.
Manage functions, resolve conflict and work harmoniously with department heads, officials, employees, outside professionals and the general public.
Function with minimal direction and oversight, with a high degree of self-motivation.
Handle confidential material on a routine basis in an atmosphere of loyalty and trust.
Adapt to changing situations and priorities.
Apply principles of logical to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems.
Deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables.
Work diplomatically with a variety of individuals in high level positions.
Provide leadership to peers and elected officials in understanding and following legal statutes.
Maintain clerical records consistent with department procedures and retention schedule.
Education/Experience:
Required: Doctoral degree (J.D.) or equivalent; at least 10 years related experience in legal administration
Preferred: Equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted
Certificates and Licenses: Admission to the Bar of the State of Illinois and member in good standing of Illinois State Bar Association.
Physical Requirements/Working Conditions: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Work is performed primarily in an office environment. Work requires some travel to other locations for meetings. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
