Closing Date: 18th March, 2026
Description:
Description:The City of Roanoke is seeking an Assistant City Attorney II to provide legal services to various City departments, boards and commissions, and advising groups on legal matters as well as attend meetings of boards and commissions of the City and render legal advice to these clients. The successful candidate will provide legal services to city departments, agencies, City Council, and related entities in a wide variety of practice areas particular to local government. Depending on the experience of the candidates and the ongoing operational needs of the office, successful candidates may provide legal services in one or more of the following areas: litigation, including workers' compensation law, tort law, and civil rights litigation; zoning and land use law; code enforcement; utilities; telecommunications; and administrative law. The successful applicant will also be required to review and draft contracts, ordinances, resolutions, deeds, leases, releases and other complex legal documents on behalf of the City. The City of Roanoke is a self-insured entity. Therefore, the assistant city attorney will also be expected to defend the City in court including preparing cases for court at both the trial and appellate levels. Transactional experience in complex contracting matters would be a plus. Candidates with strong problem-solving and communication skills, a positive attitude, and a keen attention to detail are encouraged to apply. Applications should explicitly highlight relevant experience.
Applicants should possess excellent communications skills to deal effectively with public officials and the general public. Virginia State Bar membership is required. One to five years of local government law experience is preferred. Law degree from an accredited law school; five to ten years of related experience and/or training in the practice of law; preferably municipal law; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
The position is anticipated to be filled as Assistant City , which requires at least 5 years' relevant legal experience. The position may be underfilled as Assistant City Attorney I if the selected candidate does not possess at least 5 years' relevant legal experience. The position may be overfilled as Assistant City Attorney III if the selected candidate possesses at least 10 years' relevant legal experience.
Please attach your resume, law school transcript and a writing sample to your application.
The City of Roanoke is an Equal Employment Opportunity/AA/M/F/Disability Employer.
To elevate the performance of the organization, we are committed to respecting, celebrating, and embracing the collective mixture of differences and similarities between our employees as a rich tapestry. Our behaviors will demonstrate open communication, and we will seek opportunities to learn, recognizing and rewarding actions that promote acceptance while suspending judgment. By doing this, we will foster an inclusive, open work environment that delivers excellent service and creates a more vibrant and inviting community.
This is an exempt position.
Examples of Duties:
Summary:
Provides legal services to various City departments, boards and commissions, advising groups on legal matters. Attends meetings of boards and commissions of the City and renders legal advice to these clients.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.:
Attends City Council meetings to assist the City Attorney when necessary
Attends meetings of boards and commissions of the City and renders on-the-spot legal advice
Drafts ordinances, resolutions, contracts, deeds, leases, releases, franchises and other complex legal documents on behalf of the City
Processes and litigates claims against the City
Prepares cases for trial, interviewing witnesses, examining law and evidence
Represents the City in complex trial and appellate litigation
Handle all aspects of business matters, including development, leasing, land use, zoning, eminent domain, government and grant compliance, procurement, and construction issues; negotiate, draft, and interpret related contracts and agreements; and manage associated litigation, including real estate, contract, tax, collection, and bankruptcy matters.
Prepares formal legal opinions for the signature of the City Attorney
Prepares for and negotiates with third parties on behalf of clients
Conducts title searches, certifies titles and handles closings
Research and renders advice on complex legal issues on a daily basis to all officers, departments and agencies of the City
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Supervises clerical staff. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.
Typical Qualifications:
Qualifications:
- To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and/or Experience:
Law degree from an accredited law school; five to ten years related experience and/or training in the practice of law; preferably municipal law; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Supplemental Information:
Language Skills:
- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret the most complex documents. Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints orally or in writing. Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics.
Reasoning Ability:
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
Eligibility to practice law in the state of Virginia.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
This is a job description and not an individualized position description. A job description defines the general character and scope of duties and responsibilities of all positions in a job classification, but it is not intended to describe and does not necessarily list the essential job functions for a given position in a classification.
