Description:
A Government Entity performs complex executive and professional level work as legal advisor to the Mayor and Council, City staff and various boards and commissions of A Government Entity. A Government Entity is appointed by, serves at the pleasure of, and reports directly to the Mayor and Council. This position requires a highly experienced executive level attorney who can provide expert assistance and solid legal advice. Responsibilities include planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating a legal services program for A Government Entity. Supervision is exercised over the office's professional and administrative support staff.Major Duties:
- Assume management responsibility for assigned services and activities of A Government Entity's Office.
- Manage and participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies and priorities for assigned programs; recommend and administer policies and procedures.
- Monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; recommend, within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels.
- Plan, direct, coordinate and review the work plan for legal support staff; assign work activities, projects and programs; review and evaluate work products, methods and procedures; meet with staff to identify and resolve problems.
- Research and prepare legal opinions for City Council, City Manager, boards, commissions, and other city staff.
- Attend City Council meetings.
- Prosecute violations of municipal code involving traffic ordinances, building regulations, zoning ordinances, land use ordinances, license violations and permit violations.
- Serve as trial and legal advocate for civil litigation.
- Prepare legal documents; prepare and/or review resolutions and ordinances; prepare revisions to municipal code as necessary.
- Maintain current awareness of legislation and issues involving municipal operations.
- Select, train, motivate and evaluate legal support personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and termination procedures.
- Oversee and participate in the development and administration of the division's annual budget; participate in the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; monitor and approve expenditures; implement adjustments.
- Serve as the liaison for A Government Entity's Office with other divisions, departments and outside agencies; negotiate and resolve sensitive and controversial issues.
- Serve as staff on a variety of boards, commissions and committees; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
- Provide responsible assistance to the City Council.
- Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of public law.
- Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
- Perform related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications:
Must possess a Juris Doctorate from an accredited college or university. Eight to ten years of increasing responsible experience in the practice of municipal law, including management of staff. Experience working directly with a municipality in Georgia is desirable. Must be licensed to practice law in the state of Georgia.
Knowledge Required by the Position
- Knowledge of the functions, policies, and procedures of Municipal Court and court operations;
- Knowledge of general office procedures and modern office equipment;
- Knowledge of Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) procedures;
- Knowledge of City and departmental policies and procedures;
- Knowledge of accounting and budgeting practices;
- Knowledge of applicable state and federal laws;
- Knowledge of legal terminology;
- Skill in performing basic mathematical calculations;
- Ability to make routine mathematical computations and tabulations accurately and with reasonable speed;
- Ability to communicate and deal effectively with other employees and the public, both orally and in writing;
- Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with the general public in sometimes difficult and trying circumstances.
Supervisory Controls: The work is performed under the direct supervision of the Mayor and City Council.
Guidelines: Guidelines include relevant state laws, City ordinances, GCIC procedures, and city and court procedures. These guidelines are clear and specific, but require some interpretation in application.
Complexity: This position consists of varied managerial and administrative tasks.
Scope and Effect: The purpose of this position is to ensure the provision of Municipal Court services. Successful performance helps ensure the efficient and effective operation of the court.
Personal Contacts: Contacts are typically with co-workers, attorneys, judges, solicitors, state and federal officials, the general public, probation company employees and law enforcement officers.
Purpose of Contacts: Contacts are typically accessed to give or exchange information, to motivate personnel, to provide services, and to resolve problems.
Physical Demands: The work is typically performed with the employee sitting at a desk with intermittent standing or walking. The employee occasionally lifts light or heavy objects and uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity.
Work Environment: The work is typically performed in an office.
Supervisory and Management Responsibility: This position has direct supervision over legal staff.