Civil Attorney I, II, or III

Description:

Position Summary:
Under direction of the City Attorney, and general supervision of Deputy City Attorney or Civil Attorneys II or III, acts as counsel and advisor to the City of St. George and its various departments in civil, criminal, business, and regulatory issues.

Essential Functions (Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. The list of tasks is illustrative only and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.)

1. Researches federal laws, state statutes, City ordinances, decisions, and established policies. Reviews and drafts ordinances, resolutions, policies, and amendments thereto.
2. Advises Mayor, City Council, Boards and Commissions, and City staff on legal issues, rights, obligations, and privileges. Drafts and summarizes legal opinions for City departments. Prepares or revises ordinances, resolutions, contracts or legal documents for Mayor, Council, or department heads.
3. Handles civil cases at trial and on appeal in federal and state courts. Prepares pleadings and briefs and makes oral arguments relative thereto.
4. May prepare cases for criminal prosecution for violations of City code and applicable state law.
5. Reviews business license applications for conformance to federal, state, and local laws and ordinances. Suggests approval, rejection, or conditions to granting of business licenses.
6. Conducts cases, examines, and cross-examines witnesses, and summarizes case to judge or jury.
7. Advises police officers and investigators concerning laws, policy, procedure, and the preparation of cases for trial.
8. Gathers information, evidence, and facts relevant to cases to formulate defense or to initiate legal action.
9. Prepares writs, subpoenas, warrants, petitions, affidavits, and other legal documents for litigation purposes.
10. Evaluates findings and develops strategy and arguments in preparation for presentation of case.
11. Conducts investigations and prepares reports for department heads and City Manager concerning personnel disciplinary actions as assigned by City Attorney.
12. Gathers information for City departments and initiates actions, including lawsuits or other actions tocollect money owed City on delinquent accounts.
13. Assists in regulatory enforcement including zoning and licensing and appears in all administrative appeal or review hearings before an administrative law judge as required.
14. Reviews subdivision plats for approval prior to recording with the county recorder's office.
15. Serves as an advisor on administrative appeals as assigned by City Attorney.
16. Receives and reviews community questions, complaints, and concerns.
17. Attends meetings of Planning Commission, and other boards and commissions as assigned by City Attorney. Attends meetings of City Council as assigned or in the absence of City Attorney.
18. Negotiates agreements, settlements, grievances, and other matters as assigned on behalf of the City.
19. Drafts a variety of documents over many legal practice areas: leases, real estate purchase and sale agreements, professional service agreements, development agreements, easements, government contract bid documents, construction contracts, franchise agreements, and ordinances.
20. Performs other related duties as required.

Typical Physical/Mental Demands/Working Conditions
Incumbent of the position performs in a typical office setting with appropriate climate controls. Tasks require variety of physical activities, not generally involving muscular strain, such as walking, standing, stooping, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, and seeing. Common eye, hand, finger dexterity required. Mental application utilizes memory for details, verbal instructions, emotional stability, discriminating thinking and some creative problem solving. Periodic travel and some after-hours work required in normal course of job performance. Frequent exposure to stress as a result of human behavior.

Minimum Qualifications:
Qualifications:
Civil Attorney I:
Education: Graduation from nationally accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree.

Experience: Entry level position with no prior experience required. Two years (2) full time experience as a clerk or intern preferred. Experience in state and local governmental law preferred. Experience in the public sector highly desirable. The successful candidate should possess excellent writing, research, negotiation, interpersonal, and conflict management skills.

Licenses and/or Certifications:
Has, or within six (6) months of hire, must obtain and maintain membership in good standing with the Utah State Bar Association.
Must possess a valid driver license.

This is a safety sensitive position. A successful criminal background check is required for this position.

Civil Attorney II:
Education: Graduation from nationally accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree.

Experience: Minimum five (5) years full time experience in state and local governmental law required. Public sector or equivalent experience may be considered at the discretion of the City Attorney. The successful candidate should possess excellent writing, research, negotiation, interpersonal, and conflict management skills.

Licenses and/or Certifications:

• Must obtain and maintain membership in good standing with the Utah State Bar Association.
• Must possess a valid driver license.

This is a safety sensitive position. A successful criminal background check is required for this position.

Civil Attorney III:
Education: Graduation from nationally accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree.

Experience: Minimum ten (10) years full time experience in state and local governmental law required. Public sector or equivalent experience may be considered at the discretion of the City Attorney. The successful candidate should possess excellent writing, research, negotiation, interpersonal, and conflict management skills.

Licenses and/or Certifications:

• Must obtain and maintain membership in good standing with the Utah State Bar Association.
• Must possess a valid driver license.

This is a safety sensitive position. A successful criminal background check is required for this position.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Ability to:

• Establish and maintain effective working relations with elected and appointed officials, department heads, City employees, the public, and officials and employees of other jurisdictions.
• Exercise independent legal judgement; manage civil litigation, discovery, and other matters in administrative, state, or federal courts.
• Meet all deadlines and court appearances.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, including teaching, training, or presenting other matters before large and small audiences.

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