Deputy City Attorney

Description:

General Purpose:
This position is responsible for day to day management of the Assistant City Attorneys and Administrative Staff in all non-litigation issues and to assist the City Attorney in providing general legal counsel to the mayor, city council and city departments. This position may also be responsible for enforcing city ordinances, regulations and bylaws and representing the city in civil and criminal litigation cases. This position is an annual mayoral appointment, subject to approval by the city council.

Union Affiliation: Non-Union
Essential Job Functions:
A Deputy City Attorney shall:

• Act as an assistant corporation counsel and city attorney for the City of Burlington;
• Provide day-to-day supervision and training to Assistant City Attorneys and administrative staff;
• Serve as City Attorney in the absence of the appointed City Attorney;
• Assist the City Attorney in planning, organizing, and evaluating the work of legal staff in implementing expressed goals, policies, and directives of the City Attorney Office.
• Conduct thorough and accurate legal and policy research and analysis;
• Develop legal opinions and provide general policy advice to city council, the mayor and city departments and boards, as requested;
• Draft and/or review legal documents (including agreements and contracts), ordinances, and other rules and regulations as required;
• Assist in the development and administration of the Departmental budget and other administrative functions of the office as necessary;
• Coordinate and review public records responses and production and provide advice concerning open meeting law compliance;
• Negotiate and prepare documents for real estate transactions and provide legal advice relating to development activities involving the city;
• Assist in the enforcement of city ordinances, regulations and city bylaws in administrative forums and courts as needed;
• Provide legal advice to city administrative agencies concerning contested cases, as well as the implementation and development of ordinances, regulations, or policies;
• Assist in the representation of the City in litigation before state and federal courts and administrative agencies; including all aspects of pleadings, discovery, negotiation, settlement, trial, and appeals;
• Assist in representing the city in legislative or lobbying activities;
• Provide staff support to city council committees and other public bodies.

• Ability to actively support City diversity, equity, and cultural competency efforts within stated job responsibilities and work effectively across diverse cultures and constituencies.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion as evidenced by ongoing trainings and professional development.
• Juris Doctor or equivalent required, including at least five (5) years of extensive experience in legal practice is required. Public law practice experience preferred.
• License to practice law in the State of Vermont required.
• Admitted to practice before and in good standing with the Vermont Supreme Court, the U.S. District Court and Second Circuit Court of Appeals, or if not yet admitted, eligible for admission.
• Excellent and efficient oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively one-on-one and with groups of various sizes and skills.
• Demonstrated ability to provide sound legal advice, exercise good judgment, and solve problems.
• Excellent, coherent, and well-organized written communication skills, including the ability to explain and advocate using plain language.
• Ability to establish effective relationships with city officials, colleagues, and members of the public.
• Ability to work effectively in an advisory capacity with diverse groups of people.
• Ability to conduct legal and other types of research and to analyze the results of that research accurately, thoroughly, and efficiently.
• Regular attendance at the office and other locations in and outside the city, as needed.
• Ability to understand and comply with city standards, safety rules and personnel policies.
• Ability to conduct and accurately analyze legal research thoroughly and efficiently
• Ability to effectively and accurately draft memoranda, litigation documents, agreements, new ordinances and policy initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience in efficient handling of electronic records.
• Interest in and ability to analyze and make recommendations on policy initiatives.
• Demonstrated comfort with electronic communication, research, and organizational tools.

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