Description:

Job Summary:
DeCotiis, FitzPatrick & Cole, LLP, a mid-size, full-service New Jersey law firm, seeks an experienced Municipal Law Attorney (Government Attorney / Public Entity Attorney) to join our Municipal Law Practice Group in Paramus, NJ. This is a senior-level opportunity for an accomplished attorney with a minimum of 10 years of substantive municipal, local government, or public entity law experience who is prepared to serve as lead counsel to New Jersey municipalities, counties, and other local public entities on a broad range of governmental matters. The successful candidate will advise governing bodies, planning and zoning boards, and redevelopment agencies on land use, redevelopment, public procurement and contracting, and governance issues, while working closely with the Firm's partners and associates. A portable book of municipal law business is preferred.

Core Responsibilities:
Municipal & Governmental Representation

Serve as general counsel, special counsel, or designated municipal attorney (borough attorney, township attorney, or county counsel) to New Jersey municipalities, counties, and other local public entities.
Advise governing bodies, planning boards, zoning boards of adjustment, and redevelopment agencies on the full range of legal issues affecting local government operations.
Apply knowledge of the various forms of New Jersey municipal government, including the Faulkner Act, Borough, Township, and Village forms, and their enabling legislation.
Draft ordinances, resolutions, procurement documents, contracts, shared services agreements, and other municipal agreements.
Counsel public entity clients on compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA), Open Public Records Act (OPRA), Municipal Land Use Law, Local Public Contracts Law, Local Redevelopment and Housing Law, Local Budget Law, and Local Fiscal Affairs Law.
Represent municipalities, counties, and local independent agencies in public bidding, procurement, and bid protest matters.

Client Representation & Relationship Management

Attend and advise at public meetings, including evening municipal and public entity meetings as required.
Maintain regular client communication and provide strategic legal counsel to municipal officials, administrators, and boards.

Mentorship & Team Leadership

Mentor and supervise associate attorneys working on municipal law matters.
Review and provide substantive feedback on work product prepared by junior attorneys and paralegals.
Collaborate with partners and practice group members on case strategy, client staffing, and workload management.
Contribute to the development of Firm best practices for municipal law representation.

Essential Qualifications:
Education & Bar Admission

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
Admission in good standing to practice law in the State of New Jersey.

Experience Requirements:

Minimum of 10 years of substantive municipal, local government, or public entity law experience, ideally with a New Jersey law firm or in-house municipal/county/public entity law department.
Demonstrated experience serving as general counsel to a municipal, county, or other public entity client.
Strong working knowledge of the statutory schemes governing New Jersey public entities, including OPMA, OPRA, the Municipal Land Use Law, Local Public Contracts Law, Local Redevelopment and Housing Law, Local Budget Law, and Local Fiscal Affairs Law, as well as enabling legislation for the various forms of New Jersey municipal government (Faulkner Act, Township, Borough, Village, etc.).

Required Skills & Competencies
Technical Skills:

Superior Legal Research, Writing, and Drafting Abilities.
Experience with Case Management and Time/billing Systems.
Advanced Knowledge of Legal Research Tools Such as Westlaw And/or Lexis Nexis.

Professional Skills:

Excellent Written and Verbal Communication Skills, Including the Ability to Present Complex Legal and Policy Matters Clearly to Public Officials.
Strong Organizational Skills and Meticulous Attention to Detail.
Ability to Manage Multiple Public Entity Client Relationships Simultaneously While Meeting Deadlines.
Sound Professional Judgment and The Ability to Exercise Independent Legal Analysis.
Strong Interpersonal Skills with The Ability to Build and Maintain Relationships with Public Officials, Colleagues, and Opposing Counsel.
Excellent Advocacy and Negotiation Skills.
Ability to Work Independently as Well as Collaboratively in A Team-Oriented Environment.
Capacity to Mentor and Develop Junior Attorneys.

Preferred Qualifications:

Admission in Good Standing to The U.S. District Court for The District of New Jersey.
Admission to The New York State Bar.
Membership or Active Involvement in Municipal Law-Focused Professional Organizations (e.G., Njsba Local Government Law Section, New Jersey Institute of Local Government Attorneys, Nj State League of Municipalities).
Av Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell or Similar Peer-Review Distinction.
Portable Book of Municipal Law Business.

Compensation & Benefits:

Annual Salary of $150,000 to $200,000 (commensurate with Experience, Qualifications, and Portable Book of Business).
Performance and Origination-Based Bonus Opportunity.
Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
401(k) Retirement Plan.
Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays.
Continuing Legal Education (cle) Support and Professional Development Opportunities.
Hybrid Work Flexibility in Accordance with Firm Policy.

How to Apply:
Qualified Candidates Are Encouraged to Apply Directly Through This Posting with A Resume And, if Applicable, a Summary of Portable Client Relationships. Applications Are Reviewed on A Rolling Basis.