Part-Time Land Use Attorney

The Part-Time Land Use Attorney provides specialized legal counsel and support to the Town's Planning and Community Development Department on matters related to land use, zoning, and municipal development. As a member of the Town Attorney's Office, this position performs complex legal work involving the interpretation and application of federal, state, and local laws while ensuring the Town's planning and development activities comply with applicable legal requirements.

This position advises Town staff, boards, and commissions on land use matters, conducts legal research, drafts legal documents and ordinances, and represents the Town in quasi-judicial proceedings and other legal matters as assigned. The position requires sound legal judgment, exceptional analytical skills, and the ability to manage complex issues involving municipal law, planning, and development. Work is performed under the direction and general supervision of the Town Attorney.

Note: This is a part-time, non-benefited position limited to 1,000 hours per calendar year.

Duties and Responsibilites:

• Provide legal advice and counsel to the Planning and Community Development Department on land use, zoning, development, and municipal law matters
• Research, interpret, and apply federal, state, and local laws, statutes, regulations, ordinances, and case law
• Review and assist with drafting revisions to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), zoning ordinances, and other land use regulations
• Prepare legal memoranda, opinions, correspondence, and other legal documents related to planning and development matters
• Advise Town staff on the interpretation and application of North Carolina land use statutes, Chapter 160D, constitutional requirements, and related legal issues
• Provide legal guidance to the Planning Board, Board of Adjustment, Historic Preservation Commission, and other advisory boards on land use and zoning matters
• Represent the Town in quasi-judicial proceedings before the Board of Adjustment and other administrative bodies as assigned
• Assist with land use litigation and represent the Town in legal proceedings related to planning and development matters as assigned
• Provide legal analysis and recommendations regarding complex land development proposals and related legal issues
• Monitor changes in federal and state legislation, court decisions, and regulatory requirements affecting land use and zoning
• Collaborate with the Town Attorney and other legal staff on land use issues and related municipal legal matters
• Attend staff meetings, board meetings, public hearings, community meetings, and other meetings as a representative of the Town Attorney's Office
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive legal matters and departmental operations
• Perform other related legal duties as assigned

Minimum Education and Experience:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law school
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience as a practicing attorney
• Current license to practice law in the State of North Carolina and member in good standing with the North Carolina State Bar

Preferred Qualifications:

• Three (3) or more years of experience practicing land use, zoning, municipal, or local government law
• Experience advising planning boards, boards of adjustment, historic preservation commissions, or other quasi-judicial boards
• Experience interpreting and applying North Carolina General Statute Chapter 160D and related land use regulations
• Experience drafting ordinances, legal opinions, and land use-related policies
• Experience handling land use litigation or appeals

The Town of Mooresville is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity at all levels of the workforce.

Candidates selected for this position must successfully complete a background check and pre-employment drug screening as a condition of hire.