Our City Attorney job description includes the responsibilities, duties, skills, education, qualifications, and experience.
About the City Attorney role
The City Attorney is responsible for providing legal advice and representation to the City in a wide array of matters, including contracts, civil rights, land use, real estate, and employment. The City Attorney drafts, reviews, and negotiates all legal documents, as well as representing the City in court proceedings. The City Attorney also works to ensure the City's compliance with state and federal laws.
Role Purpose
The purpose of a City Attorney is to provide legal counsel to a city government, its departments, and its elected officials. The City Attorney is responsible for ensuring that the city's operations are conducted in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. This may involve researching and interpreting statutes and providing advice on a variety of legal matters. The City Attorney may also represent the city in court and administrative proceedings, draft and review contracts, and advise the city on compliance with civil rights laws.
City Attorney Summary
The City Attorney is responsible for providing legal advice and services to the City in a variety of areas such as contracts, land use, personnel, real estate, and municipal law. The City Attorney represents the City in litigation, drafts and reviews proposed ordinances, prepares briefs and other legal documents, and advises the City Council, City Manager, and other City officials on legal matters. This position requires excellent legal research, writing, and communication skills, including the ability to effectively explain legal issues to non-lawyers. The City Attorney must be able to effectively manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
City Attorney Duties
- Provide legal advice to the city and its governing body
- Prepare, review and interpret legal documents
- Represent the city in legal proceedings
- Conduct legal research and draft legal opinions
- Advise city officials on best practices and compliance with laws
- Handle litigation and disputes
- Attend city council meetings
City Attorney Skills
- Legal Analysis
- Research
- Drafting Documents
- Negotiating Contracts
- Litigation
City Attorney Requirements
- Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school
- Admission to the Bar in the state where the position is located
- Extensive knowledge of the laws of the state and municipality
- Strong communication and organizational skills
Personal Traits
- Strong analytical and problem solving skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work well independently and in a team setting
- Knowledge of legal principles and legal processes
- Ability to interpret and apply laws