Job Description
Position Summary
Under general administrative direction of the City Manager, oversees legal activities of the City of St. George, including providing advice concerning legal rights, obligations, liabilities, and privileges of the City’s government.
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.)
Advises City Manager, Mayor, City Council, other City officials, City staff, and City boards and commissions regarding legal matters, rights, obligations, liabilities, and privileges. Attends meetings of the City Council and other City boards and commissions to provide advice and counsel.
Researches legal matters with regard to federal and state statutes, City ordinances, court decisions, and established policy. Prepares and reviews legal opinions and advises City officials, department heads, boards, commissions, and employees on legal questions.
Responsible for the drafting and review of ordinances, resolutions, contracts, leases, memoranda, and other legal documents for the City. Directs preparation of briefs and memoranda at all court levels.
Represents the City in hearings before boards of federal, state, county, and city governments.
Responsible for prosecution and defense in all courts of all actions on behalf of the City. Defends all actions against any officer or agent of City due to his or her official acts, takes appeals on behalf of City or any officer, and makes all necessary affidavits and verifications on behalf of City in all proceedings. Defends City in all aspects of employment law, including employee appeals and claims.
Plans, assigns, and supervises work performed in City Attorney’s office, including all civil and criminal litigation in which the City or its officers are involved. Directs, plans, and implements policies and procedures for City Attorney’s office.
Supervises Legal Assistants, assigns work to them, and oversees evaluation of their performance.
Supervises all staff attorneys, including the Deputy City Attorney, Civil Attorneys and Prosecuting Attorneys in all aspects of legal proceedings including criminal prosecutions, pleadings, briefs, and oral arguments relating thereto. Reviews and/or approves drafts of legal documents such as complaints, warrants, and subpoenas and ensures that they are properly prepared and served.
Supervises the Risk Specialist and the City’s risk management and insurance programs. Responsible for programs to reduce or eliminate financial loss to the City from insurance and liability related claims.
Oversees long- and short-range planning for the Legal Services. Prepares annual operating budget for department and submits to City Manager for approval.
Oversees and assists in enforcement of City ordinances and policies, including zoning, licensing, and other exercise of City’s police powers.
Answers inquiries from the public regarding legal matters involving the City.
Performs other related duties as required.
Typical Physical/Mental Demands/Working Conditions
Generally pleasant working conditions; light physical effort; intermittent sitting, standing, and walking; and handling of light weights. Frequent exposure to stress as a result of human behavior.
Minimum Qualifications
Qualifications
Education: Graduation from nationally accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree.
Experience: Minimum of ten (10) years full time experience as a practicing attorney, of which five (5) years of public sector civil law in a supervisory or managerial capacity is strongly preferred. Three (3) years of criminal law experience strongly desired, but not required.
Licenses and/or Certifications: Possess a valid driver license. A valid Utah Driver License must be obtained within 60 days of hire and be maintained throughout employment. Member in good standing of the Utah State Bar Association.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge:
• Thorough knowledge of City ordinances.
• Extensive knowledge of principles of civil law, municipal and state law, judicial procedures, and rules of evidence.
Skills:
• Demonstrated skill in organizing, analyzing, and retaining familiarity with large number of complex issues.
• Excellent command of the English language regarding reading, writing, and communicating.
Ability to:
• Demonstrated ability to rapidly assimilate facts, respond impromptu, and argue persuasively under hostile and stressful circumstances.
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Organize, direct, motivate, and evaluate subordinates.
• Train and develop subordinate professional employees in legal research, writing, and presentation methods and proceedings.
• Analyze, appraise, and organize facts, evidence, and proceedings and effectively present such material orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relations with elected officials, department heads, subordinates, the public, and officials and employees of other jurisdictions.
To Apply
Submit a completed City of St. George Employment Application online at careers.sgcity.org. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis. This Position closes 10/08/2021 12:00 AM. Refer questions to Human Resources at 435-627-4670. Pre-employment drug screening and criminal background screen are required. The City of St. George is an inclusive Equal Employment Opportunity employer that considers applicants without regard to gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, national origin, age, disability or genetic information. We make reasonable efforts to provide reasonable accommodation to disabled candidates.