Attorney I

Positions assigned to this entry-level class provide legal advice to city departments, perform legal research, prepare and review a variety of legal documents, and represent the city in litigation procedures under the direction and guidance of the city attorney. This position also serves as a backup to the city prosecutor during their absence.Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Prepare, review, and negotiate a variety of legal documents including contracts, intergovernmental agreements, leases, claims, grants, ordinances, resolutions, and other legal documents.
• May provide legal representation for claims against the city and its employees including investigations, legal research, and negotiations with claimants.
• Provide legal advice on city operations to employees, and prepare legal opinions, memoranda and data for the guidance of city departments.
• Provide legal support on public safety, code compliance matters and other areas of assignments.
• Attend and provide legal advice at various boards and commissions, and occasionally the city council, as needed.
• Prosecute criminal cases before the municipal court in the absence of the assistant city attorney/city prosecutor.
• Provide briefings on current court decisions and legislation.
• Support the city’s policies, goals and objectives and work with management and other staff to ethically achieve such goals and objectives; ensure compliance with safety procedures.

Education and Experience
Graduation from a college or university accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education or Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) with a Juris Doctorate degree. 

• Must possess a license to practice law in the State of Arizona and a membership in good standing in the Arizona State Bar at the time of appointment.

Knowledge

• City and department procedures, city code; policies, and guidelines; Arizona Revised Statutes; code of professional ethics; and the Arizona State Legislative process; and general municipal justice and superior court protocol.
• Court procedure, civil procedure, criminal procedure, legal software systems, and databases.

Skills

• Analyzing legal facts, issues, cases, and discrepancies.
• Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks and demands to meet deadlines, presenting a professional demeanor while working in stressful situations.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with contractors, coworkers, judges, attorneys, municipal colleagues from other cities, towns and counties, and other individuals in contact during the course of work.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing standard software such as Microsoft Office and specialized software and standard office equipment.
• Active listening, critical thinking, reading comprehension, complex problem solving, judgment and decision making.

Pre-employment Requirements
Candidates who are selected for appointment may be fingerprinted, if 18 or older; successfully complete a background investigation, employment verification and may be subject to a drug/alcohol test, medical, polygraph and/or psychological evaluation. Candidates who are appointed will be required to possess a valid driver’s license to operate a vehicle in Arizona or meet the transportation needs of the position.

Physical Demands and Working Environment
Work is performed in a standard office and courtroom environment. May require frequent sitting and continuous operation of a personal computer. May be required to perform a full range of motion with lifting and/or carrying items weighing up to 25 pounds.

Salary : $98,199 - $142,220