What are the responsibilities and job description for the Corporation Counsel position at City of Cortland?
The Corporation Counsel serves as the chief legal advisor to the City of Cortland, including the Mayor, Common Council, City departments, and various boards and commissions. This position is responsible for providing legal guidance, representing the City in litigation, negotiating and drafting contracts, and ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal laws.
Responsibilities
- Legal Counsel and Representation: Provide legal advice to the Mayor, Common Council, department heads, and boards; Represent the City in civil litigation, administrative hearings, and other legal proceedings; Manage outside counsel when necessary.
- Contract Review and Negotiation: Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, agreements, and other legal documents; Ensure all contracts comply with applicable laws and regulations while protecting the City's interests.
- Ordinance and Policy Development: Draft and review ordinances, resolutions, and policies as directed by the Mayor and Common Council; Provide legal opinions on proposed legislation and ensure compliance with state and local laws.
- Risk Management and Compliance: Identify and address legal risks to the City; Advise on compliance with local, state, and federal regulations; Monitor changes in laws and advise on their potential impact.
- Labor and Employment Matters: Provide legal guidance on labor relations, employment law, and personnel policies; Assist in negotiating collective bargaining agreements; Represent the City in employment disputes and grievances.
- Property and Land Use: Advise on real estate matters, including acquisitions, sales, leases, and easements; Provide legal guidance on zoning, planning, and land use matters.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong understanding of municipal, state, and federal laws applicable to local government operations.
- Excellent legal research, writing, and oral communication skills.
- Ability to provide sound legal advice under pressure and meet deadlines.
- Strong interpersonal skills to effectively work with elected officials, department heads, and the public.
- Familiarity with litigation, contract law, labor relations, and land use/zoning laws.
Minimum Qualifications
- Admission to practice law in the State of New York. AND five (5) years of experience in municipal law or related legal field preferred.
NOTE: Degree must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education. If the degree was awarded by an educational institution outside of the United States and its territories, applicant must provide independent verification of equivalency. A list of acceptable companies who provide this service can be found at http://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/cfm. Applicants must pay the required evaluation fee.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $109,138.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person
Salary : $109,138