City Attorney

The City of Green Bay is searching for a dynamic and experienced attorney to lead our Law Department as City Attorney.  This role offers a unique opportunity to influence the strategic direction of our vibrant and growing community.  

What You'll Do

• Provide Legal Counsel: Act as legal advisor to the Mayor, Common Council, appointed officials, and City departments, offering expert guidance on complex legal matters.
• Negotiate Development Agreements: Lead negotiations for development and redevelopment agreements, contributing to the City’s strategic growth and development.
• Lead Litigation Strategy: Represent the City in all aspects of litigation, including managing and overseeing outside counsel.

Why Green Bay?

• Salary: Commensurate with experience
• Excellent Benefits: Health, dental, life insurance, and Wisconsin Retirement System
  • Flexible schedule and ability to work from home for a portion of the work week will be considered upon request
• Employee Wellness: Join our robust Health¦1265 program, championing well-being for all employees.
• Inclusive Workplace: We strive to foster an environment of diversity, inclusion and belonging.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.  Review of applications will begin on May 2, 2025.

1. Acts as legal advisor to the Mayor, Common Council, appointed officials, and City departments. 
2. Attends Common Council and committee meetings to assist in the formulation and implementation of official policy and legal implications involved.
3. Drafts, reviews, and revises ordinances and resolutions for approval by the Common Council.
4. Completes legal requirements of municipal bond issues and other municipal financial requirements.  Development and redevelopment negotiations and agreements, including City and Redevelopment Authority public financing and bond issues.
5. Negotiates and drafts legal documents for real estate, public construction projects, and other municipal transactions for the City of Green Bay.
6. Represents the City of Green Bay in all aspects of litigation, including the preparation of pleadings and legal research. Represents the City of Green Bay in administrative hearings before state and federal boards and commissions. 
7. Manages and oversees outside counsel for litigation and transactional matters. 
8. Maintains and manages general liability policies and claims on behalf of the City.
9. Establishes policy and administers office procedures.  Prepares and administers departmental budget.   Provides management, direction, supervision and coordination of Law Department staff and activities.
10. Performs other duties as assigned.

• Juris Doctor Degree from an accredited law school.
• Seven years experience in municipal law, litigation, real estate law, constitutional law and general business law, including supervisory experience.
• License to practice law in the State of Wisconsin.
• Admission to practice law in Federal Courts.
• Compliance with Continuing Legal Education Requirements.
• Must have acceptable personal and professional history as determined by successfully completing a background investigation.

A combination of equivalent experience and/or education may be considered.

• Comprehensive knowledge of City Code of ordinances, charter provisions, state and federal law, particularly municipal legal provisions.  Considerable knowledge of established precedents and sources of legal reference.  Considerable knowledge of judicial procedures and rules of evidence.  Considerable knowledge of functions and legal limitations on the authority of various City departments and officials.
• Considerable skill in determining whether a legal or administrative approach will best resolve a City problem.  Considerable skill in organizing, interpreting and applying legal principles and knowledge to complex legal problems.  Considerable skill in supervising the preparation and trial of important cases and to present material clearly.  Considerable skill conducting legal research and analyzing data.   Considerable skill in determining proper courses of action and presentation of facts and agreements.   Working skill in planning and supervising the work of subordinate staff.
• Ability to draft and administer a department budget.  Considerable ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.   Considerable ability to develop and maintain a working relationship with various departments and officials.  Ability to utilize a computer and the required software.  Ability to work the required hours of the position.

Physical Requirements

Ability to perform the following activities:

• Lifting up to 10-20 pounds.
• Carrying up to 10-20 pounds.
• Frequent standing and sitting.
• Ability to focus for long period of time on projects.
• Ability to reach, stoop and lift.

Salary : $129,022 - $151,778