What are the responsibilities and job description for the CITY ATTORNEY position at City of Wellington KS?
Position SummaryPerforms highly responsible legal work which may be of a generalized or specialized nature in the provision of legal services to the City Manager, the Governing Body, senior leadership, and various staff. This position also oversees the Municipal Court, but is not responsible for performing prosecutorial or judicial services. Essential Functions
Education/Licenses: Juris Doctorate Degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association. Licensed to practice law in the State of Kansas. Must possess and maintain a valid Kansas driver’s license.
Technical Skills: Able to acquire a thorough knowledge of City policies and procedures, possess a thorough knowledge of the legal field. Employee must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Council, all City departments, and other governmental officials; exercise tact and diplomacy in dealing with highly sensitive political, public policy, community and employee issues and situations. Ability to read, write and communicate in English at an appropriate level for successful job performance, effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, employees, and the general public
Problem Solving: Extensive problem solving exists in the integrating of multiple City departments to provide the full spectrum of City services in an efficient and responsible manner. This employee encounters problems with the public and City Departments including personnel issues and citizen inquiries.
Decision-Making: Extensive decision making occurs in the areas of personnel and employment actions, planning, development, community relations, intergovernmental relations and contractual issues.
Supervision: Direction is provided by the City Manager. Responsibilities include the direct and indirect supervision of subordinate personnel and special counsel.
Accountability: This employee is responsible for departmental budget and resources. This position has limited authority to purchase and does participate in the annual budget process.
Personal Relations: Daily and extensive contact with citizens and other City staff members.
Working Conditions: Adverse working conditions generally do not exist in this position. Work hours generally 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with variation to accommodate meetings and other City business.
Physical Requirements: To perform the duties of this job, the employee must have fine and gross manual dexterity. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, color vision and depth perception. Ability to sit and stand for long periods of time. Ability to lift up to twenty-five (25) pounds; bend, stoop and kneel. NoticeWould consider less than Full-time with assurance's the needs of the City of Wellington would be met. Disclaimer*************************************************************************************
The specific statements in each section of this description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria considered necessary to successfully perform the job.
- Researches federal, state and local laws and regulations, and issues legal opinions at the direction of the City Manager to the City Manager, elected and appointed officials of the City and to various City staff.
- Drafts legal documents on behalf of the City, including ordinances, resolutions, code provisions, contracts, and a variety of other legal instruments. Approves as to form and content all City legal documents prior to execution by the Mayor or other approving authority.
- Develops, recommends, and oversees the administration of department policies and guidelines. Maintains currency of policy and practice with the organizational needs of the City and with applicable federal and State laws and Municipal Code.
- Directly or indirectly through staff/outside contract counsel, brings legal action on behalf of the City. Defends the City, its officials and employees acting on behalf of the City, when charged with violation of law or regulation.
- Hires special (outside) legal counsel to provide expertise or to handle exceptional legal workload at the direction of the City Manager. Oversees the work of assigned special legal counsel performance in their legal services for the City.
- Attends all regular City Council meetings, including Work Sessions, and Planning Commission to provide legal guidance to elected officials, appointed officials, and staff in carrying out their legal responsibilities.
- Coordinates with the City Clerk and other departmental record custodians for compliance with the Kansas Open Records Act. Coordinates with the City Clerk to ensure the City’s record retention policy is current and documents are in compliance with adopted policies.
- Provides information and advice to the City Manager, Mayor and City Council on strategic planning and accomplishment of City goals and objectives. Coordinates the Department's activities with those of other City departments and offices to ensure a consistent approach towards common projects and interests and the cost-effective delivery of services.
- Performs other or related duties/functions as assigned or required.
Education/Licenses: Juris Doctorate Degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association. Licensed to practice law in the State of Kansas. Must possess and maintain a valid Kansas driver’s license.
Technical Skills: Able to acquire a thorough knowledge of City policies and procedures, possess a thorough knowledge of the legal field. Employee must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Council, all City departments, and other governmental officials; exercise tact and diplomacy in dealing with highly sensitive political, public policy, community and employee issues and situations. Ability to read, write and communicate in English at an appropriate level for successful job performance, effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, employees, and the general public
Problem Solving: Extensive problem solving exists in the integrating of multiple City departments to provide the full spectrum of City services in an efficient and responsible manner. This employee encounters problems with the public and City Departments including personnel issues and citizen inquiries.
Decision-Making: Extensive decision making occurs in the areas of personnel and employment actions, planning, development, community relations, intergovernmental relations and contractual issues.
Supervision: Direction is provided by the City Manager. Responsibilities include the direct and indirect supervision of subordinate personnel and special counsel.
Accountability: This employee is responsible for departmental budget and resources. This position has limited authority to purchase and does participate in the annual budget process.
Personal Relations: Daily and extensive contact with citizens and other City staff members.
Working Conditions: Adverse working conditions generally do not exist in this position. Work hours generally 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with variation to accommodate meetings and other City business.
Physical Requirements: To perform the duties of this job, the employee must have fine and gross manual dexterity. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, color vision and depth perception. Ability to sit and stand for long periods of time. Ability to lift up to twenty-five (25) pounds; bend, stoop and kneel. NoticeWould consider less than Full-time with assurance's the needs of the City of Wellington would be met. Disclaimer*************************************************************************************
The specific statements in each section of this description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria considered necessary to successfully perform the job.
