Town Attorney

Town of East Hampton – Town Attorney. The annual salary is $190,000, negotiable as commensurate with relevant experience.

The Town Attorney provides legal counsel and representation to the Supervisor, the Town Board, and other officials of the Town and will represent the Town in courts in civil litigation.

This highly responsible position oversees the management and operation of the Office of the Town Attorney, provides supervision of professional and clerical support employees, and responds to inquiries regarding civil law as it affects the operation of Town business and organization. As legal advisor and counsel to the Supervisor, Town Board and Town departments, the Town Attorney may work with outside counsel when offering legal resources and opinions.

The successful incumbent must have a thorough knowledge of municipal law as it pertains to Towns in the State of New York, and experience in preparing legal memoranda, conducting legal research, and analyzing legal problems and issues. The incumbent must be able to prepare for court proceedings, clearly express arguments of the law, organize material, and communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing. The Town Attorney is expected to demonstrate professionalism, sound judgement, honesty, courtesy, and ethical conduct in the practice of law and in all interactions with employees, the public and outside agencies.

Responsibilities include:

• Investigates and researches the law and renders opinions to the Town Board, Town Supervisor and other departmental authorities
• Prepare pleadings, appeals, notices, contracts, and other legal papers and documents
• Examine legal papers on, or filed with, the Town departments and officials
• Attends Town Board meetings and advises the Board on legal issues
• Appears in court to represent the Town; when required drafts local laws, ordinances, and resolutions
• Answers correspondences and prepares reports
• Manages the work of Assistant Town Attorneys and Special Counsel
• Does related work as required

The minimum qualifications for this position are graduation from a recognized law school and seven (7) years of experience in the practice of the law. Possession of a license to practice law in the State of New York at time of appointment is required and prior municipal law experience is preferred.

The annual salary is $190,000, negotiable as commensurate with relevant experience. Benefits include vacation, sick and personal time, NYSHIP Empire Plan Health Care coverage and enrollment in the New York State and Local Retirement System and the 401 (a) Special Pay Plan, and an option to join New York State Deferred Compensation Plan.

Please email a cover letter and resume to Kathleen Rood at HumanResources@ehamptonny.gov.