Deputy City Attorney

Profile

General Purpose

This position is responsible for assisting the City Attorney with the day to day management of the Assistant City Attorneys and Administrative Staff and in providing general legal counsel to the mayor, city council and city departments. This position may also be responsible for enforcing city ordinances, regulations and bylaws and representing the city in civil and criminal litigation cases.   This position is an annual mayoral appointment, subject to approval by the city council.

Union Affiliation: Non-Union
Pay Grade 26: $102,573.00 - $114,549.00 Annually
Remote Tier 2: Up to one (1) day remote/week 

Essential Job Functions

A Deputy City Attorney shall:

• Act as an assistant corporation counsel and city attorney for the City of Burlington;
• Provide day-to-day supervision and training to Assistant City Attorneys and administrative staff;
• Serve as City Attorney in the absence of the appointed City Attorney;
• Assist the City Attorney in planning, organizing, and evaluating the work of legal staff in implementing expressed goals, policies, and directives of the City Attorney Office.
• Conduct thorough and accurate legal and policy research and analysis;
• Develop legal opinions and provide general policy advice to city council, the mayor and city departments and boards, as requested;
• Draft and/or review legal documents (including agreements and contracts), ordinances, and other rules and regulations as required;
• Assist in the development and administration of the Departmental budget and other administrative functions of the office as necessary;
• Coordinate and review public records responses and production and provide advice concerning open meeting law compliance;
• Negotiate and prepare documents for real estate transactions and provide legal advice relating to development activities involving the city;
• Assist in the enforcement of city ordinances, regulations and city bylaws in administrative forums and courts as needed;
• Provide legal advice to city administrative agencies concerning contested cases, as well as  the implementation and development of ordinances, regulations, or policies; 
• Assist in the representation of the City in litigation before state and federal courts and administrative agencies; including all aspects of pleadings, discovery, negotiation, settlement, trial, and appeals;
• Assist in representing the city in legislative or lobbying activities;
• Provide staff support to city council committees and other public bodies.

Qualifications/Basic Job Requirements

• Ability to actively support City diversity, equity, and cultural competency efforts within stated job responsibilities and work effectively across diverse cultures and constituencies.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion as evidenced by ongoing trainings and professional development.
• Juris Doctor or equivalent required, including at least five (5) years of extensive experience in legal practice is required. Public law practice experience preferred. Experience in primary areas of City Attorney Office practice, including contract drafting and review, labor and employment law, zoning and permitting enforcement, and/or other civil litigation experience desired.

• License to practice law in the State of Vermont required.
• Admitted to practice before and in good standing with the Vermont Supreme Court, the U.S. District Court and Second Circuit Court of Appeals, or if not yet admitted, eligible for admission.
• Excellent and efficient oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively one-on-one and with groups of various sizes and skills.
• Demonstrated ability to provide sound legal advice, exercise good judgment, and solve problems.
• Excellent, coherent, and well-organized written communication skills, including the ability to explain and advocate using plain language.
• Ability to establish effective relationships with city officials, colleagues, and members of the public.
• Ability to work effectively in an advisory capacity with diverse groups of people.
• Ability to conduct legal and other types of research and to analyze the results of that research accurately, thoroughly, and efficiently.
• Regular attendance at the office and other locations in and outside the city, as needed.
• Ability to understand and comply with city standards, safety rules and personnel policies.
• Ability to conduct and accurately analyze legal research thoroughly and efficiently
• Ability to effectively and accurately draft memoranda, litigation documents, agreements, new ordinances and policy initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience in efficient handling of electronic records.
• Interest in and ability to analyze and make recommendations on policy initiatives.
• Demonstrated comfort with electronic communication, research, and organizational tools.

Promoting a culture that reveres diversity and equity.

The City of Burlington is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we are strongly committed to creating a dynamic and equitable work-force that mirrors the population and world that we serve. We do not discriminate on the basis of political or religious affiliation, race, color, national origin, place of birth, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, crime victim status, veteran status, disability, HIV positive status, or genetic information in employment or the provision of services.

In addition to being an equal opportunity employer we actively encourage applicants who can contribute to our growing diversity to apply.

Applications for our employment opportunities are only accepted online through our Government Jobs website.

For accessibility information or alternative formats, please contact Human Resources Department at 802-540-2505 or careers@burlingtonvt.gov.

Company info

City of Burlington