Principal Attorney

The City of Birmingham seeks to hire an experienced Principal Attorney to perform complex professional legal duties for the city, such as preparing complex cases for trial and providing legal assistance to executive-level leadership (e.g., the City Council, department heads, boards). Employees in this position conduct legal research, establish goals and timelines for departmental projects, offer advice and feedback to less-experienced attorneys, negotiate various agreements (e.g., claim settlements, contracts), and participate in professional development activities (e.g., conferences, workshops).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

The following are job-related qualifications that are required for employment consideration for this position:

• Member of the Alabama State Bar Association in good standing.
• Experience in areas of litigation or transactional work handling complex legal issues (e.g., police misconduct, excessive use of force, workplace discrimination, personal injury claims, violation of constitutional rights, reviewing and drafting agreements, real-estate transactions, writing ordinances, government procurement issues).
• Experience assigning and delegating work to administrative support staff.
• Experience as the lead attorney in litigation or transactional matters.

TYPICAL JOB DUTIES:

• Represents the City, boards, agencies and employees in court (e.g., trials and appeals), before administrative boards, agencies and mediators following legal standards and practices and City and departmental policies to protect the City’s legal position and achieve City goals.
• Investigates claims and complaints by or against the City and prepares for and represents the city in litigation involving the City and its staff in order to eliminate and/or minimize liability and loss.
• Drafts and reviews legal documents per applicable laws to protect the legal position of the City, boards and agencies and guide their decision-making processes.
• Ensures adherence to applicable laws, codes, ordinances, etc. on behalf of the jurisdiction (e.g., City of Birmingham) and its Boards/Agencies by providing legal advice (e.g., policy, other legal matters) and communicating with local businesses, residents, and professionals in order to minimize legal liability of the jurisdiction.
• Conducts legal research and participates in professional development activities to maintain a current, comprehensive knowledge of applicable laws and legal procedures and a license to practice law.
• Negotiates agreements (e.g., claim settlements, contracts, etc.) with individuals and/or attorneys on behalf of the jurisdiction.
• Manages agency projects by establishing goals and timelines, delegating responsibilities, reviewing work, working with outside agencies and vendors, and completing various project reports.