ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY I, II

Assistant City Attorney I or II, City Attorney’s Office, Rapid City SD

The City of Rapid City is accepting applications for the position of Assistant City Attorney I or II. The City Attorney’s Office consists of a team of five attorneys in a fast-paced environment. The office provides legal support and services to all City departments and elected officials.

Salary and Benefits:
The City of Rapid City offers a competitive benefits package, including employer paid health insurance, paid holidays, generous leave accruals, and participation in the South Dakota Retirement System.
Assistant City Attorney I range: $87,396 to $117,453
Assistant City Attorney II range: $112,374 to $150,708
Pay rate and classification dependent on qualifications and experience.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities – Assistant City Attorney I:

• Investigates and prepares cases and acts as prosecutor against individuals and businesses that violate municipal ordinances; represents the City in City ordinance violation cases in Magistrate Court, in appeals from the Magistrate Division to Circuit Court, and in civil cases in Circuit Court representing the City or its administrative boards.
• Provides legal assistance and guidance to City staff, the City Council, and other City officials.
• Prepares, reviews, and interprets ordinances, resolutions, contracts, policies, state laws, and other legal documents for the City, its decision-makers, City staff, and the public.
• Advises City officials and staff by interpreting and providing legal opinions on code enforcement, including building, electrical, mechanical, fire, zoning, and property maintenance codes, state and federal laws, City ordinances, and specialized documents.
• Performs various transactional legal services including, but not limited to, drafting, reviewing, and/or approving easements, deeds, contracts, agreements, ordinances and resolutions, policies and procedures, or amendments thereto. Acts as legal advisor to departments negotiating various contracts, except labor contracts, on behalf of the City.
• Confers directly with the public, press, City staff, and department directors explaining City ordinances, City and state licenses and permits, rights of parties, trial results, various rights of trial and appeal, and responses to complaints.
• Litigates claims by or against the City arising from actions of City Council, other boards or commissions, or City staff; defends complaints against City personnel which arise out of their employment with the City; prepares cases for trial, examining law and evidence, and represents the City at trial.
• Attends meetings with and advises various City boards, committees, and commissions on questions of law and legal issues.
• Develops and conducts training presentations for City officials and employees communicating legal guidance and/or statutory or ordinance requirements on a variety of topics.
Performs other such duties and functions as are necessary or incidental to the proper performance of this position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities – Assistant City Attorney II:

• Performs all Assistant City Attorney I duties.
• Assists in negotiations of union contracts and subsequent administration of these contracts.
• Supervises the City Attorney’s Office in absence of City Attorney and Deputy City Attorney.
• Provides legal advice and assistance to City officials and staff on sophisticated and complex legal matters.
Assists outside counsel in representation of the City.

Qualifications – Assistant City Attorney I:

• Juris Doctor degree required.
Active membership in good standing with a state bar required, or ability to obtain admission within 90 days from date of hire.

Qualifications – Assistant City Attorney II:

• Juris Doctor degree required.
• Active membership in good standing with a state bar required, or ability to obtain admission within 90 days from date of hire.
Four years of experience in the practice of law required, preferably in public sector law or regulatory compliance.

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Visit careers.rcgov.org to submit an application/resume and for more information. Questions may be directed to carla.cushman@rcgov.org . Position closes November 11, 2026.