City Attorney

Performs complex professional and administrative work in managing the legal affairs of the City; does related work as required. Position appointed by Council and work is performed under the supervision of the Council. Departmental supervision is exercised over all personnel within the department.

Learn more about this position in detail by reviewing theCity Attorney Brochure

Interested candidates should apply online atwww.GovHRjobs.comwith a resume, cover letter, and contact information for five professional references byJanuary 31, 2025.

Confidential inquiries may be directed to W. Lane Bailey,MGT Senior Consultantat Tel: 704-798-8221 or Riccardo (Rick) Ginex,MGT Approved Independent Executive Recruiter, at Tel: 847-380-3240, ext. 160.

The following job functions are typical for a position of this nature. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each function satisfactorily. Other job functions and duties may be required as assigned.

• Manages the legal affairs of the City
• Attends meetings of the City Council, City Boards, and Commissions and renders immediate legal advice when necessary
• Serves as legal counsel to the City Council, City Manager, City Boards and Commissions, and other Officials of the City
• Renders legal advice to Department Heads
• Coordinates City legal matters with outside consulting Attorneys as needed
• Serves as legislative liaison for the City with state and federal governments
• Drafts or supervises the drafting of contracts, deeds, leases, releases, franchises, easements, legal memoranda and briefs, and other legal documents on behalf of the City
• Drafts or supervises the drafting of ordinances and resolutions, explains the foregoing to the Council, and answers questions relating thereto
• Identifies potential legal issues and claims and engages in efforts required to resolve conflicts when possible
• Prepares and responds to claims against the City; research case law and court rulings; determines merits of claims; analyzes pertinent statutory and case law, administrative and procedural rules; develops case strategy and legal arguments
• Represents the City in legal matters
• Decides major legal questions in litigation, claims, leases, contracts, land titles, and related legal matters
• Supervises Legal Department staff; prepares the departmental budget and oversees expenditures
• Prepares and supervises the preparation of formal legal opinions upon request of Council Members and the Administration
• Assists the City Clerk with the maintenance of the City Code of ordinances
• Proficiency with computers including legal and office software
• Comprehensive knowledge of municipal law, torts, contracts, civil rights, administrative processes, and real property; comprehensive knowledge of both substantial and procedural criminal law and constitutional law
• Comprehensive knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and court decisions affecting municipalities including employment law, public financing, open meetings law, public records law, zoning, and land development law
• Thorough knowledge of standard office procedures, practices, and equipment
• Ability to present complex ideas effectively orally and in writing
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City officials, Court Officials, Members of the Bar, and the General Public, ability to handle complex trial and appellate litigation
• Ability to effectively organize and manage legal staff
  
  

Education/Experience:

Graduation from a law school of recognized standing and extensive experience as a practicing attorney including considerable experience in the practice of municipal law.

Additional Information

The hiring range for this position is $195,000-$235,000 based on qualifications and determined by Mayor and City Council

Special Requirements

• Licensed to practice law in the State of North Carolina.
• Valid North Carolina driver's license.
  
  

Physical Demands2. The physical requirements of this position:3. The visual acuity requirements including color, depth perception and field of vision:4. The conditions the worker will be subject to in this position:

• The physical activity of this position includes:
• Fingering: Picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand or arm as in handling.
• Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.
• Hearing: Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal spoken word levels with or without correction. Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make fine discriminations in sound, such as when making fine adjustments on machined parts.
• Repetitive Motions: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands and/or fingers.
• Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Office Environment Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work.
• The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform one or more of the following: preparing and analyzing data and figures; accounting; transcription; computer terminal; extensive reading;
• The worker is required to have visual acuity to perform one or more of the following:
• None: The worker is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions (such as in a typical office or administrative work environment).
  
  

Drug Screening, Criminal Background, And Reference Checks Are Required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

The City of Gastonia is committed to creating and maintaining a work environment that is inclusive, equitable, and welcoming. We value diversity and promise to honor your experiences, perspective, and unique identity.

The City of Gastonia is an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/F/H)