What are the responsibilities and job description for the Town Attorney position at RIDGELAND, TOWN OF?
Employee Status: Part – time, by contract
Position Hours: By contract, as outlined below
Job Duties:
The Town Attorney, appointed by the Town Council, serves as the chief legal officer of the municipality and provides comprehensive legal counsel to the Mayor, Town Council, Town Administrator, and all Department Heads, Commissions, and Officers of the Town. Provide legal advice and guidance on matters affecting the administration, governance, and operations of the Town, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local laws. Advise the Town Council on legal issues and support Council members in gaining a functional understanding of the legal principles applicable to municipal actions and policies.
Offer legal counsel to the Town Administrator, Department Heads, and other authorized Town officials on legal questions arising in the course of municipal operations or in the performance of their official duties. Draft, review, and approve ordinances, resolutions, contracts, intergovernmental agreements, and other legal instruments as requested, to ensure legal sufficiency and protection of the Town’s interests. Represent the Town in legal proceedings, including litigation, administrative hearings, and negotiations, as directed by the Town Council, and safeguard the legal integrity of Town actions.
Monitor, interpret, and report on relevant court decisions, statutory changes, and administrative rulings that may impact the Town’s legal obligations or authority. Ensure that all legal services are provided in a manner consistent with the highest standards of professional ethics and the responsibilities inherent in the office of the Town Attorney. The Town Attorney plays a critical role in upholding the rule of law within the municipality and in ensuring that all municipal actions are legally sound and effectively executed.
Qualifications:
Graduate from a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association with a Juris Doctorate degree. Must be licensed to practice law in the state of South Carolina and be of good reputable standing. Requires a minimum of two years’ experience practicing law, preferably in a local government capacity.
Knowledge of the organization and functions and goals of the Town government. Extensive knowledge of the provisions of South Carolina law and Town code. Skill in negotiating agreements/settlements which accommodate conflicting interests and viewpoints. Ability to attend meetings and perform work assignments at times outside normal business hours. Ability to determine when outside counsel is needed. Skill in oral and written communication sufficient to develop defenses of, and justification for, decisions reached.
Tips: Provide a summary of the role, what success in the position looks like, and how this role fits into the organization overall.
How to Apply: Please email a resume, or C.V., cover letter and engagement proposal which includes 1) Scope of the engagement 2) Attorney-Client relationship 3) Limitation on engagement 4) Prior representation(s) 5) Existing representation(s) 6) Conflicts 7) Fees and payments to: Dennis E. Averkin, Town Administrator daverkin@ridgelandsc.gov
Open until Filled. The Town of Ridgeland is an Equal Opportunity Employer