Municipal Part-Time Staff Attorney - Land Use Focus

Job Summary:

The part-time Town Staff Attorney will serve as in-house counsel with a primary focus on land use law. This position is responsible for providing legal guidance and representation to the Town’s land use boards and staff, including planning, zoning, and code enforcement matters.

This position will develop and maintain a strong internal legal capacity for the Town of Raymond, with an emphasis on land use, regulatory compliance, and development-related legal matters, while also supporting broader municipal legal needs as they arise.

Secondary responsibilities include providing legal services related to human resources, contract review, and general municipal operations.

Work hours for this position are flexible and scheduled based on operational needs, generally not exceeding 30 hours per week.

Supervision Received:

Works under the general supervision of the Town Manager, who outlines overall objectives and priorities. The Staff Attorney exercises independent legal judgment and determines appropriate courses of action consistent with applicable laws and policies.

Responsibility for Public Contact:

Frequent contact with Town officials, employees, attorneys, regulatory agencies, and the general public requiring professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment.

Equipment Use:

General office equipment including computer, legal research software, telephone, copier, and related equipment.

Environment:

Inside: 95% Outside: 5%

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

Primary Duties – Land Use Law (Core Function)

Serve as legal counsel to the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA), and other land use bodies as assigned;

Attends Planning Board, Zoning Board of Adjustment meetings as requested;

Conducts legal research and prepares opinions and memoranda on legal matters;

Provide legal advice on zoning ordinances, site plan review, subdivisions, and land development regulations;

Assist with drafting, reviewing, and updating land use ordinances and regulations;

Advise on code enforcement actions and land use compliance matters;

Maintains records of legal matters and opinions;

Coordinates support outside local counsel in land use litigation and administrative proceedings, as directed;

Provide legal interpretation of New Hampshire statutes and case law related to land use;

Perform additional duties as assigned;

Secondary Duties – General Municipal Legal Services

Provide legal guidance on human resources matters, including personnel policies, investigations, and employment law compliance;

Review, draft, and negotiate contracts, agreements, and procurement documents;

Advise Town Manager on day-to-day legal questions and risk management;

Assist with policy development and legal compliance across municipal operations;

May assist with responses to Right-To-Know requests, including review and redactions of records;

Perform additional duties as assigned;

Qualifications:

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school;

Licensed to practice law in the State of New Hampshire, preferred but not required;

Demonstrated experience in municipal and/or land use law strongly preferred;

Working knowledge of New Hampshire land use statutes and administrative processes;

Experience with employment law and municipal contracts preferred but not required;

Knowledge and Abilities:

Strong understanding of land use law, zoning, and municipal governance;

Excellent written and verbal communication skills;

Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with boards, staff, and the public;

Legal principles, practices, and procedures;

Some contract and employment law preferred not required;

Legal research methods and tools;

Recordkeeping and document management practices;

Interpret and apply complex laws, regulations, and policies;

Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing;

Maintain confidentiality and exercise sound legal judgment;

Establish and maintain effective working relationships;

Ability to balance multiple priorities and provide timely legal guidance;

Analyze legal issues and develop practical solutions;

Present legal information to non-legal audiences in an understandable manner;

Physical Activity Requirements:

Lift: Up to 10 lbs: Occasionally Required;

Bending: Occasionally Required;

Carry: Up to 10 lbs: Occasionally Required;

Reaching: Occasionally Required;

Push/Pull: Not Generally Required;

Twisting: Occasionally Required;

Sensory Requirements:

Talking: Necessary for communication;

Hearing: Necessary for receiving information;

Sight: Necessary for reviewing legal documents and performing job duties;

Licensure/Certification Requirements:

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school;

Licensed to practice law in the State of New Hampshire preferred not required;

Prior experience in municipal or public sector law preferred;

Pay: From $115,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $115,000