City Attorney

Company Description Vernal City is a municipal government located in the scenic northeast corner of Utah, serving residents, businesses, and visitors in the region. The city oversees local services, infrastructure, and community development while promoting a high quality of life. As a public employer, Vernal City values integrity, transparency, and responsible stewardship of public resources. Team members have the opportunity to contribute directly to the community and support the effective functioning of local government.

Current Position Model:

Full-time attorney handling civil matters and justice court prosecution, with legal assistant

Possible Models:

Full-time civil attorney, 40 hours per week, without legal assistant, contract prosecution

Part-time civil attorney, 32 hours per week, without legal assistant, contract prosecution

Yearly Salary: $93,000 - $144,500 | Depends on Experience and Position

Position Summary

Under the general direction of the City Manager is the chief legal advisor and attorney for all officials, officers, and departments of the City and represents the City in all litigation and proceedings, including the prosecution of criminal cases before the combined justice court.

Vernal City currently has an agreement with 5 other entities to provide municipal legal services and hopes to continue this agreement.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school, active member in the Utah State Bar.

2. Two (2) years full-time experience in the practice of law with municipal and prosecution duties preferred.

3. Preferred qualifications include significant litigation and trial experience. The City may consider an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to provide the required knowledge, skills and ability to perform the essential functions of the job.

Example of Duties

1. Plans, organizes, directs and controls the work of the Legal Department of the City. Provides legal counsel to elected officials and staff on municipal law, civil code enforcement, land use, zoning, labor relations, and legislative interpretation.

2. Supervise and directs work for legal assistant / paralegal.

3. Manages all contracted entities legal services and tracks hours to bill the other entities.

4. Anticipates and evaluates controversial legal situations and present options in a clear and concise manner.

5. Prosecutes criminal misdemeanor violations before the combined justice court. Works cooperatively with law enforcement agencies to deal with patterns of criminal activity and violations.

6. Researches and prepares oral and written legal opinions for City Council, City Manager, Department Heads, staff, committees, commissions and boards for the City and other agencies contracted with the City for legal services.

8. Review and recommend ordinances, resolutions, policies, and code provisions to address nuisances, disruptive, or criminal behavior in the City. Develop and oversee the administration of department procedures and guidelines.

10. Coordinate with outside counsel and administrative law judge to provide special legal expertise and coordinate litigation on behalf of the City or other agencies.

11. Review insurance risks and claims and provide recommendations to enhance risk management

of the City.

Knowledge and Ability

1. Solid understanding of a broad array of municipal legal matters related to labor and employee relations, grievances, land use, water rights, public finance and contracts.

2. Knowledge of municipal legislative processes, fiscal and budget management, and applicable administrative policies and procedures.

3. Excellent writing, research and communication skills to explain legal issues and options as well as complex legal principals and regulations.

4. Excellent interpersonal skills for establishing and maintaining effective relationships with staff, law enforcement, there departments, elected officials, the media and the public.

5. Skilled in litigation and trial work to negotiate settlements and agreements in the best interest of the City.

6. Ability to analyze problems and handle stress in a highly visible pubic environment.

7. Excellent public presentation skills.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Vernal City is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal and state employment laws.