Assistant Attorney​/Solicitor

Job Purpose

The purpose of this classification is to assist the City Attorney in providing legal services to the City of Albany. The Assistant City Attorney/Solicitor performs complex executive and professional level work as a legal advisor to the Mayor and Commission, City staff and various boards and commissions of the City. The Assistant City Attorney/Solicitor is appointed by, serves at the pleasure of, Mayor and Commission.

This position requires a highly experienced executive level attorney who can provide expert assistance and solid legal advice. The ability to conduct civil lawsuits, prepare briefs and legal documents, research legal documents and legal issues.

• Prosecute violations of municipal code and state law involving traffic violations, ordinance violations, building regulations, zoning ordinances, land use ordinances, license violations and permit violations.
• Research and prepare legal opinions for City Commission, City Manager, boards, commissions, and other city staff. Prepare or revise ordinances when requested by the Mayor, Commission or any committee thereof.
• Attend all regular and special called City Commission meetings.
• May organize and prioritize department workload; make work assignments; monitor status of work in progress; inspect completed work; consult with assigned staff to review work requirements, status, and problems; assist with complex or problem situations; provide direction, advice, and technical expertise.
• Ensure departmental compliance with all applicable City codes, laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures; initiate any actions necessary to correct violations.
• Review and respond to Open Records Act requests and other communications from the public.
• Investigate and evaluate legal claims against the City of Albany; investigate and evaluate Title VII/EEO issues within the City.
• Attend hearings in all courts, Federal, State and Municipal Court.
• Participate in pre‑trial preparation; conduct interviews of clients; select and interview witnesses; draft motions and briefs; respond to discovery requests; develop strategy, arguments and testimony in preparation for presentation of case; brief; conduct depositions.
• May try cases as lead counsel in Federal, Superior, and State Courts; negotiate with opposing counsel when necessary and appropriate to resolve cases.
• Handle nuisance abatement and other code enforcement matters. Interpret laws, rulings, and regulations for the City and/or its employees.
• Evaluate violations of criminal law: review warrants and/or citations issued for violations; analyze incident reports, witness statements, video, lab reports, photographs, evidence and other pertinent information; conduct case research and review of pertinent case law; note specifics of dates, previous offenses and other related information; determine validity and weight of evidence and determine specific criminal law violations.
• Provide plea recommendations for violations, based on the law, nature of the violation, the criminal history of the defendant, and any other related factors; provide plea offer to Defense Counsel for the resolution of the case. Communicate with opposing counsel and witnesses via telephone, letters, e‑mail or in person as required.
• Coordinate work activities with those of other departments, outside agencies, or others as needed. Attend meetings; serve on committees as needed; make speeches or presentations.
• Communicate with city officials and employees, city departments, legal officials, banking officials, outside agencies, consultants, customers, the public, the media and other individuals to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, resolve problems, or give/receive advice/direction; provide legal advice to City officials upon request.
• Maintain a comprehensive, current knowledge and awareness of applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures; maintain an awareness of new trends and advances in the profession; read professional literature; maintain professional affiliations; attend workshops and training sessions.
• Prepare for execution contracts and instruments to which the City is a…