Solicitor, Legal Counsel

The full City Solicitor job description contains more information about this.

Responsible for all legal affairs involving the City of Pittsfield; responsible for the administration of the City's law department functions as dictated by City Code, Massachusetts General Law, and federal law.

• Make frequent contact with other City departments, City Councilors, public officials, other attorneys and their clients, and have occasional contact with the general public; furnish legal advice to the Mayor, City Council, City Departments, School Department, boards, committees, etc.
• Represent the City, its boards, agencies, departments, and officials in the prosecution of all actions and other legal proceedings and suits on its or their behalf.
• Represent the City’s interests in any matter before the Federal, Superior, Appeals, and Supreme Judicial courts, all administrative agencies of the Commonwealth and the District Court in which the interest and welfare of the City and its officials and employees may be directly or indirectly affected.
• Attend and provide legal advice at all meetings of the City Council and meetings of other City boards and commissions as required/requested.
• Communicate with attorneys representing private and public interest, judges, court personnel, etc.
• Research and render opinions as to various legal issues that impact the City and its various boards, commissions and agencies.
• Prepare, file, and provide pleadings, discovery documents, briefs, etc. for court and administrative proceedings, as well as contracts, leases, conveyances, ordinances, deeds, and other legal documents/instruments as needed and/or requested.
• Perform administrative tasks related to preparation of annual department budget and report; participate in department/staff meetings.
• Prepare and approve proposed ordinances for final adoption.
• Perform other duties as required or necessary.

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited institution.
• Ten (10) years or more of experience in the practice of law, with previous experience in municipal law required.
• Any equivalent combination of education, training and experience, which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Licensed attorney admitted to practice in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as well as in federal courts.
• Extensive knowledge of municipal law and previous professional experience in civil trial and appellate practice, administrative, environmental, zoning and land use, public sector, worker’s compensation, civil service law areas.
• Ability to organize, interpret and apply legal principles, knowledge, and judgment to complex legal problems.
• Ability to meet and effectively deal with persons interested or involved in suits against the City; ability to deal effectively and in a collaborative manner with elected officials and other City employees.
• Ability to plan and supervise the work of other professional staff in Law Department.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; must be able to readily comprehend business objectives; clearly and concisely articulate legal implications, alternatives, and ramifications.
• Must be a strong advocate on behalf of City objectives and positions; highly skilled negotiator; discerns and clarifies essential issues.

Monday - Friday, 35 hours per week, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM, evening meetings as required. Salary $ - $.