Attorney II

The City of Roanoke is seeking an Assistant City Attorney II to provide legal services to various City departments, boards and commissions, and advising groups on legal matters as well as attend meetings of boards and commissions of the City and render legal advice to these clients. The successful candidate will provide legal services to city departments, agencies, City Council, and related entities in a wide variety of practice areas particular to local government.

Depending on the experience of the candidates and the ongoing operational needs of the office, successful candidates may provide legal services in one or more of the following areas: litigation, including workers' compensation law, tort law, and civil rights litigation; zoning and land use law; code enforcement; utilities; telecommunications; and administrative law. The successful applicant will also be required to review and draft contracts, ordinances, resolutions, deeds, leases, releases and other complex legal documents on behalf of the City.

The City of Roanoke is a self‑insured entity. Therefore, the assistant city attorney will also be expected to defend the City in court, including preparing cases for both trial and appellate levels. Transactional experience in complex contracting matters would be a plus. Candidates with strong problem‑solving and communication skills, a positive attitude, and a keen attention to detail are encouraged to apply.

Applications should explicitly highlight relevant experience.

Applicants should possess excellent communications skills to deal effectively with public officials and the general public. Virginia State Bar membership is required. One to five years of local government law experience is preferred. Law degree from an accredited law school; five to ten years of related experience and/or training in the practice of law; preferably municipal law; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

The position is anticipated to be filled as Assistant City Attorney II, which requires at least 5 years’ relevant legal experience. The position may be underfilled as Assistant City Attorney I if the selected candidate does not possess at least 5 years’ relevant legal experience. The position may be overfilled as Assistant City Attorney III if the selected candidate possesses at least 10 years’ relevant legal experience.

The City of Roanoke is an Equal Employment Opportunity/AA/M/F/Disability Employer. To elevate the performance of the organization, we are committed to respecting, celebrating, and embracing the collective mixture of differences and similarities between our employees as a rich tapestry. Our behaviors will demonstrate open communication, and we will seek opportunities to learn, recognizing and rewarding actions that promote acceptance while suspending judgment.

By doing this, we will foster an inclusive, open work environment that delivers excellent service and creates a more vibrant and inviting community.

This is an exempt position.

Provides legal services to various City departments, boards and commissions, advising groups on legal matters. Attends meetings of boards and commissions of the City and renders legal advice to these clients.

• Attends City Council meetings to assist the City Attorney when necessary
• Attends meetings of boards and commissions of the City and renders on‑the‑spot legal advice
• Drafts ordinances, resolutions, contracts, deeds, leases, releases, franchises and other complex legal documents on behalf of the City
• Processes and litigates claims against the City
• Prepares cases for trial, interviewing witnesses, examining law and evidence
• Represents the City in complex trial and appellate litigation
• Handles all aspects of business matters, including development, leasing, land use, zoning, eminent domain, government and grant compliance, procurement, and construction issues; negotiates, drafts, and interprets related contracts and agreements; and manages associated litigation, including real estate, contract, tax, collection, and bankruptcy matters.
• Prepares formal legal opinions for the signature of the City Attorney
• Prepares…