Willoughby

Willoughby Western Lake County Chamber of Commerce

LAW DIRECTOR CITY OF WILLOUGHBY

The City of Willoughby is seeking a Law Director. This is a part‑time position that will report directly to the Mayor. The position will be responsible for providing leadership and direction to all City staff and officials; providing legal assistance with land development matters; negotiating, preparing and/or reviewing City contracts, ordinances, resolutions and other documents; interpreting and advising with respect to local, state, and federal laws and policies;

providing zoning and property maintenance code enforcement advice; providing guidance on employment matters; reviewing and advising the City regarding litigation; and providing guidance on various procedural matters.

City Hall hours are Monday‑Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm. The expectation of this position is a set combination of office hours during these hours and availability for evenings/weekends for meetings, not to exceed 30 hours per week.

Salary commensurate with experience and will include OPERS membership. Salary expectations should be submitted with resume. Interested candidates should send a resume to Human Resources Department, Willoughby City Hall, 1 Public Square, Willoughby, OH 44094 or via email at  by February 27, 2026. Refer to  for more details. If you wish to email your resume, please include the phrase “Law Director position” in the subject line of the email.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

LAW DIRECTOR

Under the general administrative direction of the Mayor, serves as the department head for the Law Department. The Director is responsible for providing leadership and direction to all City staff and officials; providing legal assistance with land development matters; negotiating, preparing and/or reviewing City contracts, ordinances, resolutions and other documents; interpreting and advising with respect to local, state, and federal laws and policies;

providing zoning and property maintenance code enforcement advice; providing guidance on employment matters; reviewing and advising the City regarding litigation; and providing guidance on various procedural matters. Duties require the exercise of extensive independent judgment. Supervises staff as directed by the Mayor.

• Direct all legal aspects of day‑to‑day operations of the City, including public meetings, elections, legislation, employment matters, grievances, disciplines, and zoning.
• Develop or assist in the development of City legislation to include resolutions and ordinances, and City staff policies; provide legal advice, counsel and assistance to the City Council, Mayor, department heads, boards, commissions, committees and other officials of the City government in relation to their duties and the business of the City.
• Prepare for and attend administrative board, commission, Council and citizen committee meetings, and Council workshops as requested by the City Manager; review written materials concerning issues pending before Council, boards and commissions; prepare legal legislative‑related memoranda for Council and follow up on questions or concerns expressed by Council members or members of the community at these meetings.
• Represent the City (and its officers, agents, and Council members) at meetings of, or in negotiations with, other government agencies, boards, commissions.
• Engage in negotiations and ratify contracts with unions for collective bargaining agreements.
• Prepare legal opinions on City matters by performing research, drafting, and including extensive analysis when needed.
• Negotiate, structure, draft and/or review contracts or other legal documents by or on behalf of the City.
• Determine and apply legal principles and precedents to problems and issues.
• Review and advise the City regarding litigation naming the City as a party and, when requested, prepare for and represent the City in litigation and legal matters such as torts, insurance and immunity issues, land use and development issues, matters involving state and federal agencies, public funding, regulatory issues and public improvement projects.
• Supervise and direct outside special legal counsel…