Overview
The City of Charlotte is the largest municipality in North Carolina and the 17th largest city in the United States, with a total population of more than 872,498 citizens. A major commerce center, Charlotte hosts several of the nation’s largest banks and technology companies.
Also known as the Queen City, Charlotte is home to the Carolina Panthers, the Charlotte Hornets and the NASCAR Hall of Fame. We work hard to ensure that the community will be a winning city for everyone – a truly remarkable place to live, work, learn and play. Join us in helping to keep our City thriving, ensuring upward mobility and advancement in the workplace.
Summary
The City Attorney's Office is seeking an Assistant City Attorney I or II to join a dynamic team of attorneys responsible for providing comprehensive legal services to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD). This position is physically located at CMPD.
The Office of the City Attorney is the largest municipal legal office in North Carolina. It is dedicated to serving the citizens of Charlotte by protecting and defending the legal interests of the city. The office provides legal advice to the Mayor, City Council, City Manager, and other City officials on a broad range of issues and engages in litigation in support or defense of the city. Our vision is to be a model public service law firm known for its talent, diversity, and service. We offer exciting opportunities to join a dynamic staff operating in an open, progressive and balanced environment. Our legal team is tasked with providing high-quality legal services to our clients in a timely, responsive, and ethical manner.
NOTE: This vacancy will be filled as an Assistant City Attorney I or II, commensurate with experience.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
• Analyze and interpret the constitution, statutes, court decisions, regulations, and ordinances for the Police Department and the City
• Provide legal advice to sworn and non-sworn employees at the Police Department on criminal law and criminal procedure
• Perform complex legal research electronically and manually
• Prepare and provide presentations for the Community Safety Committee, City Council and other groups including community forums
• Instruct recruits during Basic Law Enforcement Training at the Police Academy, specifically for criminal law, arrest, search and seizure, and juvenile law. Participate in legal review of all Recruit scenario exercises. Provide instruction for selected state and departmental mandated in-service training
• Review, prepare and draft legal documents, such as grant applications, leases, and contracts
• Confer and work with colleagues and staff to establish and verify consistent legal advice to the Police Department and City
• Draft and interpret legislation and recommend policy changes to reflect changes in the law
• Prepare, review, and approve court orders and motions for sworn officers to assist with criminal investigations
• Assist in defense of the City in civil litigation and negotiate settlements, when applicable
• File appeals in state and federal courts
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
• Knowledge of constitutional, federal, state, and local laws affecting law enforcement and/or municipal government, including knowledge of criminal law and procedure
• Ability to work collaboratively with others
• Analyze issues from legal and practical perspective and provide clear advice and counsel
• Possess business acumen with ability to negotiate transactions effectively
• Ability to master new material quickly, manage diverse legal portfolio and handle fast-paced environment
• Ability to think creatively to solve problems
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment
• Knowledge of federal and state judicial procedures and rules of evidence
• Knowledge of established precedents and sources of legal reference applicable to law enforcement and municipalities
• Ability to prepare and try moderately complex civil cases
• Ability to write and analyze legislation and caselaw for publication
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, public, elected and appointed officials and stakeholders
• Experience with rules and procedures-related to law enforcement issues and/or North Carolina municipal law
Preferred Qualification
• Doctorate degree from an ABA accredited law school and license to practice law in North Carolina or ability to be admitted into the NC State Bar via reciprocity prior to beginning employment.
• Two (2) to five (5) years of experience as a practicing attorney.
• Municipal law experience is a plus.
• Law Enforcement experience is a plus.
Minimum Qualifications
• Doctorate Degree (Professional) and two to three years related work experience.
• Graduation from an ABA accredited law school and license to practice law in North Carolina, or eligible for licensure by comity.
Conditions of Employment
The City’s Background Check Policy requires background checks to be conducted on final internal or external candidate(s) applying for any position with the City of Charlotte. The type of information that will be collected as part of a background check includes, but is not limited to: reference checks, social security verification, education verification, criminal conviction record check, and, if applicable, a credit history check, sex offender registry and motor vehicle records check.
Background checks must be in compliance with all federal and state statutes, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The checks must be consistent with the guidelines set forth by these laws requiring organizations to obtain a candidate’s written authorization before obtaining a criminal background report, motor vehicle records check or credit report; and to properly store and dispose of information derived from such reports.
Final candidates must pass a pre-employment drug-screening test and physical examination. During the selection process, candidates may be asked to take a skills test, and/or participate in other assessments.
The City of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
How To Apply
Apply online.
Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job.
You are welcome to visit the City of Charlotte Human Resources Department lobby where we have workstations available. Our office is located at 700 East 4th Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28202. Our hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (EST), excluding official City holidays.
Anyone seeking an accommodation to apply for a job may call (704) 336-2285 for assistance or you may email questions to CityHrJobPostingsNotify@ci.charlotte.nc.us.
Benefits
The City of Charlotte provides a comprehensive benefits package to all employees.
Click here to learn more about the City of Charlotte’s benefits.
The City of Charlotte is a drug and alcohol-free workplace.
