Introduction
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.
Overview
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, along with other City officials and departments 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.
Function
Legal/Professional
Summary
This position is part of the City Attorney’s Office and responsible for providing comprehensive legal services and representation to the Mayor, City Council, City Manager, and City Departments. This position is specifically responsible for litigating cases, leading the litigation team and managing outside counsel as needed in support of the City’s Risk Management Division of the Finance Department. The position is physically located at the Charlotte Mecklenburg Government Center.
NOTE: This vacancy will be filled as a Senior Assistant City Attorney I, II, or Lead, commensurate with experience.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
• Lead, collaborate and manage the litigation team currently consisting of two attorneys and one paralegal
• Litigate, monitor and manage status of pending complex litigation throughout the city to include cases assigned to outside counsel
• Represent the city in pending litigation, administrative board hearings and appeals in federal and state courts
• Prepare pleadings, statements, memoranda, briefs; draft and negotiate settlements and other legal documents; efficiently and effectively manage discovery, including depositions
• Appear and zealously defend the city in court as required, including at hearings, mediations, arbitrations and trials
• Conduct direct settlement negotiations with opposing attorneys
• Stay current on all relevant law, document management tools and litigation and trial-related technology
• Serve as a mentor and trainer to other attorneys and legal assistants
• Partner with other attorneys in trial preparation and during trial
• Identify and research issues within the complex operational, business, policy, and legal framework of the city
• Actively analyze matters, provide accurate, timely and sound legal advice and opinions to other attorneys and city staff
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal laws specific to municipalities
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
• Strong litigation, team management and collaboration skills
• Considerable knowledge of constitutional, federal, state, and local laws affecting municipal government
• Extensive litigation experience with federal and state courts
• Experience litigating before administrative and quasi-judicial boards and commissions
• Ability to work collaboratively with others, analyze issues from a legal, policy, and practical perspective, and provide clear advice and counsel
• Ability to master new material quickly, manage a diverse legal portfolio, and handle a fast-paced environment
• Ability to think creatively to solve problems
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment
• In-depth knowledge of local rules, judicial procedures, and rules of evidence
• Ability to prepare and try moderately complex civil cases
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, colleagues, the public, elected and appointed officials, and stakeholders
Minimum Qualifications
• Doctorate degree from an ABA accredited law school
• License to practice law in North Carolina or ability to be admitted into the NC State Bar via reciprocity prior to beginning employment
• Minimum of seven years (7) of practice experience with at least five (5) years of extensive litigation experience for Senior Assistant City Attorney I
OR
• Minimum of ten years (10) of practice experience with at least seven (7) years of extensive litigation experience for Senior Assistant City Attorney II
OR
• Minimum of twelve years (12) of practice experience with at least ten (10) years of extensive litigation experience for Senior Assistant City Attorney Lead.
Salary
• $118,752 minimum for Senior Assistant City Attorney I
• $130,925 minimum for Senior Assistant City Attorney II
• $144,017 minimum for Senior Assistant City Attorney Lead
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 requires proof of COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment for any new City of Charlotte employees. The City is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such, will consider reasonable accommodations as required by law.
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.
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.
In Conclusion
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