Senior City Attorney

Position Title:

Senior City Attorney

Job Description:

Under the general administrative direction of the City Attorney, incumbent performs highly responsible and complex legal work in the City Attorney's Office. Works independently and applies professional judgment in providing legal advice and support, including the preparation and presentation of cases. Requires complex problem solving and skillful legal strategy in dealing with complex and politically charged issues. May instruct and direct subordinate professional and clerical employees. Work is performed in accordance with general policies and in close collaboration with the City Attorney or Deputy City Attorneys.

About the Position:

The Salt Lake City Attorney’s Office is seeking a Senior City Attorney to serve as legal counsel to various City departments. The office is comprised of approximately 20 civil attorneys, and this position reports directly to the City Attorney and Deputy City Attorney. The Office provides legal representation and advice to the Mayor’s Office, City Council, and various City Departments.

This position will primarily involve representing the City and its employees in civil litigation in federal and state courts and administrative proceedings. Work may include defending the City in matters of general litigation, including civil rights, personal injury, employment, land use, code enforcement, subrogation, condemnation, contracts, and appeals. Other assignments may include reviewing ordinances and resolutions; preparing legal opinions; reviewing contracts; and advising elected officials, department directors, City boards and commissions, and employees on legal matters. The successful applicant will be able to run cases independently with minimal supervision, draft motions and other briefs, perform legal research, conduct all aspects of fact and expert discovery, and argue effectively in court and administrative proceedings. Prior experience representing government entities and a familiarity with governmental immunity and/or GRAMA are an advantage.

About the Team:

The Civil Division of the City Attorney’s Office serves as legal counsel to the elected officials and various departments of Salt Lake City Corporation. There are 20 attorneys in the division with 5 serving as litigation counsel to the City. In addition to the attorneys, there are 3 paralegals and 4 administrative support staff who assist in the handling of legal matters.

Attorneys from the office come from a variety of different backgrounds: private practice, local and federal government, and public interest organizations. While litigation counsel are expected to run their cases independently, the office values and fosters collaboration and consultation among attorneys to deliver the best advice and work product. The office also encourages attorneys to become involved in professional organizations to promote career development.

Position Salary Range:

• $156,848 - $198,816

Total Compensation Estimator available at https://tools.slc.gov/totalcompensation/

This position is eligible for full city benefits, including:

• Health Insurance (95% of premium paid by city)
• Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
• Paid vacation and personal leave
• Six to Twelve weeks of paid parental leave from day 1 of employment
• Retirement contributions toward a pension plan and/or 401(k)
• A robust Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)
• Up to $4,000 tuition reimbursement annually
• Discounted supplemental benefits like pet insurance and legal services

IMPORTANT: Open until filled. Early application submittal is encouraged. Interviews may begin the week of September 25.  Position may be filled and close at any time without notice.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepares ordinances, resolutions, contracts, and memoranda for study and consideration by City Attorney and/or other City officials.
• Represents the city in civil proceedings in all federal and state courts and in administrative agencies.
• Prepares and reviews legal opinions and advises city officials, department heads, boards, commissions, and employees on legal questions. Represents the city through the mayor and city council, as well as department heads and other employees.
• May be assigned to any legal work in the City Attorney’s Office. Responsible for highly complex legal work. May instruct and direct subordinate professional and clerical employees. Majority of assignments are usually specialized and involve specific assignments and responsibilities for advising a particular department or in a specialized area of legal expertise. 
• Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Qua