Assistant City Attorney I

Date Opened: Thursday, April 10, 2025 12:00 AM

Close Date: Wednesday, April 30, 2025 12:00 AM

Department: City Attorney Department

Salary: $93,973.93 - $117,467.41 Commensurate with Experience

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, specifically on matters involving the interpretation and application of the North Carolina Public Records Act, the statutes and regulations governing conflicts of interest in local government, the City Council’s and appointed Boards and Commissions’ Code of Ethics, and legal ethics. Additionally, this position is responsible for providing legal services and representation to the City’s appointed Quasi-Judicial Boards and Commissions. The position will be physically located at the Charlotte Mecklenburg Government Center.

Major Duties and Responsibilities: 
•    Advise the City Clerk’s Office, Communication and Marketing Department, and other City Departments on the interpretation and application of the North Carolina Public Records Act.
•    Collaborate with City leadership on the development of policies in compliance with North Carolina Public Records Act.
•    Review and analyze City records to properly advise on their status as public records.
•    Stay current on all relevant law governing conflicts of interest in appropriations, contracting, land use, and final decision-making by City Council and appointed Boards and Commissions.
•    Advise the City Attorney, Clerk’s Office, and other City Departments on the interpretation and application of the City Council’s and appointed Boards and Commissions’ Code of Ethics.
•    Advise the City Attorney and Deputy City Attorney on issues involving the North Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct applicable to attorneys.
•    Advise the City’s the Quasi-Judicial appointed Boards and Commissions on matters concerning statutory authority, due process, and subject-matter specific issues, including constitutional law and land use law.
•    Represent the City in appellate litigation arising from decisions of the appointed Quasi-Judicial Boards and Commissions in state courts.
•    Prepare records on appeal, pleadings, memoranda, briefs in pending litigation arising from decisions of the appointed Quasi-Judicial Boards and Commissions in state courts.
•    Appear and zealously defend the city in court as required, including at appellate arguments at the Mecklenburg County Superior Court and the North Carolina appellate courts. 
•    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, verbally and in writing, to other attorneys and City staff; and
•    Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal laws specific to municipalities.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
•    Considerable knowledge of constitutional, federal, state, and local laws affecting municipal government.
•    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.
•    Strong litigation, and collaboration skills.
•    Experience litigating in state courts and before administrative and quasi-judicial boards and commissions.
•    In-depth knowledge of local rules, judicial procedures, and rules of evidence.
•    Ability to prepare and litigate moderately complex civil cases; and
•    Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, colleagues, the public, elected and appointed officials, and stakeholders.
 

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 w