Description

The primary responsibility of the City Attorney is to serve as legal counsel for the City of Rutland, its city officials, employees, boards and commissions.  The City Attorney supports the enforcement of city ordinances, regulations and by-laws and represents the City in civil litigation cases.  This is an appointed position which can be re-appointed every two (2) years and requires the approval of the Board of Aldermen. The starting range for this role is $107,133-$127,549 (DOE). Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance; HRA; basic life and accident insurance; employee assistance program; defined benefit plan through Vermont Municipal Employee Retirement System; optional 457-B Deferred Compensation Plan; 10 regular holidays and 4 floating holidays per year; and generous vacation and sick time.

Nestled in the heart of the Green Mountains, the City of Rutland is a vibrant and welcoming community with a rich history and a bright future. With a unique blend of small-town charm, a thriving downtown, and access to some of Vermont's most scenic landscapes and ski and bike trails, Rutland is the perfect place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their community while also enjoying all the outdoor and cultural amenities Vermont has to offer.  Want to learn more about Rutland County? Please visit realrutland.com. 

Requirements

Essential Duties:

—Serves as the chief legal counsel for the City of Rutland
—Performs thorough and accurate legal and policy research and analysis
—Provides general legal and policy advice to the Mayor, Board of Aldermen, and City Departments as well as various city boards and commissions
—Drafts and reviews legal documents (including agreements and contracts), ordinances, and other rules and regulations
—Performs the role of lead negotiator during collective bargaining discussions with the City's four (4) bargaining units. Handles pre-work and preparation in advance of negotiations.
—Works with Human Resources to review, revise, and draft work place policies
—Provides support and counsel to Human Resources, Mayor, department heads, and union leadership to resolve grievances and other employee relations issues
—Reviews and coordinates responses to all public record requests received by the City of Rutland
—Ensures compliance with matters such as Open Meeting Laws; Municipal Ethics, etc
—Negotiates and prepares documents for real estate transactions and provide legal advice relating to development activities involving the city
—Represents the City during litigation including all aspects of pleadings, discovery, negotiation, settlement, trial and appeals
—Procures outside legal counsel either directly or in consultation with representatives of the Vermont League of Cities and Towns to address specific or specialized concerns and issues
—Regularly attends board and commission meetings for purposes of providing real-time advice and guidance
—Prepares or oversees the preparation of resolutions and related communications for action by the boards and committees
—Coordinates covered insurance claims and lawsuits with the City’s insurance carrier
—Performs duties of traffic Court Judge
—Develops and administers the budget for the Legal Department
—Supervises legal department staff including legal interns, administrative support and Assistant City Attorney

Minimum Qualifications:

—Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school or a Bachelor’s Degree and completion in a law office study program, including at least five (5) years of extensive experience in legal practice.  Public law practice experience preferred.  
—Licensed to practice law in the state of Vermont.
—Must be able to effectively and accurately draft memoranda, litigation documents, agreements, new ordinances and policy initiatives.
—Prior supervisory experience leading a team of 2-3 individuals.  Ability to plan, coordinate and effectively supervise work of others.
—Must be able to provide constructive feedback aimed at helping employees improve their job performance and development.
—Demonstrates above average knowledge and skill with Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe.  
—A high degree of accuracy, neatness, integrity, tact and courtesy.
—Ability to learn and comprehend laws, ordinances, codes and regulations applicable to the operations of the municipality.
—Ability to plan, develop and implement office procedures and make decisions regarding priorities and work schedules.
—Must be able to work in a team environment, while also being self-directed.
—Must have strong verbal and written communication skills.
—Must be able to interact well with office staff and the public.
—Must be able to work evenings to attend committee and board meetings.
—Must be comfortable with public speaking and making presentations.
—Complies with punctuality and attendance expectations of the department.  Schedules time off appropriately and ensures that office is adequately staffed at all times during operating hours.
—Must have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
—Must be capable of successfully completing a background check.

This job description outlines the primary duties and responsibilities of the role, but is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and tasks. The incumbent may be required to undertake additional responsibilities as needed to support the overall objectives of the City of Rutland. City of Rutland is an Equal Opportunity Employer.