Description

Salary Range: $144,617.64 - $216,926.46/annually

*Starting salary is dependent upon qualifications, but in most cases is no higher than the midpoint for the range.

NATURE OF WORK:

The City Attorney reports to the City Manager and is responsible for providing sound and confidential legal advice to the Mayor, City Council, City Manager, and each of the City's departments. The Law Department advocates on the City's behalf in federal and State courts and before quasi-judicial bodies. The City Attorney must have a solid understanding of a broad array of legal matters related to constitutional law, land use and planning, public finance, employment, public works, public contracts and bidding, as well as the drafting of ordinances and resolutions. The City Attorney participates in the development and implementation of City goals, objectives, policies and priorities. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF WORK (Specific assignment may include some or all of the following):

• Counsels/advises the City Council on City rules and procedures and Robert’s Rules of Order.
• Drafts and/or reviews City ordinances, resolutions, contracts, purchases and all City Council agenda items. Researches and writes opinions on all areas of municipal law.
• Provides oral and/or written legal advice as requested or directed by the City Manager or City Council.
• Acts as City’s legal representative at administrative hearings before the City Boards, Committees and Commissions, and other State and City administrative boards when directed.
• Determines appropriate legal action when ordinances are violated; prosecutes Housing and Building Code violations at Circuit Court or administrative hearings.
• Negotiates and closes real estate transactions, clears title, drafts contracts, deeds, easements, covenants, leases and other real estate documents. Responsible for all City real estate tax matters including exemption, Certificate of Error, Annual Affidavit and proceedings before the Board of Review and the Board of Tax Appeals.
• Represents the City in litigation in state and federal court; engages in motion practice and trial work.
• Supervises prosecution of ordinance violations at administrative hearing/Circuit Court; supervises prosecution of traffic citations.
• Attends numerous night meetings which may include: City Council meetings, Rules Committee, standing committees of the City Council, and neighborhood meetings as needed.
• Recommends the Legal Department budget and supervises the professional and clerical employees.
• Assigns all in-house work activities, projects and programs; monitors work-flow; reviews and evaluates work products, methods and procedures.
• Performs other duties as required and/or assigned.

Requirements

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:

• Must possess a Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited school of law.
• Must possess eight (8) or more years of legal work experience, particularly in the field of municipal law, and must possess five (5) or more years of work experience in a supervisory capacity.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and a safe driving record.
• Must possess active license to practice law in the State of Illinois.
• Must possess active admission to the Federal Bar, preferably the Northern District Court of Illinois. Preferred candidate will possess admission to the Federal Trial Bar.
• Knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following areas:
  • Possession of substantive trial, litigation, and administrative hearing experience in state and federal court.
  • Thorough knowledge of state and federal laws and established precedents with emphasis on equal protection, due process and civil rights.
  • Thorough knowledge of Illinois municipal law and practice.
  • Thorough knowledge of Robert’s Rules of Order.
  • Knowledge of Illinois budget and appropriation statutes.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse group of “clients” and staff throughout the City and outside of the organization.
  • Ability to effectively represent the City in litigation when necessary.
  • Ability to multi-task and prioritize; ability to meet deadlines.
  • Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
  • Ability to manage and supervise professional and clerical staff.
  • Excellent organization, decision making, and time management skills.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills; ability to write clearly and concisely.
  • Ability to attend evening City Council meetings.

SUPERVISION:

Under the general direction of the City Manager, work is performed with minimal instruction and/or supervision, therefore incumbent must be self-motivated and capable of initiating and developing tasks on a regular basis.  Employee will work closely with key stakeholders in all areas within the City of Evanston.  The employee is responsible for completing the work in accordance with City policies and procedures.  Performance is reviewed at least annually. 

PUBLIC CONTACT:

The employee may provide direction to employees and the general public pursuant to direction of the City Manager.  The employee has regular contact with outside Counsel and vendors in order to share information and complete work assignments.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:

The ability to work in a primarily sedentary position, with the ability to occasionally use force to exert up to 10 pounds. The ability to lift, carry or otherwise move objects, books, materials, etc. using up to 15 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

The employee is subject to inside environmental conditions: protection from weather conditions, but not necessarily from indoor temperature changes.  Employee may travel between various City worksites in order to accomplish position goals.

There are no environmental hazards associated with this classification.

To apply for this position, please apply online at www.cityofevanston.org on or before the closing date.

Chosen candidates will be required to provide proof of licenses, certifications, and education required for this position.  Candidates will also be subject to qualifying pre-employment processes, including medical examination, drug/alcohol screen, employment verification, and criminal background check.

The City of Evanston is an equal opportunity employer and ensures against discrimination in employment on the basis of a person’s race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, housing status, or gender identity.  The City of Evanston is also committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities.  Any person needing mobility or communications access assistance should contact Human Resources at 847-448-8204 (voice) or 847-866-5095 (TTY).