Job Title
Assistant City Attorney
Company
City of Madison
Job Description
General Description
The Office of the City Attorney is seeking a qualified candidate for the position of Assistant City Attorney. This position will be part of a two-attorney team designated to handle economic development, real estate and affordable housing transactions and loans; tax incremental financing negotiations and agreements; public housing and redevelopment matters; community development projects and grants; state and federal funding sources and programs; and municipal bond issuance.
This is an advanced level position requiring responsible professional legal work in the City Attorney’s Office, excellent communication skills, and sound legal judgment. The employee may be assigned diverse legal activities including providing legal advice to City officials, agencies, and bodies; drafting and reviewing legislation, legal opinions, contracts, and other documents; conducting civil litigation; and other general law practice consistent with the needs of the organization. This class encompasses all non-managerial team positions engaged in professional legal work within the City Attorney’s office. Work is performed with varying degrees of independence as employees gain necessary proficiencies.
The City Attorney’s Office is committed to creating opportunities for staff to gain subject matter experience through training in a professionally and culturally supportive environment
Starting pay will be $84,588.66 for a selected candidate who has less than three (3) years of related legal experience.
Starting pay will be $89,322.48 for a selected candidate who has three (3) or more years of related legal experience.
Relocation expenses are negotiable. This position will receive a 2% base pay increase in July 2024. Step increases will occur on an annual basis upon an employee’s completion of their probationary period. Longevity pay provisions take effect beginning with the 5th year of continuous employment.
Employees may be eligible for loan forgiveness through the .
IMPORTANT: YOU MUST ATTACH YOUR RESUME, COVER LETTER, AND A WRITING SAMPLE IN THE ATTACHMENTS SECTION OF YOUR APPLICATION.
- Your cover letter (maximum of two (2) pages) should describe your qualifications for this position – include experiences, skills, and qualifications related to the subject matter and duties of the position, and your understanding of and/or experience with racial equity and social justice principles.
- The writing sample may be an excerpt from a legal brief, article, or memorandum that you have written.
**APPLICATIONS RECEIVED WITHOUT AN ATTACHED RESUME, COVER LETTER, AND WRITING SAMPLE WILL IMMEDIATELY BE ELIMINATED FROM CONSIDERATION**
The City of Madison is an equal opportunity employer functioning under an affirmative action plan. We value diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Black, Indigenous, people of color, women, trans, nonbinary, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply!
Examples of Duties and Responsibilities
Provide ongoing legal support regarding applicable law, policies, procedures, and initiatives to City officials, agencies, boards, and commissions as assigned, including the Economic Development Division, Community Development Division, Community Development Authority (CDA), Madison Revitalization and Community Development Corporation (MRCDC), Engineering Division, Finance Department, and City Assessor’s Office:
- Provide advice and counsel to City staff and members of City bodies regarding economic development, real estate, and tax incremental financing policies, projects, development agreements, and loans; community development projects and grants; affordable housing development and loans; public housing matters; redevelopment authority matters; municipal bonds; and asset management of City, CDA, and MRCDC Authority-owned properties.
- Respond to inquiries from elected officials, the media, and the public.
- Review and draft documents including contracts, reports, and legal opinions.
- Complete legal research and present conclusions in concise and convincing fashion.
- Represent the City, CDA, and MRCDC in negotiations for real estate and development transactions with developers, property owners, lenders, and other government agencies, and negotiate the terms of corresponding documents.
- Serve as back-up attorney regarding City economic development and tax incremental financing projects, development agreements, and loans.
Provide legislative counsel and support to assigned agencies and City bodies:
- Draft ordinances and resolutions as requested by City agencies and officials.
- Respond to inquiries from elected officials, the media, and the public regarding current or proposed ordinances and resolutions.
- Research possible legislative options and solutions to support City goals and initiatives.
Prepare and present pleadings, briefs and other court papers in connection with administrative hearings and civil trial litigation:
- Prepare, review, and file all necessary pleadings, briefs, and other legal papers on a timely basis for administrative hearings and civil litigation.
- Consult and coordinate with City officials and agencies regarding legal representation and prepare witness examinations.
- Represent City agencies and officials in hearings, trials, and appellate proceedings and present legal arguments in court or administrative proceedings.
Complete other duties as assigned by the City Attorney or their designee
Minimum Qualifications
Graduation from an accredited law school.
AND
- Two (2) years of experience related to the following:
- Federal, state, and/or local laws governing real estate or economic development (for example: real estate and affordable housing transactions and loans; tax incremental financing negotiations and agreements;
public housing and redevelopment matters; community development projects and grants; state and federal funding sources and programs; or
municipal bond issuance); AND * Racial and social equity principles and practices.
The City of Madison strives to provide exceptional customer service to all its residents and visitors. Therefore, successful candidates will have demonstrated ability to work effectively with multicultural communities or can articulate an understanding of cultural competency.
For a list of the knowledge, skills, and abilities, please view the .
Special Requirements
Admission to the bar in the State of Wisconsin upon appointment.
Ability to meet the transportation requirements of the position. This position may require occasional travel within Dane County. Travel alternatives that do not require a driver’s license are available.
Physical Requirements:
Work is sedentary in nature and is generally performed in an office environment using office equipment such as telephone, computer, copier, calculator, etc. Stand up desks are available.
The City of Madison offers excellent pay and benefits for employees. City Ordinances, handbooks, and labor contracts provide specifics; the description here is not to be considered a binding statement but offers an informal summary.
Compensation
The City of Madison strives to pay competitive wages. View the current for pay for all classifications. Employees receive increases based on tenure with the City.
Benefits
The City offers a competitive benefits package, including a generous leave package, a variety of insurance options, and non-traditional benefits such as optional pet insurance, a bus pass for all employees, and the possibility of flexible work schedules. A brief summary of benefits is listed below. Please visit our for more information.
Leave
Vacation is earned upon starting employment and can be used after completion of probation. The general vacation schedule is below.
0-3 years 10 work days of vacation
After 3 years 12-1/2 days
After 7 years 15 days
After 11 years 17-1/2 days
After 15 years 20 days
After 19 years 25 days
After 27 years 27 days
Employees earn 3.5 personal days in addition to vacation.
Employees receive eight official paid holidays (New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day), as well as 3 paid leave days (the Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve).
Employees also earn 13 sick days annually that may accrue to a total of 150 days.
Retirement
The City of Madison participates in the Wisconsin Retirement System through the State of Wisconsin Department of Employee Trust Funds.
Insurance
The City of Madison offers a variety of optional insurance programs including:
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Pet Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Income Continuation Insurance (for short and long-term disability)
- Long Term Care Insurance
Other Benefits
The City offers numerous other benefits and programs for employees, including:
- 457(b) deferred compensation plans
- Employee Assistance Program
- Bus Pass on Madison Metro
- Flexible Work Schedules
- Employer-paid Training
Expected Salary
$84588.66 – 89322.48 per year
Location
Madison, WI
Job Posting Date
Sat, 20 Jan 2024 04:57:21 GMT