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Assistant City Attorney- Civil Division

City of Duluth

Posted 6 months ago

Job Posting Information

The City of Duluth seeks an Assistant City Attorney to join our Civil Division team!

The Office of the City Attorney is committed to providing excellent legal services, advice and representation to the City, City Authorities, Commissions and officials and staff, and honoring the highest principles of the legal profession.

At the direction of the City Attorney, and under the general supervision of the Deputy City Attorney, Civil Division, the Assistant City Attorney position performs professional legal work, primarily in the areas of economic development, land use and zoning, real estate, environmental, transactional and contract law.   Experience in these or related subject areas is preferred.
 
Duluth is a four-season city with 11,000 acres of green space alongside the shores of Lake Superior, located just two hours north of the Twin Cities.  Voted Outside magazine’s Best Town in 2014, Duluth offers adventures such as hiking, skiing, hunting, boating, biking, and much more.  Duluth also boasts a vibrant arts culture, home to art museums, performance centers, community and college theater productions, and numerous festivals throughout the year; and competitive sports including nationally ranked collegiate teams.
 
Essential Duties & Responsibilities (other duties may be assigned)

  • Advise on civil legal issues at all stages of transactional matters, including negotiating, drafting and reviewing contracts and related documents, assist in drafting and reviewing ordinances and resolutions.
  • Perform general legal research and prepare written and oral opinions on various legal issues for City Council, City departments, City Authorities, and various boards and commissions.
  • Establish and maintain positive working relationships.
  • Assist with employment-related matters including hiring, disciplining, and employment benefits.
  • Advise on labor law issues and attend labor negotiations. 
  • Represent the City Attorney’s Office at various City Council, Authority, and board and commission meetings and render legal advice on agenda items.
  • Represent the City, its Authorities and their officers and employees in court and administrative hearings as required.
  • Represent the City, its Authorities and their officers and employees in negotiations with outside parties as required.
  • Respond to inquiries from various City departments, Authorities, and boards and commissions.
  • Assist with responding to data practices requests.
  • Periodic work onsite at night and/or on weekends may be required.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Must be admitted to practice law in Minnesota and in good standing. 
  • General understanding of principles and practices related to municipal law as applicable to assigned areas of responsibility.
  • Knowledge of local ordinances, state laws, established precedents, and legal reference sources as well as methods of legal research.
  • Ability to deal respectfully and effectively with people from all cultures.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Selection Process Information

Please include a cover letter, resume, and proof of legal education with your application.

 Probation period: 12 months
Job number: H23143

Non-Discrimination
The City of Duluth is an equal opportunity and veteran-friendly employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status with regard to public assistance, disability, genetic information, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Alternative Exam Process (does not apply to Charter Appointment, provisional, temporary, or part-time non-union selections)
For individuals who qualify under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), alternative examination processes are available on an individual basis upon prior arrangement. Contact Human Resources at 218-730-5210, as soon as possible prior to the scheduled date of the exam. TDD services are available through 218-730-5630.

Work Eligibility
In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the City of Duluth requires verification of identity and work eligibility at the point of hire.

Right to Appeal (does not apply to Charter Appointment, provisional, temporary, or part-time non-union selections)
Any applicant who has been found qualified to participate in a selection process for a position in the classified service who has reason to contest the validity or fairness of any step in the selection process may appeal to the Civil Service Board within 10 calendar days of the examination. (If the examination is an Education/Experience Review, the applicant must appeal within 10 calendar days of the closing date for accepting applications.) The notice of appeal shall be in writing, shall contain a complete statement of the matter in controversy and the relief requested, and shall be signed and dated by the appellant. The notice shall be addressed to the Civil Service Board and be delivered to the Human Resources Office. If an applicant wishes to file an appeal electronically, the notice should be sent by email to hrinformation@duluthmn.gov.

VETERAN’S PREFERENCE
Does not apply to Charter Appointment, provisional, seasonal, temporary, or part-time non-union selections


OPEN SELECTIONS
If claiming veteran’s preference, please attach to your application (via file upload) a copy of all documents required for the option that applies to you:

Veteran
1.) “Member Copy 4” DD214 or DD215 indicating an honorable discharge.

Disabled Veteran
1.) “Member Copy 4” DD214 or DD215 indicating an honorable discharge;
2.) FL-802, FL 21-802, or letter of disability or equivalent from USDVA Board’s written decision of a compensation rating of 10% or greater, dated within 12 months.

Spouse of Disabled Veteran
1.) Copy of Marriage Certificate;
2.) “Member Copy 4” DD214 or DD215 indicating an honorable discharge;
3.) FL-802, FL 21-802, or letter of disability or equivalent from USDVA Board’s written decision of a compensation rating of 10% or greater, dated within 12 months. (Eligible only if the veteran is unable to qualify for the specific position being applied for as a result of the service-connected disability.)

Spouse of Deceased Veteran
1.) Copy of Marriage Certificate;
2.) Death Certificate or other proof of death;
3.) “Member Copy 4” DD214 or DD215 indicating an honorable discharge. If Disabled Veteran, also include
4.) FL-802, FL 21-802, or letter of disability or equivalent from USDVA Board’s written decision of a compensation rating of 10% or greater, dated within 12 months. (Eligible only if applicant has not remarried and the veteran died during active duty or as a result of an injury received from active duty.)

Veteran’s preference points will be added only if the applicant successfully completes all phases of the exam process and Human Resources has received all supporting documentation.


PROMOTIONAL OR INTERNAL SELECTIONS
If claiming veteran’s preference, please attach to your application (via file upload) a copy of the documents listed below:

Disabled Veteran
1.) “Member Copy 4” DD214 or DD215 indicating an honorable discharge;
2.) FL-802, FL 21-802, or letter of disability or equivalent from USDVA Board’s written decision of a compensation rating of 50% or greater, dated within 12 months.

Veteran’s preference points will be awarded one time, on first promotional or internal only selection process after securing City employment, and only if the applicant successfully completes all phases of the exam process and Human Resources has received all supporting documentation.


Please refer to Minnesota Statute 197.455 for additional information about Veteran’s Preference. 

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