City Attorney

Under direction of the City Board and City Manager handles municipal court prosecution, and provides counsel, advice, and direction in all aspects of legal representation for the City of Bluefield.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities Serves as the Municipal Court Prosecutor and represents the City and its departments in all Municipal Court matters including cases on appeal to higher courts.
Serves as the attorney in responding to requests made under the Freedom of Information Act and is responsible for all other required correspondence, deadlines, and complaints.
Meets with citizens, other public officials, defense attorneys and the general public to discuss and negotiate resolution of municipal court cases.
Performs legal research; responsible for drafting and reviewing ordinances, letters, memoranda, contracts, leases, easements, correspondence, deeds, resolutions, affidavits, liens, releases, and other documents for legal review.
Stays informed of new and/or updated laws, court decisions, and regulations.
Provides legal advice, both verbally and in writing, to City Departments; makes determinations of application and legality of ordinances, policies, procedures, regulations and practices.
Attends court hearings; administrative hearings; settlement conferences; City Board meetings; special meetings; and work sessions as directed by the City Board or City Manager.
Must project a positive attitude and professional image of the City by providing accurate, timely and accessible information when dealing with city employee, officials, or members of the public; Performs other duties as assigned or required.
Requirements Juris Doctorate Degree is required.
Should have a minimum of 3 years as a licensed practicing attorney in West Virginia.
Prosecutorial and municipal law experience is preferred.
The successful candidate will undergo a background check and drug screen.
Required Knowledge Working knowledge of municipal law, local government, or state government law.
City organization, operations, policies and procedures.
City, county, state and Federal laws, regulations, codes and ordinances.
Current legislative, political, and economic trends in state and federal governmental activities.
Principles and practices of administrative and legal management including personnel rules/policies.
Correct English grammar, composition, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
Required Skills Ability to work in a fast-paced legal environment handling numerous, varied tasks and responsibilities with competing deadlines.
Ability to work well in coordination with other City employees.
Interpreting, understanding and applying laws and regulations, City policies and procedures, and applicable federal and state rules and regulations.
Using initiative and independent judgment within established legal and procedural guidelines.
Maintaining confidentiality as appropriate for the situation.
Collecting data, preparing reports, and effectively presenting statistical and conceptual information.
Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with City employees and Departments; law enforcement; local, state and regional agencies; and the general public.
Communicating clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing; preparing and presenting clear and concise documents and correspondence.
Maintaining cooperative working relationships with elected officials, employees, vendors, contractors, and the general public.
Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands; effective time management and resource utilization.
Operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of business software involving word processing, spreadsheets and report generation.
State and Federal rules of procedure and evidence.
Work Environment Most work will be performed at the City Hall Municipal Complex in an office setting, but will also require work outside of the office.
Some travel will be required.
Physical Demands The physical demands described here represent those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is subject to sit, stand, bend, reach, talk, see and hear.
Must be able to work irregular hours including evenings, weekends or holidays as necessary.
Will be required to work immediately before, during or immediately after an emergency or disaster.
Licenses Must be licensed to practice law in the State of West Virginia.
Possession of a valid Driver's License and an acceptable driving record.
Other Duties Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.
Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Rate of Pay Salary commensurate with experience.
Benefits Benefits package includes: health insurance, life insurance, retirement, vacation and sick pay, as well as supplemental options, including dental, vision and disability insurance.
Visit our Employee Benefits page.
To Apply Qualified and interested candidates should submit a resume, a minimum of three references and a cover letter with salary requirements.
Resumes may be emailed to: rluther@bluewv.
org.
Please include position applying for in the subject line.
You may also mail your resume to: Robert Luther Director of Human Resources City of Bluefield 200 Rogers Street Bluefield, WV 24701 The City of Bluefield is an Equal Opportunity Employer