Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

PURPOSE OF THE CLASSIFICATION:

Provides legal advice and representation; drafts and administers a variety of contracts for which the City is a party; conducts significant and complex legal research; drafts legal documents; conducts internal and external investigations; provides on-demand legal advice to city officials; acts in place of the City Attorney in his/her absence, and the absence of the Deputy City Attorney, as may be necessary.

ESSENTIAL TASKS:

• Evaluates claims against the City and, if appropriate, assumes primary responsibility for representation of the City in jury and non-jury trials before local, state and federal courts.
• Represents the City in adversarial proceedings before Municipal Court, District Court, Court of Civil Appeals, Oklahoma Supreme Court, Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals, the various United States Courts, state and federal, administrative agencies, boards and commissions, and at other hearings of concern to the City.
• Evaluates criminal citations issued by city enforcement officers and citizen complaints to determine prosecutorial merit.
• Interprets laws, rulings and regulations for City officials and staff.
• Directs the investigation of claims and complaints by or against the City and recommends a course of action to the appropriate authority.
• Performs complex legal research and prepares legal opinions regarding diverse matters relating to all areas of city government for the City Manager, City departments, boards and public officials.
• Approves ordinances, resolutions and contracts as to legality and form; provides legal advice as to substance. Performs duties as the Prosecutor of Muskogee City Code violations in Municipal Court.
• Drafts ordinances, resolutions, contracts, agreements, deeds, leases, franchises, etc.; reviews documents prepared by other agencies, departments or parties.
• Drafts legal briefs, develops strategy, arguments and reviews testimony in preparation for litigation.
• Attends City Council meetings to brief the Council regarding matters within the responsibility of the attorney.
• At the direction of the City Attorney, attends meetings of the City Council, trust authorities, boards or commissions at which legal advice may be necessary.
• Communicates and establishes effective working relationships with other City employees, managers, citizens, the court systems, contractors, vendors, state and federal officials and agencies through personal contact, telephone and written correspondence on matters of interest to the City.
• Prepares cases for trial and represents the City in court and before quasi-judicial or administrative agencies.
• Acts as legal counsel to boards and commissions as assigned by the City Attorney.
• Operates office equipment such as fax machines, copiers, and phone systems, and uses computers for spreadsheet, word processing, database management, and other applications; learns to operate new office technologies as they are developed and implemented.
• Performs other work as necessary and or as assigned.
• Must report to work on a regular and timely basis.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

The Assistant City Attorney reports directly to the City Attorney.

The Assistant City Attorney does not have any direct reports or supervisory responsibility, other than part time direction of the Legal Assistant, or as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS :

Training and Experience: Graduation from an ABA accredited law school with a Juris Doctor Degree andadmission* to practice law before the Supreme Court of Oklahoma; and the ability to be admitted to practice beforethe United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, and the United States Court of Appeals for theTenth Circuit within six months of employment; and 0-2 years of experience as a practicing attorney.

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills: This position requires significant written and oral communication skills, with the ability to present legal information to a variety of audiences in a clear and concise manner; Knowledge in the area of state and federal constitutional law affecting city government and civil rights matters. Knowledge of city ordinances and charter provisions particularly as relating to the authority and functions of city departments.Considerable knowledge of principles of contract law, municipal law, public finance law. Knowledge of established common law and judicial precedents and experience indicating a proven ability to use various sources of legal references. Ability to prepare and try cases before local, state and federal courts and administrative boards on an infrequent basis. Ability to prepare a wide variety of legal documents in the areas of contracts, real property, employment, public works, public funding and other areas of municipal concern on a frequent basis. Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, orally and in writing and to read, analyze and understand complex written documents. Skill in conducting computer-assisted research on complex legal problems using LexisNexis. Skill in operating the following tools and equipment: personal computer, including us of MS Word; calculator; telephone; copy machine. Ability to prepare and analyze comprehensive legal documents; ability to carry out assigned projects to their completion; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, City officials, the court system, outside agencies, contractors, vendors and the general public.

Physical Requirements: The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job in compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. On a case-by-case basis, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, arm and hand steadiness and finger dexterity will be needed enough to use a key board and telephone. Occasional sitting and standing is required. Occasional lifting and carrying of objects up to twenty (20) pounds. Occasional reaching, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crawling, twisting, handling and repetitive movements. Vision, speech, and hearing sufficient to perform essential tasks. Punctuality and attendance is essential. Must submit to drug screening and fitness to work physical exam.

Licenses and Certificates: Possession of a valid Oklahoma Class D driver's license is required. License to practice law in the State of Oklahoma and member in good standing with the OBA. *Consideration will also be given for recent graduates from an accredited law school who will sit for the July 2025 Bar Exam. However, employment will be conditioned upon successful passage of the Bar Exam and admission to the OBA.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Work in this classification is primarily indoors in an office environment. Will travel to other City locations as required.

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