Assistant City Attorney III/IV

The City of Chesapeake is seeking an experienced individual to fill the role of Assistant City Attorney III/IV (Depending on Qualifications). The successful candidate will render high-level legal services to the City of Chesapeake and assist with oversight of departmental operations. This position would include litigation and transactional responsibilities. This may include prosecuting code violations in various courts, drafting ordinances, advising clients, or reviewing land development agreements. Legal experience in planning, zoning, and land development is preferred. Please highlight any relevant information in your application submission.

Duties and Responsibilities

Provides legal advice on complex issues to departments and agencies of the City; provides oral and written legal opinions.
Drafts ordinances, contracts, petitions, motions, orders, pleadings, resolutions, leases, deeds, license agreements, policies, writs and other legal documents.
Reviews, revises, and approves proposed ordinances, contracts, policies, procedures, and other documents for legal sufficiency.
Provides legal representation to the City in judiciary and administrative proceedings, including trial and appellate work. Serves as “first chair” litigator in major court cases and manages significant caseload, including interviewing witnesses, preparing and reviewing exhibits, legal research, evidentiary motions.
Provides specific legal guidance and representation regarding land use and development to City staff in ongoing matters before the court and administrative and regulatory bodies.
Participates in mediation and pre-trial settlement conferences and makes recommendations to the City Attorney regarding proposed resolution of disputes.
Attends citizen meetings for purposes of responding to legal questions and providing legal explanation of City programs and issues.
Attends staff, commission, Council, Board, and other professional meetings to exchange information or provide legal counsel.
Facilitates major property acquisitions for City projects, including title work, document preparation, and condemnations. Conducts real estate closings.
Mediates disputes involving the City or any of its boards, commissions, or committees.
Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Required Skills

Assistant City Attorney III: In addition to satisfying the vocational/educational standard, this class requires a minimum of three years of related, full-time equivalent experience.
Assistant City Attorney IV: In addition to satisfying the vocational/educational standard, this class requires a minimum of four years of related, full-time experience in the practice of local government law or equivalent experience.

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:

Requires a Commonwealth of Virginia Law License, or eligibility for membership in the Virginia Bar.
Requires a valid driver’s license and a driving record that is in compliance with the City Driving Standards.