Assistant / Senior Assistant City Attorney

Summary

The City of Bend is currently accepting applications for one (1) regular, full-time attorney position. Depending on the experience and skills of the successful applicant, the candidate selected will fill either an Assistant City Attorney position or a Senior Assistant City Attorney position. This opportunity is non-represented and is FLSA Exempt (overtime ineligible).

This recruitment is seeking an Assistant City Attorney or Senior Assistant City Attorney as defined below. Candidates will qualify for either Assistant City Attorney or Senior Assistant City Attorney depending on the amount of similar and/or relevant experience the candidate possesses, as outlined in the minimum qualifications section. The Salary Schedule for each position is available to view here (Assistant City Attorney in the M7.5 wage grade; Senior Assistant City Attorney in the M8.5 wage grade).

Initial, virtual interviews are anticipated to be conducted in early December.

To be considered for this position, applicants must have a complete application that includes all of the following items:

• The online application via NeoGov (access also available on City of Bend website under Human Resources/Job Openings)
• Attached formal Cover Letter (required)
• Attached formal Resume (required)
• Attached valid Credentials, Certifications and Licensing (if applicable)
  
  

Applicants must provide certification that they are a veteran or disabled veteran to receive veteran's preference. For more information click here .

Applications received by Wednesday, November 20, 2024 (11/20/2024) at 12:00 pm (noon) Pacific Time will be given preference for initial review, but the position will remain open until filled.

Position Summary

Reporting to the City Attorney, the Assistant / Senior Assistant City Attorney provides professional legal services to the City Council, City Manager, City staff, boards, and commissions; provides legal advice; researches and creates legal documents and opinions; and represents the City before courts, administrative agencies and other forums. The City of Bend is a growing and dynamic city with varied and often complex legal issues and employs a team approach to leadership and high-quality performance. The City Attorney's office is an integral part of the City Manager's leadership team.

Functions, Duties And Responsibilities

Essential Functions Include:

The information provided below encompasses the essential functions and capabilities linked with this position.

Duties And Responsibilities

The individual in this position is expected to engage in the following work-related activities.

Assistant City Attorney

• Provide professional legal services to the City under direction of the City Attorney and Senior Assistant City Attorneys.
• As directed by the City Attorney, attend City Council, Planning Commission and other City committee meetings or work sessions to address legal issues and provide advice on compliance with public meetings, records and ethics law, and meeting/hearing procedures.
• Participate in meetings with and respond to legal questions from City staff, applicants/developers, community members and other agencies relating to City business, and legal advice related to implementation of Council goals and City and department strategic plans.
• Review documents for City staff; assist or take lead in competently drafting contracts, deeds, ordinances, resolutions, intergovernmental agreements, property transaction documents and legal memoranda; .
• Provide day-to-day legal advice to the City Manager, City department heads and staff including Community & Economic Development, Engineering, Police, Fire, Finance, Equity & Accessibility, Communications, City Recorder, Code Enforcement, Municipal Court, Procurement, Water Services, Transportation & Mobility, Airport, and Affordable Housing.
• As directed by the City Attorney, participate in litigation involving the City, including proceedings in Municipal Court, Land Use Board of Appeals; Circuit Court, District Court and Appellate Court. Typical duties include research and trial preparation, drafting of pleadings, motions and briefs, and oral argument.
• Comply with safety requirements of the position and actively promote safe work practices.
• In an emergency event or an officially declared State of Emergency, responds as directed to ensure the restoration of essential public services, facilities, and infrastructure.
• Performs related duties as necessary to achieve the objectives of the position.
  
  

Senior Assistant City Attorney

• All duties and responsibilities outlined in the Assistant City Attorney role
• Senior Assistant City Attorney may have leadership and mentoring opportunities and responsibilities.
• Attend City Council , Planning Commission and other public meetings or work sessions as directed by the City Attorney; provide legal advice as requested and provide advice on compliance with public meetings, records and hearings procedures.
• Participate in meetings with staff, applicants, citizens and others related to City business. Act as lead attorney for various departments as assigned by the City Attorney. Review documents, assist in developing contracts, agreements, deeds, ordinances, resolutions, intergovernmental agreements, property transaction documents, and legal memoranda, to assure legal protection for the City in conformance with applicable local, state and federal laws.
• As directed by the City Attorney, participate in civil litigation involving the City, including matters before the Land Use Board of Appeals, Municipal Court, Circuit Court, District Court and Appellate Court as assigned. Research and prepare or defend cases, draft legal pleadings, motions and briefs, oral argument, recommend decisions regarding litigation strategy.
• Work closely with the City Attorney and City Manager to provide legal advice to all City departments, implement City strategic planning and Council goals. Cover Council meetings as lead attorney when City Attorney is not available,
• Fundamentally, advance and protect the interests of the City and its citizens in all matters in a growing, increasingly complex city.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills And Qualifications

Skill Profile

The individual in this position is expected to possess and exhibit the following knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Assistant City Attorney

• Knowledge of legal principles and understanding of Oregon law, or ability to learn quickly. Some experience in LUBA, circuit court, municipal court and/or federal court desirable, but not required.
  
  

Senior Assistant City Attorney

Knowledge Of:

• Practices and principles of municipal law, including Oregon Open Meetings Act and Public Records Act and ethics law;
• Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, statutes, administrative rules and case law governing municipalities and municipal activities, including land use (current and long-term planning) and code enforcement, Americans with Disabilities Act, employment and risk management, public purchasing and contracting laws and regulations.
• Specialized knowledge in multiple designated legal areas which may include law, regulations and policies related to: annexation and growth management, employment and labor relations, water, stormwater, utilities, real estate, contracts, transportation engineering, infrastructure planning, finance, police, fire and public works.
  
  

Skill In:

• Modeling and promoting trust, integrity and professionalism;
• Researching, interpreting and credibly explaining policies, procedures, codes, laws, and regulations;
• Working independently and comfortably in areas of responsibility;
• Reviewing, interpreting and advising on contractual and lease terms and conditions;
• Problem solving and risk assessment (analyzing situations, identifying alternative solutions, projecting consequences of actions, and recommending appropriate actions);
• Handling and multiple tasks simultaneously or prioritizing effectively;
• Quickly learning and grasping new concepts without a great deal of training;
• Receiving work direction and organizing time effectively;
• Making persuasive legal presentations and arguments;
• Making presentations, preparing reports and maintaining records;
• Communicating effectively both orally and in writing with diverse customers, employees, department heads, contractors, other agencies, public officials and the general public;
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with employees, public officials, other agencies and the general public;
• Participating in a team approach to analyzing and solving city legal problems and issues; and
• Physically performing the essential job functions.
  
  

Ability Requirements

The following capabilities are required to perform the essential functions of this position.

• Researching, interpreting and credibly explaining policies, procedures, codes, laws, and regulations;
• Drafting and interpreting legal documents and making presentations;
• Taking initiative and being innovative in approaches on legal issues under the direction of the City Attorney;
• Problem solving and risk assessment (analyzing situations, identifying alternative solutions, projecting consequences of actions, and recommending appropriate actions); Handling multiple tasks simultaneously;
• Quickly learning and grasping new concepts without a great deal of training;
• Receiving work direction and organizing time effectively;
• Seeing connections between clients, skill in providing proactive advice and helping clients think long-term;
• Communicating effectively both orally and in writing with diverse customers, employees, department heads, contractors, other agencies, public officials, courts and administrative tribunals, and the general public;
• Working effectively in a public and political setting, particularly with the City Council;
• Establishing and maintaining the confidence and trust of varied clients in multiple city departments, public officials, other agencies and the general public;
• Participating in a team approach to analyzing and solving City legal problems and issues;
• Ability to coordinate and participate in litigation; and
• Physically performing the essential job functions.
  
  

Education, Experience, Certifications And/or Licenses

The following are the qualifications for this position.

Assistant City Attorney

Minimum Qualifications

• Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an accredited school of law
• Recent graduate or newer attorney (0-5 years) or equivalent experience that provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Member in good standing of the Oregon State Bar Association or ability to obtain within a reasonable amount of time following appointment.
• Current and valid Driver's license per City policies outlined in the Employee Handbook.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• At least one year of experience as a practicing attorney
• Some municipal or public sector law experience
  
  

Senior Assistant City Attorney

Minimum Qualifications

• Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an accredited school of law
• 4 to 5 years of experience as a practicing attorney, or equivalent experience that provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Member in good standing of the Oregon State Bar Association or ability to obtain within a reasonable amount of time following appointment.
• Current and valid Driver's license per City policies outlined in the Employee Handbook.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Some municipal or public sector law experience, specifically in the areas of land use, construction (capital improvements) and procurement, including general advice work for government, or for private entity clients that engage in public contracting or interact with government.
  
  

Classification Framework: ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY or SENIOR ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY

• To view the full Assistant City Attorney Classification framework, click here
• To view the full Senior Assistant City Attorney Classification framework, click here
  
  

Diversity & Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The City of Bend is committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion. At the City of Bend, we don't just accept differences; we value them. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and support the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act (ADAAA) and the Oregon Equal Pay Act.