Listing Summary

General Description

The purpose of this classification is to provide general guidance for potential candidate(s) and/or employees that are seeking or have been employed by the City of South Fulton (hereinafter “CoSF” or “City”) as it relates to providing legal services for the City. The legal services that this classification covers may include, but is not limited to, prosecuting or defending the City regarding pending or current litigation, researching, reviewing and interpretation of the relevant local, state or federal laws, provide legal counsel and advice, to City officials, staff and/or employees, prepare draft and review legal documents, supervision and manage legal matters and litigation, and other legal support as required.

Duties and Responsibilities

The job duties and/or responsibilities listed below are merely representative and the City Attorney may assign additional responsibilities related to the type of work of the position as necessary.

• Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff, processing employee concerns and problems, directing work, counseling, and/or completing employee performance appraisals as directed by the City Attorney.
• Coordinates daily work activities; organizes, prioritizes, and assigns work; monitors status of work in progress and inspects completed work; confers with assigned staff, assists with complex/problem situations, and provides technical expertise.
• Interprets, explains, applies, and ensures compliance with all applicable codes, laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures; initiates any actions necessary to correct deviations or violations.
• Consults with City Attorney, City Manager, Assistant City Manager, Mayor, City Council, department managers, outside counsel, and other officials to review operations/activities, review/resolve problems, receive advice/direction, and provide recommendations.
• Conducts legal research to identify current law and changes in law, to locate case authorities or other law, to identify precedents, or to locate other information; conducts research using electronic data or other sources, Internet sites, hardcopy materials, or other sources.
• Provides legal opinions, counsel, and advice on various matters to City Administration, Mayor, City Council, City Attorney, department managers, division heads, boards, committees, employees, or other City representatives in their official capacities.
• Drafts, reviews, and/or prepares a variety of legal documentation: drafts ordinances, resolutions, and amendments to effectuate directives and orders of City Council; researches and recommends modifications to City ordinances based on new laws and case holdings; reviews, interprets, and approves City contracts; negotiates contracts, franchises, and agreements with business and governmental entities; if and when applicable may draft and file real property deeds, easements, and other real estate documentation; if and when applicable may represent the City in actions against contractors and subcontractors involving City construction projects.
• Represents the City of South Fulton and its officials, boards, and committees in various aspects of litigation in state/federal courts and with administrative agencies where applicable.
• Coordinates and/or may oversee various litigation cases involving the City of South Fulton: where applicable may investigate the merits of and possibility of success for potential claims or actions against the City, its officials, and/or its employees; determines legal strategies to obtain favorable resolution of cases; proposes and considers settlements; drafts legal documentation and represents the City in court; monitors status of cases and provides status reports to City Attorney and/or City management.
• Assists the City Attorney in the operations and activities of the Legal Division: may be required to provide direction and/or supervision to legal staff; may be required to assist in making budgetary recommendations; may be required to assist in monitoring division expenditures to ensure compliance with approved budget.
• Prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, performance evaluations, legal opinions, annual reports, open record request responses, ordinances, policies, amendments, resolutions, code amendments, contracts, agreements, litigation documents, pleadings, legal advertisements, legal documents, or other documents as directed by the City Attorney.
• Reviews, if and when applicable various forms, reports, correspondence, job applications, invoices, budget reports, alcoholic beverage license applications, open records requests, draft correspondence, contracts, agreements, deeds, meeting minutes, official records, insurance forms, zoning maps, newspaper advertisements/notices, newsletters, legislative updates, laws, regulations, ordinances, policies, procedures, periodicals, journals, legal books, manuals, directories, research materials, reference materials, or other documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate.
• Communicates with City Attorney, City Administration, Mayor, City Council, other departments, employees, attorneys, outside counsel, judges, court personnel, vendors, developers, contractors, state/federal agencies, the public, outside agencies, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, resolve problems, or give/receive advice/direction.
• Attends meetings, serves on committees, and makes presentations as needed or directed by the City Attorney: attends meetings of the Mayor and City Council, other City boards and commissions, department head meetings, and division head meetings; attends and/or participates in City functions.
• Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge of applicable laws/regulations; maintains an awareness of new trends and advances in the profession; reads professional literature; maintains professional affiliations; participates in continuing education activities; attends bar meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions as appropriate.

Additional Functions

• Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

Requires a Juris Doctorate degree; at least five (5) years of law experience in municipal or local government; five (5) years as a member of the Georgia Bar Association; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Requires membership in good standing in the Georgia Bar Association.

ADA Compliance

Physical Ability:   Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds).  Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.

Sensory Requirements:   Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate visual cues or signals.   Some tasks require that ability to communicate orally.

Environmental Factors:   Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.