Full-Time Attorney I, II or III

GENERAL PURPOSE

Performs entry-level professional legal work under the supervision of the City Attorney in support of the City's criminal prosecution and civil legal services. Receives assignments involving routine and moderately complex legal matters. Provides legal advice, representation, and other legal services to Layton City in assigned matters, including litigation, legal research, drafting legal documents, and advising City departments, boards, commissions, and officials.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Promotes and follows the City's mission statement, values and expectations.

Performs a variety of entry-level professional legal duties under the direction of the City Attorney. Assignments may include criminal prosecution, civil legal services, or both, depending on the operational needs of the City and the attorney's knowledge, skills, abilities, experience, and demonstrated competence.

Prosecutes criminal misdemeanor and infraction cases as assigned; reviews criminal investigations; files formal charges; prepares pleadings, motions, and briefs; conducts discovery; negotiates resolutions; appears in court; presents evidence and legal argument; and performs related prosecutorial duties.

Provides legal advice and assistance to City departments, boards, commissions, and staff as assigned; conducts legal research; prepares legal opinions, contracts, ordinances, resolutions, policies, and other legal documents; reviews proposed actions for legal compliance; and represents the City in civil matters, administrative proceedings, or litigation, as assigned.

Researches and interprets federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and court decisions to ensure compliance and to support City operations.

Assists in reviewing City policies, procedures, ordinances, and programs; recommends revisions to ensure compliance with applicable laws and sound municipal practices.

Attends professional training, continuing legal education, and other meetings to maintain professional competence and remain current on legal developments affecting municipal government.

Performs related or other duties as required.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Attorney I: $43.88 - $61.43

1. Education and Experience: 

A Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school;

AND

One (1) year of progressively responsible legal experience through internships, clerkships, externships, or the practice of law

 

Attorney II: $47.39 - $66.35

1. Education and Experience: 

A Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school;

AND

A minimum of three (3) years of experience as a full time attorney

 

Attorney III: $51.18 - $71.66

1. Education and Experience:

A Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school;

AND

A minimum of five (5) years of experience as a prosecutor or litigator in a District Court or civil trial and has appellate experience;

 

2. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Working knowledge of:

• Federal, state, and local laws, regulations, ordinances, and legal principles applicable to municipal government.
• Utah Code, constitutional provisions, municipal ordinances, and applicable case law.
• Rules of civil procedure, criminal procedure, and evidence.
• Legal research methods and legal writing techniques.
• Principles of municipal law, public administration, and governmental operations.
• Criminal law and prosecution practices, as applicable to assigned duties.

 

Skill in:

• Conducting legal research and analysis.
• Preparing pleadings, motions, briefs, contracts, ordinances, resolutions, legal opinions, and other legal documents.
• Presenting legal arguments and representing the City in court and administrative proceedings.
• Managing multiple assignments and meeting deadlines.

Ability to:

• Analyze complex legal issues and provide sound legal advice and recommendations.
• Interpret and apply statutes, regulations, ordinances, and case law.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, judges, prosecutors, law enforcement personnel, City employees, boards, commissions, and the public.
• Exercise sound judgment, professionalism, and discretion in handling confidential and sensitive matters.

 

3. Special Qualifications:

Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Utah

Or

Obtain that license within 6 months from the date of employment.

Must possess a valid Utah Driver's License.

 

4. Work Environment:

Work is performed primarily in a standard office environment and courtroom setting. Duties require frequent sitting, standing, walking, speaking, hearing, reading, and using a computer and other standard office equipment. Incumbents must be able to prepare and review legal documents, conduct legal research, attend meetings, and appear in court. Occasional lifting of files or materials weighing up to approximately 20 pounds may be required. Periodic travel is required to attend court proceedings, meetings, training, and other official business.