Assistant/Deputy City Attorney

Full Job Description

The City Attorney's Office represents the city, the School Board, the Retirement System, the Community Services Board, the Chrysler Museum, and other boards and commissions in all legal matters.

The office defends its clients in all litigation, files suits on behalf of its clients, prepares sound legislation for consideration by City Council, provides impartial advice, prepares contracts and provides such other legal services as necessary.

The Norfolk City Attorney’s Office has multiple openings to join its office at either the Assistant City Attorney or Deputy City Attorney level.

The successful candidates will provide legal services to city departments, agencies, City Council, and related entities in a wide variety of practice areas particular to local government.

Requirements

Essential Functions include, but are not limited to:

Depending on the experience of the candidates and the ongoing operational needs of the Office, successful candidates may provide legal services in one or more of the following areas:

TRANSACTIONAL MATTERS: Real estate development, general real estate, leasing, land use, zoning, eminent domain/condemnation, government contract compliance, construction contracts and claims, procurement, grant compliance issues, and general business matters, including negotiating and drafting real estate purchase and development agreements, leases, franchise agreements, and contracts, and providing advice regarding and interpretation of contracts.

Some related litigation and other business-related litigation, such as collection, tax, and bankruptcy litigation, may be involved.

LITIGATION: General civil litigation in federal and state courts, prosecution of City Code violations, and enforcement of matters of interest to the city, including proceedings pertaining to regulatory matters, and other federal, state, and local administrative proceedings. Duties may also involve the provision of pre-litigation counseling and advice in the assigned legal areas and/or to the assigned City departments and agencies.

LEGAL COUNSEL: Representation of various boards and commissions, interpretation and drafting of codes, statutes, regulations, ordinances, and policies, and provision of legal advice regarding the applicability of constitutional, statutory, and regulatory provisions to local governance and administrative issues.

EDUCATION LAW: Provide legal opinions and policy advice and guidance, and handle related administrative proceedings, with respect to public school matters, including, but not limited to, special education, student discipline, personnel, operations, FERPA, Freedom of Information Act requests, and/or other matters unique to public education systems.

SOCIAL SERVICES: Representation of the Norfolk Department of Human Services in administrative and litigation matters, including, but not limited to, matters in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court and Circuit Court, appellate matters in the Court of Appeals and Supreme Court of Virginia, and representation of the Department in administrative appeals. The attorney will provide legal advice in connection with child abuse and neglect, foster care, and adult protective services. The attorney will be responsible for other duties as assigned, including, but not limited to, Freedom of Information Act requests, records requests, review of HIPAA rules and regulations, handling of subpoenas for witnesses and documents related to social service matters, review and preparation of contracts, interpretation and drafting of codes, statutes, regulations, ordinances, and policies, and provision of legal advice regarding the applicability of constitutional, statutory, and regulatory provisions to local governance and administrative issues.

Qualifications

Two or more years of experience in the desired practice area preferred:

• Admission to Virginia State Bar required. Local government experience preferred.

• Position and salary commensurate with experience.

• Generous and comprehensive benefits package.

• Eligible new hires will be participants with the Virginia Retirement System (VRS).

Additional Information

Work Location: 810 Union Street, Suite 900, Norfolk, VA 23510