Deputy City Attorney - Civil Lit

The City of Battle Creek is looking for a Deputy City Attorney to perform complex skilled technical work representing the City in prosecution and defense of civil actions brought by and against the City, assisting with prosecution of criminal actions, draft City ordinances or amendments, prepare and/or review of a wide range of contracts, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work involves setting policies and goals under the direction of the City Attorney. Coordination and/or supervision of work of Assistant City Attorney/Prosecutor, and support staff.

• Lead attorney representing the City, its officials, and employees in civil litigation actions brought by or against the City on a wide range of law, including but not limited to civil rights, torts, land use, tax and contracts. This includes preparation of complaints, answers, motions, briefs, discovery documents, interviewing clients, taking depositions, making court appearances, supervising outside counsel and, preparing and trying cases and appeals, and negotiating and making recommendation to City Commission and Administration for settlement.
• Conducts legal research and formulates responses to City-related legal inquiries, on any subject including liability matters, from the City Commission, City Officials, City Departments and other City Boards Commissions and Authorities.
• Supervises and assists in the work of the City Prosecution staff.
• Assists in the development of and implementation of the Departmental budget.
• Keep up to date on changes in the law related to municipalities in order to recommend and implement changes in policy, procedure, and City ordinances to stay in compliance with the law.
• Draft and/or review contracts defining rights/responsibilities between the City and any person, agency, company, or organization with which the City has the authority to enter into a contract.
• Draft municipal ordinances, deeds, easements, licenses and other legal documents.
• Attend City Commission, as well as other City board, council, and commission meetings to act as legal and/or parliamentary advisor.
• Serves as the City Attorney Office representative on job related boards and committees, as necessary.
• Ability to interface with local, state and federal agencies and officials on varied legal issues.
• Act as City Attorney in City Attorneys absence.

• Graduation from a college or university of recognized standing with a baccalaureate degree and a Juris Doctorate or Bachelor of Laws degree from an American Bar Association accredited law school and active membership in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan.
• 5 years experience in the practice of law.
• 3 years trial experience in civil litigation; federal court and civil rights actions preferred.
• 3 years experience in the practice of municipal law preferred.
• 3 years experience handling issues related to the Michigan Constitution, Michigan statutory law, and federal laws, as they relate to municipalities, preferably Home Rule cities.

Special Requirements:

• Valid drivers license in the State of Michigan.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions:
This work is sedentary and requires little to no exertion of force; work regularly requires sitting, bending, reaching, hand dexterity (grasping, holding, keyboarding, repetitive movements), reading, writing, eye-hand coordination, seeing (near and/or far, color, depth, field of vision), hearing, talking, using the telephone, contact with government officials and the general public, working overtime, and working inside and outside. Ability to work evenings and early morning as needed, and to travel occasionally for litigation and training purposes.