City Attorney

The City of Battle Creek is looking for a City Attorney to provide professional direction and guides all legal matters of the City. The City Attorney shall act as legal advisor to and attorney and counsel for the Citys municipal corporation and all of its officers and department heads, including the City Commission and City Manager, as well as City employees, in matters relating to their official duties. Serves as Director of the Legal Department. This position is appointed by the City Commission and serves at the will of the Commission.

Applicant Notice:
The Human Resources Director shall require applicants complete an online application, submit a cover letter, at least two professional writing samples, as well as three professional references and widely publicize the available position.

• Oversees and guides the Citys legal affairs as directed by City Charter including but not limited to preparation of ordinances, resolutions, bonds, contracts and other legal documents and/or reviews such documents prepared by others.
• Directly handles or indirectly oversees all civil litigation actions brought by or against the City in state and federal court 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 city administration for settlement.
• Conducts legal research and formulates responses to City-related legal inquiries, on any subject, from the City Commission, City Officials, City Departments and other City Boards Commissions and Authorities; maintains awareness of 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.
• Drafts and/or reviews 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.
• Supervises, directs, assigns and delegates work among staff and ensures that legal assignments are performed appropriately. Manages the departmental budget of the City Attorneys office.
• Attends City Commission meetings and may serve on job-related boards and committees to act as legal and/or parliamentary advisor. Participates in meetings involving senior leadership of the City organization.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.
• Performs related work as apparent or prescribed by City Charter or City Commission.

• Juris Doctorate from an American Bar Association accredited law school and active membership in good standing with the Michigan State Bar Association.
• Thorough knowledge of common law, state and federal laws and constitutional provisions affecting municipal government as gained through a minimum of 10 years experience as a practicing attorney, of which five years should be in municipal law work; or an equivalent combination of training and related experience.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City officials, professional staff, and court personnel. Demonstrated ability to establish an appropriate demeanor with the general public.
• Considerable knowledge of local government structures and operations, and its relationships to other public jurisdictions.
• Supervisory experience required.
• Valid driver's license in the State of Michigan.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions:
This work is sedentary and requires occasional lifting (0-14lbs); 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, using the telephone, contact with government officials and the general public, working overtime, and working inside and alone.