Attorney

Job Description

The City of Birmingham is looking for well-qualified, motivated Attorneys to be responsible for performing professional legal work for the city such as prosecuting misdemeanor and traffic violation cases and advising the city in actions filed against it in court to ensure proper case disposition. Employees in this position represent city in court, conduct legal research, negotiate agreements (e.g., claim settlements, contracts) on behalf of the city, draft legal documents, and participate in professional development activities (e.g., conferences, workshops). Attorneys work almost exclusively in office and courtroom settings using standard office equipment (e.g., computer, phone, copier) and have no supervisory responsibilities to subordinate personnel.

About Birmingham

Adorning the name “The Magic City,” Birmingham, Alabama is a vibrant place of outstanding communities and unlimited potential. Consisting of a population of over 200,000 and serving as the central hub of a metropolitan area of over 1.1 million, the Birmingham is the largest city and the economic center of the State of Alabama.

Birmingham offers an array of advantages that make it a perfect place to start or grow your career. Today’s Birmingham serves as an economic, cultural, and societal leader for the Southeast. It is home to world-class universities and medical research facilities and professionals, a critically-acclaimed culinary arts scene bursting with eclectic restaurants, a thriving arts community, a diverse range of local music venues and events, national and international sports and athletic competitions, and a progressive business climate with a strong entrepreneurial spirit and a devotion to social justice. Sitting in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Birmingham also provides an abundance of natural and scenic wonders, beautiful parks, hiking and biking trails, and mild weather to complement virtually any lifestyle or adventure. Birmingham provides these amenities, along with a robust, diverse and inclusive lifestyle, all while remaining as one of the most affordable cities to live in the nation.

A Career with the City of Birmingham

With the motto of Putting People First, the City of Birmingham works to ensure employees and the citizens of Birmingham are the number one priority. Employment with the City provides an opportunity to work in an environment that fosters a culture of teamwork and community, supports equity and justice, promotes employee growth and development, and encourages individualism, while also emphasizing accountability to fellow coworkers and the community. Putting People First also means that, as an employer, the City of Birmingham strives to provide and maintain a highly competitive compensation structure, excellent health and medical benefits, and a strong and secure retirement and pension plan, along with other employee wellness benefits and programs. Working with the City of Birmingham provides not only the opportunity for a productive and secure career, but also a career that provides meaning and the opportunity to truly make a difference.

Website:

To learn more about the City of Birmingham, please visit www.birminghamal.gov.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Membership in the Alabama State Bar Association in good standing.

Typical Job Duties:

• Conducts legal research and participates in professional development activities to maintain a current, comprehensive knowledge of applicable laws and legal procedures and a license to practice law.
• Ensures adherence to applicable laws, codes, ordinances, etc. on behalf of the jurisdiction (e.g., City of Birmingham) and its Boards/Agencies by providing legal advice (e.g., policy, other legal matters) and communicating with local businesses, residents, and professionals in order to minimize legal liability of the jurisdiction.
• Investigates claims and complaints by or against the City and prepares for and represents the city in litigation involving the City and its staff in order to eliminate and/or minimize liability and loss.
• Represents the City, boards, agencies, and employees in court (e.g., trials and appeals), before administrative boards, agencies, and mediators following legal standards and practices and City and departmental policies to protect the City’s legal position and achieve City goals.
• Drafts and reviews legal documents per applicable laws to protect the legal position of the City, boards, and agencies and guide their decision-making processes.
• Negotiates agreements (e.g., claim settlements, contracts) with individuals and/or attorneys on behalf of the jurisdiction.
• Manages agency projects by establishing goals and timelines, delegating responsibilities, reviewing work, working with outside agencies and vendors, and completing various project reports.

Compensation & Benefits

The City of Birmingham offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including:

• Salary range: $77,854 - $120,764 (starting salary is commensurate with education and experience).
• Flexible work arrangements including remote/telework options for up to two days per week and alternative work schedules (e.g., four 10-hour days). Such flexible work arrangements must be approved by the Department Director.
• A City-sponsored pension retirement plan. The City of Birmingham provides a Tier 3 “defined benefit” plan where employee retirement payments are computed using a formula that considers several factors, such as length of employment and salary history.
• Excellent medical insurance with employee monthly contribution as low as $32.50/month.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• Behavioral health plan.
• Group Term Life & AD&D Insurance, Voluntary Term Life & AD&D, Whole Life Insurance, and Short-term Disability options.
• Paid vacation and sick leave.
• Generous holiday schedule.
• Membership and admission benefits for City attractions such as the Birmingham Zoo, Birmingham Museum of Art, Southern Museum of Flight, and more.