City Attorney

Provides professional advice to the City Council and City Officers; makes presentations to councils, boards, commissions, civic groups and the general public.

Communicates official plans, policies and procedures to staff and the general public.

Determines work procedures, prepares work schedules, and expedites workflow; studies and standardizes procedures to improve efficiency and effectiveness of operations.

Issues written and oral instructions and opinions; assigns duties and examines work for exactness, neatness, and conformance to policies and procedures.

Prepares a variety of studies, reports and related information for decision-making purposes.

Assists City Officers to see that all laws and ordinances are faithfully performed.

Advises the City Council and City Officers of legal conditions and current and future trends; issues legal opinions upon proper request(s).

Attends all meetings of the Council, Administration, and/or boards at which attendance is required; may be asked to attend other meetings on an as needed basis.

Drafts ordinances, resolutions, contracts, agreements, deeds, leases, franchises, etc.; reviews documents prepared by other agencies or parties.

Advises city officials of changes to state or Federal laws affecting city operations.

Oversees the gathering of evidence in civil, criminal, and other cases to formulate defense or to initiate legal action.

Conducts research, interviews clients, and witnesses and handles other details in preparation for trial.

Prepares legal briefs, develops strategy, arguments and testimony in preparation for presentation of case. Files briefs with court.

Represents the City in court, and before quasi‑judicial or administrative agencies of government.

Interprets laws, rulings, and regulations for city officials and staff.

Confers with colleagues with specialty in area of law to establish and verify basis for legal proceedings; serves as a liaison between outside legal counsel and city officials on specialized legal issues.

Any other duties as assigned by the Mayor.

Required Education and/or Experience

This appointee is required to have the following minimum qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree in law; and at least three (3) years of experience as a practicing attorney.
• Considerable knowledge of state statutes relating to municipal affairs; considerable knowledge of laws relating to the purchase of goods and services, contracting, labor, employment, land use, environment and traffic; working knowledge of modern policies and practices of municipal law and public administration.
• Skill in preparing briefs and other legal documents; skill in operating a personal computer, including word processing and spreadsheet programs; calculator, telephone, copy machine and fax machine.
• Ability to prepare and analyze comprehensive legal documents; ability to carry out assigned projects to their completion; ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, city officials, the court system, and the general public; ability to efficiently and effectively administer a municipal legal department.
• A license to practice law in the State of Montana; member in good standing of the State Bar of Montana; valid driver’s license, or evidence of equivalent mobility.
• Preference will be given to applicants that have been honorably discharged from a military branch of the United States Government. A DD214 could be required for the preference.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $75,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• Shelby, MT 59474: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $75,000 - $90,000