Job Description
Position Description POSITION SUMMARY
Under the appointment and direction of the Town Council, the Town Attorney serves as the Town’s chief legal officer, providing legal advice, representation, and strategic leadership to the Town Council, Town Manager, and all Town departments. This position manages and directs the operations of the Legal Services Department, including civil and criminal (prosecution) divisions, ensuring that Town programs, policies, and actions comply with applicable local, state, and federal laws. The Town Attorney provides counsel on legal and policy matters, oversees contract legal services, and promotes collaboration and ethical governance throughout the organization.
Essential Functions - Serves as principal legal advisor to the Town Council; provides legal counsel to the Town Manager, Town departments, boards and commissions, and committees as directed by the Council.
- Provides legal direction, coordination, and policy interpretation on matters affecting Town governance, operations, and risk management.
- Supervises all functions and activities of the Legal Services Department, including civil and prosecution operations.
- Directs and performs civil legal services for the Town, including ordinance and resolution drafting, contract review and negotiation, land use and development matters, employment law, and property/casualty insurance administration.
- Approves as to form, in writing, all drafts of contracts and all official or other bonds before final approval or acceptance by Town Council.
- Defends the Town against all criminal and civil suits, actions or cause of action where the Town is a party.
- Oversees and may personally handle prosecution duties in the Oro Valley Town Court; reviews and manages caseloads.
- Researches and prepares legal opinions, memoranda, and other documents on issues affecting Town policy, operations, and litigation.
- Drafts, reviews, and recommends revisions to Town ordinances, resolutions, contracts, intergovernmental agreements, and policies.
- Prepares and manages the Legal Services Department budget and management reports.
- Represents the Town in court and other legal proceedings as required.
- Briefs and coordinates with outside counsel for Council meeting issues, litigation, and special assignments, as needed.
- Directs, mentors, evaluates, and provides professional development to department staff.
- Fosters collaboration and teamwork across departments and ensures clear and consistent communication of legal guidance.
- Provides training to Town staff, boards, commissions, and Police Department personnel on legal and procedural matters.
- Ensures compliance with State and Federal laws affecting municipal operations and monitors legislative and case law developments that may impact the Town.
- Stays up-to-date on all legal matters arising out of the State legislature and the Arizona League of Cities and Towns.
- Performs related duties as assigned or directed by the Town Council.
Required Knowledge, Skills And Abilities - Comprehensive knowledge of municipal law, including civil, criminal, land use, labor and employment, procurement, and open meeting/public records laws.
- Knowledge of judicial procedures, rules of evidence, and legal research methods.
- Knowledge of State and Federal statutes, rules, ordinances, codes, and regulations applicable to local government.
- Skill in analyzing complex legal and policy issues and providing practical, solution-oriented advice.
- Skill in drafting and interpreting contracts, ordinances, resolutions, and legal documents.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex legal matters clearly and effectively.
- Demonstrated leadership and supervisory skills, with the ability to build and sustain effective teams.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism in sensitive or high-stakes matters.
- Ability to organize work, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
- Skill in using modern office technology and legal research tools.
Minimum Qualifications - Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university.
- Must possess and maintain a valid license to practice law in the State of Arizona.
- Minimum of seven (7) years of experience in the general practice of law, including experience in municipal or public sector law.
- Minimum of three (3) years of supervisory or managerial experience.
- Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Environmental Factors And Working Conditions - Work is primarily performed in an indoor office environment with occasional travel to off-site meetings or court proceedings.
- Must be available to attend evening Town Council meetings, Boards and Commission meetings when needed, and other meetings or events as required.
- May work more than forty (40) hours per week without additional compensation to fulfill job responsibilities.
- May be required to respond to urgent legal or law enforcement matters outside of normal business hours.
- Regular and reliable attendance is required.
Job Tags
Contract work, Work at office, Local area, Afternoon shift,