Assistant City Attorney

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity to join the City of Richmond as an Assistant City Attorney in the civil litigation division. The position primarily supports the City’s police department and handles cases in federal and state trial and appellate courts, with additional assignments as needed. The role focuses on protecting the legal interests of the City by providing legal services, representation, and advice to City officials, employees, and departments. The successful candidate will review legal matters, provide counsel, and initiate or respond to legal actions under general supervision.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal counsel to police department leadership, officers, and professional staff.
• Interpret, write, and review department policies; provide legal updates and training.
• Advise on responses to subpoenas duces tecum, Freedom of Information (FOIA) requests, and other information requests.
• Process U-Visa requests and draft legal memoranda, including Memoranda of Understanding.
• Represent and advocate for the City’s interests during collective bargaining negotiations, including preparing proposals and evaluating union proposals.
• Represent the police department in arbitration and grievance hearings related to collective bargaining agreements, prohibited practice charges, and employee discipline.
• Develop work methods and sequences under general supervision and undertake other assignments as needed.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor degree.
• Four years of legal, policy, or legislative experience in criminal, employment, labor, civil, and/or administrative law.
• Admission to the Virginia State Bar.
• Licensed to practice law in Virginia.
• Independent admission to the bars of relevant courts (e.g., United States District Court, United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit) as necessary.
• Twelve hours of continuing legal education annually.
• Demonstrated ability to apply legal analysis to technical, administrative, and legal problems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Prior trial experience is preferred but not required.