Assistant City Attorney-Litigator

Employer: City of Broken Arrow • Location: Broken Arrow, OK • Job Type: Full-Time

About the role

Under general supervision of the City Attorney or designee, provides litigation support to the chief litigator and performs other duties as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Assist in representing the City in civil litigation including depositions, hearings, settlement conferences, trials, and appeals in State and Federal courts and before administrative agencies.
• Study and analyze evidence, interview witnesses, and assist in taking and defending depositions.
• Advise City officials and personnel on legal matters to minimize the risk of litigation.
• Research a variety of legal issues that may arise in civil litigations including, but not limited to, 1983, service of process, contract, property, and tort.
• Assist in litigating lawsuits in state or federal court.
• Investigate tort claims filed against the City of Broken Arrow by interviewing personnel involved in the tort claim and gathering, reviewing, and analyzing relevant evidence.
• Draft and respond to written discovery in civil actions.
• Research and write appropriate pleadings, motions, briefs, and written discovery.
• Assist in determining and investigating possible City liability; make recommendations regarding the disposition of the claim.
• Prepare ordinances and legislation changes.
• Provide professional legal advice to the City Council, its Boards and Commissions, department directors, and employees.
• Assist in prosecuting civil actions for nuisance abatement cases, breach of contract cases, and interpleader actions, including drafting resolutions of necessity, petitions, and other appropriate pleadings.
• Assist in defending the City in all post-trial appellate litigation, including research and writing appellate briefs and presenting oral argument to the appropriate appellate court.
• Assist in defending the City in jury and non-jury trials in civil actions.
• Respond to questions and problems presented by private individuals and City personnel regarding City business.
• Maintain and update professional knowledge and skills.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited School of Law, supplemented by one to three years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid Class D Driver’s License issued by the State of Oklahoma.
• Possession of an Oklahoma Bar License to practice law.
• Admitted to practice in Federal Court for the Northern, Eastern, and Western District Courts of Oklahoma, as well as the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Physical Requirements

• Tasks involve the ability to exert minimal physical effort in sedentary work, typically involving some combination of balancing, feeling, handling, hearing, kneeling, mental acuity, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, talking, visual acuity, and walking.
• Involves some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (up to 10 pounds).
• Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.