Assistant City Solicitor I

About the role

The City of Worcester is seeking qualified applicants for an Assistant City Solicitor I - Generalist to join the fast-paced, high-volume, collaborative and congenial Law Department. Under the direction of the City Solicitor, the Assistant City Solicitor I - Generalist will provide competent and timely legal services, advice, and recommendations to City Departments, and the City’s officers, employees, boards, and commissions.

This position will perform risk analysis and evaluation of pre-litigation claims, draft legal documents such as ordinances and conveyance documents, and review and draft contracts, leases, and licenses. The Assistant City Solicitor I will represent the City’s best interests in resolving claims before litigation or in civil litigation matters and general Government Services, including rendering legal opinions to City officers, departments, boards, and commissions. Assignments will be based on overall related legal experience and demonstrated proficiency in a local government setting.

While expertise may be gained in a specialized area of municipal law, the incumbent assumes responsibility for legal matters in any area as assigned by the City Solicitor or their designee. Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Perform risk analysis and evaluation of pre-litigation claims.
• Draft legal documents such as ordinances, conveyance documents, contracts, leases, and licenses.
• Represent the City’s best interests in resolving claims before litigation or in civil litigation matters.
• Render legal opinions to City officers, departments, boards, and commissions.
• Research and analyze complex legal issues in a fast-paced environment and provide practical advice.
• Litigate civil cases on behalf of the City, its employees, departments, administrative boards, and bodies.
• Present and argue motions and other legal memoranda in informal hearings and court proceedings.
• Draft, serve, and file legal documents, such as discovery requests and responses, pleadings, memoranda, orders, findings of fact, and rulings of law.
• Communicate succinctly with elected and appointed officials, City employees, and Department Heads.
• Resolve legal and pre-litigation claims and issues in a practical, cost-effective manner.
• Identify and apply applicable laws and regulations to specific matters.

Requirements

• Juris Doctorate from an ABA accredited law school.
• One (1) year of experience in the practice of civil or administrative law in Massachusetts.
• Active Massachusetts Bar member in good standing.
• Valid Driver’s License and access to reliable transportation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Municipal law experience.
• Three (3) years of experience in the practice of civil or administrative law in Massachusetts.
• Insurance investigation/adjuster experience.

Skills

• Excellent risk analysis strategies and skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with a diverse community.
• Demonstrated cultural competence to interact and develop meaningful relationships with people of diverse identities and backgrounds.
• Strong learning orientation and ability to adapt to evolving issues and professional requirements.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to research and analyze complex legal issues in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to draft and review legal documents.
• Ability to conduct investigations and make reports on a wide variety of circumstances.