Attorney I, II or III

About the role

Performs entry-level professional legal work under the supervision of the City Attorney in support of the City's criminal prosecution and civil legal services. Receives assignments involving routine and moderately complex legal matters. Provides legal advice, representation, and other legal services to Layton City in assigned matters, including litigation, legal research, drafting legal documents, and advising City departments, boards, commissions, and officials.

Responsibilities

• Performs a variety of entry-level professional legal duties under the direction of the City Attorney, including criminal prosecution, civil legal services, or both, depending on operational needs.
• Prosecutes criminal misdemeanor and infraction cases as assigned; reviews criminal investigations; files formal charges; prepares pleadings, motions, and briefs; conducts discovery; negotiates resolutions; appears in court; presents evidence and legal argument.
• Provides legal advice and assistance to City departments, boards, commissions, and staff; conducts legal research; prepares legal opinions, contracts, ordinances, resolutions, policies, and other legal documents; reviews proposed actions for legal compliance.
• Represents the City in civil matters, administrative proceedings, or litigation, as assigned.
• Researches and interprets federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and court decisions to ensure compliance and support City operations.
• Assists in reviewing City policies, procedures, ordinances, and programs; recommends revisions to ensure compliance with applicable laws and sound municipal practices.
• Attends professional training, continuing legal education, and other meetings to maintain professional competence and remain current on legal developments affecting municipal government.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Utah or obtain that license within 6 months from the date of employment.
• Valid Utah Driver’s License.

Qualifications

Attorney I

• One (1) year of progressively responsible legal experience through internships, clerkships, externships, or the practice of law.

Attorney II

• A minimum of three (3) years of experience as a full-time attorney.

Attorney III

• A minimum of five (5) years of experience as a prosecutor or litigator in a District Court or civil trial and has appellate experience.

Skills

• Working knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, ordinances, and legal principles applicable to municipal government, including Utah Code, constitutional provisions, municipal ordinances, and applicable case law.
• Knowledge of rules of civil procedure, criminal procedure, and evidence.
• Legal research methods and legal writing techniques.
• Principles of municipal law, public administration, and governmental operations.
• Criminal law and prosecution practices, as applicable to assigned duties.
• Skill in conducting legal research and analysis; preparing pleadings, motions, briefs, contracts, ordinances, resolutions, legal opinions, and other legal documents.
• Skill in presenting legal arguments and representing the City in court and administrative proceedings.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
• Ability to analyze complex legal issues and provide sound legal advice and recommendations.
• Ability to interpret and apply statutes, regulations, ordinances, and case law.
• Effective oral and written communication.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, judges, prosecutors, law enforcement personnel, City employees, boards, commissions, and the public.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, professionalism, and discretion in handling confidential and sensitive matters.

Pay

• Attorney I: $43.88 - $61.43 per hour
• Attorney II: $47.39 - $66.35 per hour
• Attorney III: $51.18 - $71.66 per hour

Work Environment

Work is performed primarily in a standard office environment and courtroom setting. Duties require frequent sitting, standing, walking, speaking, hearing, reading, and using a computer and other standard office equipment. Incumbents must be able to prepare and review legal documents, conduct legal research, attend meetings, and appear in court. Occasional lifting of files or materials weighing up to approximately 20 pounds may be required. Periodic travel is required to attend court proceedings, meetings, training, and other official business.