City Attorney

About the Role

Vernal City is seeking an attorney to serve as the chief legal advisor and representative for all city officials, officers, and departments. This role involves handling civil matters, providing legal counsel, and prosecuting criminal cases before the combined justice court. The city currently provides municipal legal services to five other entities under a shared agreement and aims to continue this arrangement.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, direct, and control the work of the Legal Department, providing legal counsel on municipal law, civil code enforcement, land use, zoning, labor relations, and legislative interpretation.
• Supervise and direct the work of a legal assistant or paralegal.
• Manage legal services for contracted entities and track billable hours.
• Anticipate and evaluate controversial legal situations, presenting clear and concise options.
• Prosecute criminal misdemeanor violations before the combined justice court and collaborate with law enforcement to address patterns of criminal activity.
• Research and prepare oral and written legal opinions for the City Council, City Manager, department heads, staff, committees, commissions, boards, and contracted agencies.
• Review and recommend ordinances, resolutions, policies, and code provisions to address nuisances, disruptive, or criminal behavior.
• Develop and oversee the administration of department procedures and guidelines.
• Coordinate with outside counsel and administrative law judges to provide specialized legal expertise and manage litigation on behalf of the city or contracted agencies.
• Review insurance risks and claims, providing recommendations to enhance the city’s risk management.

Requirements

• Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school and active membership in the Utah State Bar.
• Two (2) years of full-time experience in the practice of law, with preference for experience in municipal and prosecution duties.
• Preferred qualifications include significant litigation and trial experience. The city may consider an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Skills

• Solid understanding of municipal legal matters, including labor and employee relations, grievances, land use, water rights, public finance, and contracts.
• Knowledge of municipal legislative processes, fiscal and budget management, and applicable administrative policies and procedures.
• Excellent writing, research, and communication skills to explain legal issues, options, and complex legal principles.
• Strong interpersonal skills for maintaining effective relationships with staff, law enforcement, other departments, elected officials, the media, and the public.
• Skilled in litigation and trial work, including negotiating settlements and agreements in the city’s best interest.
• Ability to analyze problems and handle stress in a highly visible public environment.
• Excellent public presentation skills.

Pay

Yearly salary range: $93,000 - $144,500, depending on experience and position model.