• Researches legal issues and provides legal opinions for all City departments, with special attention to contracts and negotiation, deliverable both in person and by legal written opinion.
• Identifies and resolves legal and procedural matters related to resolutions, ordinances, contracts, procedures, City documents, and other legal documents.
• Reviews, negotiates, and prepares City contracts.  Determines specifications, considerations, and contract issues through contact with staff, elected officials, and other personnel.  Meets with contracting entity as appropriate to establish positions, negotiate issues and considerations.  Prepares correspondence and other documents concerning contract terms.  Drafts, prepares and reviews, and approves final contract documents as to form.  
• Communicates with the public, attorneys, co-workers, outside counsel, and others identify and resolve legal issues.
• Stays informed of new and pending legal issues.  Develops, administers and implements effective training seminars for other City departments and groups on legal issues including applicable state and federal laws.
• Participates in professional associations and meets the requirements set forth by the State of Kansas in continuing legal education hours each year.
• Represents the City and travels to municipal and state courts, before various boards and commissions, at administrative hearings, in lawsuits, and as otherwise required.
• Acts in the absence of the City Attorney including management of staff and serving as the lead for the Legal Division.
• Attends City Council and Committee meetings in the City Attorney's absence.

Minimum Qualifications 

• Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited college/university of law.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in the practice of law.  Municipal, or public entity experience preferred.  
• Member of the Kansas State Courts and the Federal District Court for the District of Kansas.  If coming from another State, must become a member within six (6) months of hire.
• A member in good standing of the Kansas State Bar.  If coming from another state, must be a member in good standing of that State Bar, and become a member of the Kansas State Bar within six (6) months of hire.

Any combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the responsibilities identified in this job posting may also be considered.

Work Schedule

In general, this exempt regular full-time position is scheduled 40 hours per week with varying office hours, occasional work off-site at District Court, and being available to respond to phone calls at all times. It may also require attendance at evening, overnight seminars and conferences.