The City of Lawton is the sixth largest community in the state and serves as the seat of Comanche County in southwest Oklahoma. The almost 90,400 residents enjoy its natural beauty and many cultural opportunities. The City operates under a council-manager form of government in which the City Council (comprised of one mayor, eight ward representatives, and a Fort Sill liaison) sets vision and policy for the organization; approves the annual budget and tax rate; considers ordinances, resolutions, and select contracts; and, with the advice and assistance of their appointed City Manager, reviews proposals for community needs, initiates action for new programs, and determines the ability of the City to provide financing for City activities. 

The Legal Services Department protects the City of Lawton’s legal interests before various judicial and administrative courts, boards, commissions, and agencies and effectively and efficiently prosecutes all misdemeanor criminal offenses for violations of Lawton City Code. Under the direction of Lawton’s Mayor and City Council, the City Attorney provides legal advice to and representation of the City and performs a variety of high-level administrative, technical, and professional duties in conducting and/or overseeing civil lawsuits, prosecuting municipal crimes, drafting legal documents, and advising City officials as to legal rights, obligations, practices, and other phases of applicable local, state, and federal law. 

The City is seeking a strategic, innovative, and experienced legal mind with excellent judgment and work ethic to serve as its next City Attorney. Candidates should have considerable knowledge and expertise in local, state, and federal laws, ordinances, charter provisions, etc. that affect municipal affairs, the purchase of goods and services, contracting, labor, employment, land use, environment, traffic, and more, as well as a thorough understanding of judicial procedures, precedents, and rules of evidence. They should also be skilled and fair-minded litigators, creative and collaborative professionals who enjoy staying updated on the latest developments in municipal and criminal law.

This position requires graduation from an ABA-accredited law school with a juris doctorate and admission to practice law before the Supreme Court of Oklahoma. Candidates should also have at least five years of experience as a practicing attorney — including evaluating, preparing, and litigating civil and criminal matters before city, state, and federal courts and before city, state, and federal administrative tribunals — and possess a valid Oklahoma driver’s license. Within six months of employment, the selected candidate should be admitted to practice law before the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma and the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. Please note that residency within the City of Lawton is required for this position.

The City of Lawton is offering a competitive salary of $150,000 to $190,000 for this position, commensurate with qualifications and experience

Please apply online.

For more information on this position contact:
Lissa Barker, Senior Vice President
LissaBarker@governmentresource.com
817-266-0647