Assistant City Attorney I - Civil Client Services

Under supervision provide the City of Minneapolis and its various officials, boards, agencies and departments with professional legal services relating to civil matters, including  providing legal advice, conducting legal research, drafting ordinances and resolutions, drafting and negotiating contracts, drafting legal opinions and memoranda and other legal work of the Civil Division of the City Attorney's Office. This position may assist in representation of the City of Minneapolis and its various departments, boards, agencies and commissions and occasionally require courtroom representation.

There is currently one full-time vacancy to be filled in the Civil Division of the City Attorney's Office.

Application Submission Requirements:

ALL applicants MUST submit completed:

• City of Minneapolis online application

Resume and Cover Letter:

Individuals are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter in addition to the online application.

Writing Sample:

Individuals selected to be interviewed may be asked to submit a sample of legal writing as part of the interview process.

Work Location

This position may be eligible for flexible work arrangements, including hybrid work with some days working remotely and some days working in the office.

CIVIL

• Conduct legal research and provide oral and written advice on civil law issues to the City's elected officials, departments, and independent boards and commissions.

• Draft contracts, ordinances, and resolutions and other legal documents.

• Respond to inquiries from attorneys, court personnel, government officials and members of the general public.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

Office.Required Education

Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school.

Minimum Experience

Two or more years of experience as a law clerk or practicing attorney.

Licenses/Certifications

Licensed to practice law in the State of Minnesota.

Selection Process

The selection process will consist of one or more of the following steps: a rating of relevant education and experience and/or an oral examination (100%). It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. This information will be used to determine which candidates will proceed in the selection process. A submitted application is also used to verify the answers to any supplemental questions. Only those candidates who attain a passing score (70%) on each step in the selection process will be placed on the eligible list. The City of Minneapolis Human Resources Department reserves the right to limit the number in any phase of the selection process.

Interview Selection

The hiring authority reserves the right to determine the maximum number of candidates to interview from the established eligible list.  If the hiring authority decides to interview other than by exam score order, they may select additional people to interview based on a candidate's education or experience related to the field, work history, or skills uniquely related to the operational needs of the position.

Background Check

The City has determined that a full, criminal background check (CJIS) and/or qualifications check may be necessary for this job title.  Applicants may be required to sign an informed consent form allowing the City to obtain their criminal history and/or verify their qualifications in connection with the position sought.  Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be further considered for the position.

Union Representation

This position is represented by a collective bargaining agreement between the City of Minneapolis and the AFSCME Attorneys Unit.

Eligible List Statement

The names of applicants who meet minimum qualification and who pass the screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for employment consideration.  This list will be certified to the hiring manager who may use the list to fill a vacancy of the same job title. This eligible list will expire two months after it has been established.

• Knowledge of municipal law, including home rule charter cities and legislative acts applicable to the City's financial, organizational and functional procedures, local ordinances, state laws, established precedents and sources of legal reference.

• Knowledge of and the ability to use online law resources such as Westlaw.

• Knowledge of a wide range of legal issues and precedents pertinent to civil law.

• Considerable knowledge of parliamentary procedure.

• Ability to deal respectfully and effectively with people with people from all cultures.

• Good oral and written communication skills.

• Initiative and problem-solving skills.

• Forty-five credits of continuing legal education courses every three years.

The following are desired:

• Experience in representing a public entity as a lawyer or student attorney.

• Experience in the law relating to employee benefits.

• Experience in government contracting or procurement.

• Experience with or a demonstrated interest in information technology- related contracting.

• Civil litigation experience.

• Experience in researching and drafting contracts, legal memoranda, or motions.

• Excellent writing skills.