Assistant City Solicitor (39296)

$80,000 - $95,000/Yr

City of Covington (KY) - Covington, KY

Full-time - Entry Level

Covington, KY

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

As an Assistant City Solicitor, you'll support the City Solicitor in handling legal matters related to the City's day-to-day operations. Your role will cover three key areas: Compliance, Enforcement, and General Counsel, giving you the opportunity to work on a variety of legal issues that impact our city. Your work will play a pivotal role in helping Covington continue to thrive. The ideal candidate for this position will have a strong background in municipal law, with experience in legal research, providing advisory support, and handling enforcement matters. This role requires someone who can navigate the complexities of city operations, collaborate effectively with various stakeholders, and offer practical legal solutions that impact the community.

Responsibilities

• Monitor legal developments, including legislation and court decisions, and assess their impact on City operations.
• Provide legal advice on municipal law and activities, both written and oral, as requested by the City Solicitor.
• Liaise with other City departments and attend board/commission meetings to advise on legal procedures.
• Draft legal documents (pleadings, memoranda, etc.) for pending cases.
• Represent the City in state and federal courts, as needed.
• Manage legal matters from initiation to closure, including filing, recording, and service of documents.
• Handle routine legal matters independently or refer to appropriate staff.
• Perform general administrative duties, such as managing supplies, processing bills, and filing.
• Advise City staff on compliance with Open Meetings and Open Records Acts.
• Assist the City Clerk with complex open records requests.
• Draft and review contracts and vendor agreements.
• Oversee the City's claims and liability programs.
• Advise on federal/state employment law and personnel matters.
• Ensure compliance with the Model Procurement Code and City procurement policies.
• Provide guidance on zoning, code enforcement, and permitting.
• Manage foreclosure cases involving the City, coordinating with outside counsel and departments.
• Ensure consistent enforcement of ordinances and policies; create relevant procedures and forms.
• Advise Finance on collections and pursue actions as necessary.
• Prepare real estate documents (deeds, liens, etc.) and manage foreclosure filings.
• Draft proposed legislation for the Board of Commissioners/City Council.
• Review existing legislation for necessary revisions.
• Draft and review Economic Development transactions.
• Monitor and recommend improvements to internal procedures and policies.
• Process bankruptcy notices and file proof of claims as necessary.
• Serve as ABC Administrator or Deputy ABC Administrator, if appointed.
• Provide support to the City Clerk and serve as City Clerk in their absence.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor degree required.
• At least 3 years of experience as an attorney or a closely related legal profession.
• Must be licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, or able to obtain a Kentucky license prior to employment.
• Knowledge of local, state, federal, and administrative laws relevant to municipal government.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to multitask and prioritize effectively.
• Expertise in legal research, analysis, and drafting clear, concise legal documents.
• Ability to evaluate legal issues, negotiate, and make recommendations in the City's best interest.
• High attention to detail and strong analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining confidentiality.
• Excellent communication skills to represent the City in meetings and maintain positive relationships with staff, public officials, and the community.
• Ability to develop effective working relationships across departments and with external stakeholders.
• Customer service-oriented with the ability to diplomatically manage interactions and present a positive City image.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Retirement plans
• Paid time off in addition to 12 paid holidays
• Opportunities for professional development
• Mentorship
• Advancement within the City's legal department