Attorney
: Job Details :

TARGET CLOSE DATE: 10/26/2024 Note: This job posting may close before, or be extended beyond, the listed Target Close Date based on the employment needs of the Merit System. Grade 36 The pay range for the listed pay grade varies depending on the employing agency. Click HERE and then select the desired agency to view the pay range for that employer. JOB SUMMARY: The City of Birmingham is seeking a well-qualified, motivated Principal Attorney to perform complex professional legal duties for their jurisdiction. An incumbent in this role will be responsible for preparing complex and difficult cases for trial and providing legal assistance to executive-level leadership (e.g., City's council, department heads, boards). Employees in this position conduct legal research, establish goals and timelines for departmental projects, offer advice and feedback to less-experienced attorneys, negotiate various agreements (e.g., claim settlements, contracts), and participate in professional development activities (e.g., conferences, workshops). Principal Attorneys work almost exclusively in office and courtroom settings using standard office equipment (e.g., computer, phone, copier) and have no supervisory responsibilities to subordinate personnel. This is not intended to be an all-inclusive listing of essential job functions; the performance of other essential functions may be required. ABOUT THE PERSONNEL BOARD OF JEFFERSON COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM : The Personnel Board of Jefferson County (Personnel Board) Merit System is responsible for ensuring fairness and merit in hiring and promotion, avoiding favoritism or political influence. Our goal is to attract and retain qualified and professional employees for the public sector. The Merit System includes a wonderfully diverse set of city governments, ranging from smaller, community-minded towns to vibrant, bustling cities. Our network consists of nearly 8,000 dedicated public servants, who want to make a positive impact on our communities. We offer many rewarding careers, from public safety and city management to IT, healthcare, skilled trades, engineering and more. A CAREER WITHIN THE MERIT SYSTEM: The Merit System is unique as an individual typically only submits one application for a position (e.g., administrative clerk) and that single application can result in employment opportunities with potentially 23 different cities and agencies within Jefferson County, Alabama. These agencies range from the City of Birmingham and 16 surrounding suburban cities to the Jefferson County Commission, Department of Health, and three additional governmental agencies. In the Merit System, you can enjoy the security and benefits of a public sector job with growth potential. Whether you're passionate about public safety, technology, or anything in between, there's a place for you in the Merit System. ABOUT BIRMINGHAM: Adorning the name The Magic City, Birmingham, Alabama is a vibrant place of outstanding communities and unlimited potential. Consisting of a population of over 200,000 and serving as the central hub of a metropolitan area of over 1.1 million, Birmingham is the largest city and the economic center of the State of Alabama. Birmingham offers an array of advantages that make it a perfect place to start or grow your career. Todays Birmingham serves as an economic, cultural, and societal leader for the Southeast. It is home to world-class universities, medical research facilities, and professionals, a critically-acclaimed culinary arts scene bursting with eclectic restaurants, a thriving arts community, a diverse range of local music venues and events, national and international sports and athletic competitions, and a progressive business climate with a strong entrepreneurial spirit and a devotion to social justice. Sitting in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Birmingham also provides an abundance of natural and scenic wonders, beautiful parks, hiking and biking trails, and mild weather to complement virtually any lifestyle or adventure. Birmingham provides these amenities, along with a robust, diverse and inclusive lifestyle, all while remaining as one of the most affordable cities to live in the nation. A CAREER WITH THE CITY OF BIRMINGHAM: With the motto of Putting People First, the City of Birmingham works to ensure employees and the citizens of Birmingham are the number one priority. Employment with the City provides an opportunity to work in an environment that fosters a culture of teamwork and community, supports equity and justice, promotes employee growth and development, and encourages individualism, while also emphasizing accountability to fellow coworkers and the community. Putting People First also means that, as an employer, the City of Birmingham strives to provide and maintain a highly competitive compensation structure, excellent health and medical benefits, and a strong and secure retirement and pension plan, along with other employee wellness benefits and programs. Working with the City of Birmingham provides not only the opportunity for a productive and secure career, but also a career that provides meaning and the opportunity to truly make a difference. To learn more about the City of Birmingham, please visit www.birminghamal.gov. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: To be considered for employment in this position, a candidate must possess the following : Member of the Alabama State Bar Association in good standing. Experience in areas of litigation or transactional work handling complex legal issues (e.g., police misconduct, excessive use of force, workplace discrimination, personal injury claims, violation of constitutional rights, reviewing and drafting agreements, real-estate transactions, writing ordinances, government procurement issues). Experience assigning and delegating work to administrative support staff. Experience as the lead attorney in litigation or transactional matters. JOB DUTIES: Typical job duties include, but are not necessarily limited to: Represents the City, boards, agencies and employees in court (e.g., trials and appeals), before administrative boards, agencies and mediators following legal standards and practices and City and departmental policies to protect the Citys legal position and achieve City goals. Investigates claims and complaints by or against the City and prepares for and represents the city in litigation involving the City and its staff in order to eliminate and/or minimize liability and loss. Drafts and reviews legal documents per applicable laws to protect the legal position of the City, boards and agencies and guide their decision-making processes. Ensures adherence to applicable laws, codes, ordinances, etc. on behalf of the jurisdiction (e.g., City of Birmingham) and its Boards/Agencies by providing legal advice (e.g., policy, other legal matters) and communicating with local businesses, residents, and professionals in order to minimize legal liability of the jurisdiction. Conducts legal research and participates in professional development activities to maintain a current, comprehensive knowledge of applicable laws and legal procedures and a license to practice law. Negotiates agreements (e.g., claim settlements, contracts, etc.) with individuals and/or attorneys on behalf of the jurisdiction. Manages agency projects by establishing goals and timelines, delegating responsibilities, reviewing work, working with outside agencies and vendors, and completing various project reports. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS: The City of Birmingham offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including: Salary range: $94,619 - $146,806 (starting salary is commensurate with education and experience) Flexible work arrangements including remote/telework options for up to two days per week and alternative work schedules. A City-sponsored pension retirement plan. The City of Birmingham provides a Tier 3 defined benefit plan where employee retirement payments are computed using a formula that considers several factors, such as length of employment and salary history. Excellent medical insurance with employee monthly contribution as low as $32.50/month Dental insurance Vision insurance Behavioral health plan Group Term Life & AD&D Insurance, Voluntary Term Life & AD&D, Whole Life Insurance, and Short-term Disability options Paid vacation and sick leave Generous holiday schedule Membership and admission benefits for City attractions such as the Birmingham Zoo, Birmingham Museum of Art, Southern Museum of Flight, and more. CRITICAL KNOWLEDGES: Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology. Knowledge of applicable local, state and federal laws, rules and regulations for dealing with confidential case material. Knowledge of available legal reference tools (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis) and how to access them. Knowledge of Circuit Court systems and proceedings (e.g., Jefferson County proceedings). Knowledge of courtroom procedures and protocols for providing testimony (e.g., when you can/cannot speak or answer). Knowledge of established legal precedents affecting local governments. Knowledge of general legal terminology. Knowledge of law that governs the activities of administrative agencies of government, including rulemaking, adjudication, or the enforcement of a specific regulatory agenda. Knowledge of legal terms and criminal codes to ensure that the information contained in court reports and victim complaints is accurate. Knowledge of Municipal Court systems and proceedings (e.g., City and local ordinances, amendments, proceedings, etc.). Knowledge of personal property liability claims processes. Knowledge of pertinent federal, state, and local laws and regulations as they apply to a variety of types of physical evidence, record keeping, identification, security of records, and presenting evidence in a court of law. Knowledge of the legal guidelines pertaining to the maintenance and control of evidence. Knowledge of the proper etiquette and procedures used in legal depositions. WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is conducted almost exclusively indoors in office settings and courtroom settings. Work involves use of standard office equipment, such as computer, phone, copier, etc. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Job is primarily sedentary involving sitting for long periods of time, but may involve occasional walking or standing for brief periods. Job may also involve occasional light lifting of items or objects weighing up to 25 lbs. DISCLAIMER: This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of the job duties, responsibilities, or skills and abilities required to do the job and may be changed at the discretion of the Personnel Board at any time. SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS Persons requiring special conditions to accommodate a disability when completing the application should contact the Personnel Board at 205-###-####, Option 1, prior to the target close date. AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER The Personnel Board of Jefferson County (Personnel Board) provides a public personnel system based on merit principles. The Personnel Board strives for the constant improvement of the public service by employing and developing the best-qualified persons available. The Personnel Board provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, creed, religion, political beliefs, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or genetics. Employment decisions are made by the Merit System agency where the position exists. Each Merit System agency administers its own equal employment opportunity programs in compliance with applicable state and/or federal laws and regulations. For more information on this job description, please visit DISCLAIMER: This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of the job duties, responsibilities, or skills and abilities required to do the job and may be changed at the discretion of the Personnel Board at any time. ATTENTION Merit System Employees: Do not apply through this site. If you are a current Merit System employee, please click HERE to log into the internal career site.