ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY IV-V

Recruitment #2505-0404-001

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Introduction

The selection process for this position is governed by state statues and civil service rules that apply to civil service positions in general and special expert classes in particular. The department may fill positions at the Assistant City Attorney IV or V level, based upon candidate qualifications and the nature of the assignment.

Candidates will be placed on the highest-level list for which they qualify. 

The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a diverse workforce dedicated to delivering exceptional service to its residents. If you are passionate about being a part of an inclusive team of public servants, please consider the following opportunity.

Purpose

An Assistant City Attorney assigned to the City Attorney’s Office, Litigation Section, primarily engages in 42 U.S.C. § 1983 civil rights defense of City agencies, departments, and their employees that involve federal or state court proceedings.

Essential Functions

Litigation

  • Handle written discovery and motion practice in federal court.
  • Evaluate case value and make settlement recommendations.
  • Represent the City in court and before administrative agencies.
  • Prepare case memoranda and represent the City in mediations.
  • Counsel client departments and train City employees on the enforcement or meaning of City ordinances and policies.
  • Handle any and all litigation in any court of this state and in connection with the City’s action.
  • Conduct litigation, including extensive and often complex discovery, take and defend depositions, draft pleadings, motions, and try cases to a jury or the bench in both state and federal court. 
  • Handle appeals in state and federal courts of appeal.
  • Prosecute violations of offenses against City ordinances.  

Advisory and Administrative

  • Interpret laws, rulings and regulations for clients.
  • Prepare opinions, resolutions and ordinances.
  • Draft and review legal documents.
  • Advise departments, committees, boards and commissions on legal matters.
  • Negotiate on behalf of the City and its departments. 
  • Provide supervision, training and mentorship to other attorneys.

We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

Minimum Requirements

Assistant City Attorney IV

  1. Graduation from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.
  2. Licensed to practice law in the State of Wisconsin at the time of appointment.
  3. Seven years of experience in civil litigation, criminal trial, courtroom/oral advocacy experience, or federal agency experience, including three years professional level experience in federal court and/or agency. 

Assistant City Attorney V

  1. Graduation from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.
  2. Licensed to practice law in the State of Wisconsin at the time of appointment.
  3. Ten years of experience in civil litigation, criminal trial, courtroom/oral advocacy experience, or federal agency experience, including three years professional level experience in federal court and/or agency. 

NOTICE: Please do not attach your academic transcripts to your employment application. The hiring department will verify candidates’ education as part of the background screening process prior to extending any job offers.

**Note: Candidates will be placed on the highest list for which they qualify based upon qualifications and experience.

Desirable Qualifications

  • Familiarity with the Eastern District of Wisconsin, including local rules and mediation services.
  • Experience including extensive written motion practice, bench/jury trial experience, and/or appellate oral advocacy.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Characteristics

Technical
  • Substantial understanding of the U.S. Constitution, especially Section 1983 law, including the elements of a claim, applicable defenses such as qualified immunity, and remedies.
  • A broad understanding of civil rights law, including other relevant federal statutes and state laws.
  • Familiarity with procedural rules in Wisconsin state and federal courts, as well as court-specific requirements for Section 1983 cases.
  • General knowledge of laws, court procedures, and precedents in the Eastern District of Wisconsin.
  • Ability to work up a case from complaint to trial including drafting pre- and post-trial motions, and presenting oral arguments in court. 
  • Ability to handle all types of litigation and legal problems confronting the City of Milwaukee.
  • Ability to understand and interpret complex written materials.
  • Complex analysis and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to analyze, assess, and organize facts, evidence and precedents and effectively present such materials verbally and in writing.
  • Ability to develop and implement a long-term litigation strategy.
  • Ability to perform computerized research regarding legal issues.
  • Ability to value and successfully mediate cases.

Communication and Customer Service

  • Excellent written communication skills including writing briefs, ordinances, and memos.
  • Exceptional verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to build trust and rapport with coworkers, City administrators, elected representatives, and residents whose backgrounds may differ from one’s own.
  •  Ability to work with a team, and supervise, train and mentor other attorneys. 
  • Ability to negotiate effectively with opposing counsel.
  • Customer service skills to ensure exceptional service.

Critical Thinking, Organization and Professionalism

  • Ability to work accurately and prioritize and execute a large volume of projects with varying deadlines. 
  • Detail oriented.
  • Analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills to recognize and analyze complex legal issues, identify key arguments, and develop persuasive legal defense strategies.
  • Ability to evaluate evidence independently, assess the credibility of witnesses, and exercise sound judgment to make decisions.
  • Ability to organize and manage complex litigation, including collecting evidence, managing deadlines, and coordinating with other team members.
  • Honesty and integrity for handling confidential information and politically sensitive issues.
  • Ability to serve as an effective steward of City resources.

Current Salary

Assistant City Attorney IV

The current salary range (Pay Range 2SX) is $117,464-$164,446 annually, and the salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $120,988-$169,379 annually. Appointment above the minimum of each range is possible based upon experience and is subject to approval.

Assistant City Attorney V

The current salary range (Pay Range 2TX) is $125,201-$175,275 annually, and the salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $128,957-$180,533 annually. Appointment above the minimum of each range is possible based upon experience and is subject to approval.

BENEFITS

The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program that includes the following:

  • Wisconsin Retirement Systems (WRS) Defined Benefit Pension Plan
  • 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
  • Health and Dental Insurance
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Comprehensive Wellness Program
  • Onsite Clinic Services
  • Onsite Employee Assistance Program
  • Alternative Work Schedules
  • Long Term Disability Insurance
  • Group Life Insurance
  • Tuition Benefits
  • Paid Vacation
  • 12 Paid Holidays
  • Paid Sick Leave and other paid leaves
  • Flexible Spending Arrangement
  • Commuter Value Pass

For full details of the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee, please visit https://city.milwaukee.gov/der/benefits.

Selection Process

THE SELECTION PROCESS will be job related and will consist of one or more of the following: an evaluation of education, experience and/or responses to supplemental questions; a written or performance test, a structured interview, or other assessment methods. The Department of Employee Relations reserves the right to call only the most qualified candidates to structured interviews and performance examinations. Structured interviews may include written exercises. Selection process component weights will be determined by further analysis of the job. Applicants must attach a resume and cover letter to their application materials by the application deadline listed above.

INITIAL FILING DATE - The selection process will be held as soon as practical after the application deadline listed above. Receipt of applications may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice. However, recruitment may continue until the needs of the City have been met. Qualified applicants will be notified of the date, time, and place of the selection process components. Unless otherwise required by law, the City of Milwaukee will not provide alternative selection process dates or times. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.

Additional Information

  • Applications and further information may be accessed by visiting www.jobapscloud.com/MIL
  • If you would like assistance completing an application, please contact the Department of Employee Relations at (414) 286-3751 or staffinginfo@milwaukee.gov.
  • The Department of Employee Relations is located in City Hall, 200 E Wells St, Room 706, Milwaukee, WI 53202.

Conclusion

EEO = 205

The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.