Introduction
Charlotte’s local government, with more than 8,000 employees and a $3.3 billion budget, works hard to ensure that the community will be a winning city for everyone – a truly remarkable place to live, work, learn and play.
The Office of the City Attorney is the largest municipal legal office in North Carolina. It is dedicated to serving the citizens of Charlotte by protecting and defending the legal interests of the city. The office provides legal advice to the Mayor, City Council, City Manager, and other City officials on a broad range of issues and engages in litigation in support or defense of the city. Our vision is to be a model public service law firm known for its talent, diversity, and service. We offer exciting opportunities to join a dynamic staff operating in an open, progressive, and balanced environment. Our legal team is tasked with providing high-quality legal services to our clients in a timely, responsive, and ethical manner.
Overview
The City of Charlotte is the largest municipality in North Carolina and the 15th largest city in the United States, with a total population of more than 897,000 citizens. A major commerce center, Charlotte hosts several of the nation’s largest banks and technology companies.
Also known as the Queen City, Charlotte is home to the Carolina Panthers, the Charlotte Hornets and the NASCAR Hall of Fame. We work hard to ensure that the community will be a winning city for everyone – a truly remarkable place to live, work, learn and play. Join us in helping to keep our City thriving, ensuring upward mobility and advancement in the workplace.
Function
Legal
Summary
This position is part of the City Attorney’s Office and responsible for providing comprehensive legal services and representation to Charlotte Water, a department of the City of Charlotte, and Storm Water Services, a division within Charlotte Water, specifically focusing on matters involving real property and condemnation actions. The position will be physically located at a building for Charlotte Water and Storm Water Services. The job classification will ultimately be determined by the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
• Research and advise on compliance with local, state, and federal laws specific to municipal water, wastewater, and storm water operations.
• Identify and resolve operational and business issues associated with the acquisition, disposition, and management of real property for Charlotte Water and Storm Water Services.
• Research and advise on compliance with local, state, and federal laws specific to municipality real property matters, including condemnation.
• Negotiate and draft documents such as leases, purchase and sales contracts, option agreements, development agreements, deeds, encroachments, easements, and other documents needed to accomplish the real estate priorities of Charlotte Water and Storm Water Services.
• Manage all aspects of closings for the sale and other disposition of real property for Charlotte Water and Storm Water Services.
• Perform all necessary tasks during any condemnation litigation to resolve or settle any dispute between the adverse parties.
• Represent and advocate on behalf of the City in litigation at all levels of federal and state courts as may be required including through oral arguments or appellate briefs.
• Conduct legal research and render legal opinions.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
• Considerable knowledge of constitutional, federal, state, and local laws affecting municipal government and specifically water, wastewater, and storm water operations.
• Ability to work collaboratively with others, analyze issues from a legal and practical perspective, and provide clear advice and counsel.
• Possess business acumen and the ability to negotiate transactions effectively.
• Ability to master new material quickly, manage a diverse legal portfolio, and handle a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to think creatively to solve problems.
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment.
• Knowledge of judicial procedures and rules of evidence.
• Ability to prepare and try moderately complex civil cases.
• Knowledge of voir dire, jury trials, and advocacy before any appellate court.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, colleagues, the public, elected and appointed officials, and City staff.
Minimum Qualifications
• Doctorate degree from an ABA accredited law school and license to practice law in North Carolina or ability to be admitted into the NC State Bar via reciprocity prior to beginning employment.
• Minimum of five (5) years of relevant work experience as a practicing attorney for Assistant City Attorney II; minimum of eight (8) years of practice experience for Assistant City Attorney Sr. I.
Salary
• Range $103,606.00 - $129,508.00 (Asst City Atty II)
• Range $114,226.00 - $142,782.00 (Asst City Atty Senior I)
Conditions of Employment
The City’s Background Check Policy requires background checks to be conducted on final internal or external candidate(s) applying for any position with the City of Charlotte. The type of information that will be collected as part of a background check includes, but is not limited to: reference checks, social security verification, education verification, criminal conviction record check, and, if applicable, a credit history check, sex offender registry and motor vehicle records check.
Background checks must be in compliance with all federal and state statutes, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The checks must be consistent with the guidelines set forth by these laws requiring organizations to obtain a candidate’s written authorization before obtaining a criminal background report, motor vehicle records check or credit report; and to properly store and dispose of information derived from such reports.
Final candidates must pass a pre-employment drug-screening test and physical examination. During the selection process, candidates may be asked to take a skills test, and/or participate in other assessments.
The City of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
How To Apply
Apply online.
Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job.
You are welcome to visit the City of Charlotte Human Resources Department lobby where we have workstations available. Our office is located at 700 East 4th Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28202. Our hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (EST), excluding official City holidays.
Anyone seeking an accommodation to apply for a job may call (704) 336-2285 for assistance or you may email questions to CityHrJobPostingsNotify@ci.charlotte.nc.us.
Benefits
The City of Charlotte provides a comprehensive benefits package to all employees.
Click here to learn more about the City of Charlotte’s benefits.
The City of Charlotte is a drug and alcohol-free workplace.
In Conclusion
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