Job Description

ATTORNEY I - 1400

GRADE - 123

PAY RANGE - $85,342.40 - $121,680.00/yr- plus a comprehensive benefits package

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

Provides professional legal representation for the City of Manchester; performs directly related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The principal function of an employee in this class is to ensure professional representation in the prosecution of misdemeanor cases of a large level of difficulty. The work is performed under the supervision and direction of the Deputy City Solicitor and City Solicitor but considerable leeway is granted for the exercise of independent judgement and initiative. Supervision is exercised over the work of legal support staff. The nature of the work performed requires that an employee in this class establish and maintain effective working relationships with other City employees, court officials, law enforcement officials, legal professionals, business and community organizations and the public. The principal duties of this class are performed in a general office environment and within a courtroom setting.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL WORK:

• Conducts litigation in State and Federal District court, including appeals through the United States Supreme Court;
• Prosecutes criminal cases as necessary and appropriate
• Prosecutes traffic violations, zoning violations and comparable cases in the courts;
• Prosecutes misdemeanor cases of the highest level of complexity;
• Represents the City in pre-trial conferences, including research and negotiation with all parties involved;
• Prepares cases for trial, examining law and evidence subject to review and assistance by a superior;
• Interviews police officers, inspectors or other parties presenting evidence for the City to ascertain that evidence is complete and adequate for presentation in court;
• Discusses case results with other City Attorneys to evaluate and improve performance for future work;
• Interviews complainants to determine whether or not there are sufficient grounds to bring suit under City ordinances or under State law for misdemeanors committed within the City limits;
• Studies City, State, Federal and general municipal law for information and precedents bearing on City legal problems;
• Researches legal opinions, memoranda and data for the guidance of the City Departments;
• Researches, prepares, and compiles proposed ordinances and resolutions and proposed amendments to existing ordinances;
• Provides guidance and demonstrations to new employees in similar positions;
• Keeps supervisors informed of work progress, issues, and potential solutions;
• Attends meetings and training to stay current on relevant practices and developments;
• Responds to citizen inquiries courteously and promptly;
• Coordinates regularly with others to enhance interdepartmental efficiency; and
• Performs additional duties as required by the classification.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, methods, materials and references utilized in legal research;
• Thorough knowledge of legal practices and procedures;
• Thorough knowledge of municipal law, torts, contracts, civil rights, administrative processes and real property;
• Thorough knowledge of appellate practices and procedures;
• Thorough knowledge of local and State violations, misdemeanors and criminal procedures;
• Thorough knowledge of State and Federal statutes and regulations pertaining to municipal governments;
• Ability in negotiations and the persuasion of others, including both individuals and groups;
• Ability in presentations of both routine and complex issues;
• Ability to communicate effectively with others, both orally and in writing, using both technical and non-technical language;
• Ability to understand and follow oral and/or written policies, procedures and instructions;
• Ability to prepare and present accurate and reliable reports containing findings and recommendations;
• Ability to operate or quickly learn to operate a personal computer using standard or customized software applications appropriate to assigned tasks;
• Ability to use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions according to written specifications and/or oral instructions;
• Ability to perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines;
• Ability and willingness to quickly learn and put to use new skills and knowledge brought about by rapidly changing information and/or technology;
• Integrity, ingenuity and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Juris Doctorate degree;
• Zero to two years of experience in municipal law operations, including some prosecutorial experience; and
• Admission to the New Hampshire Bar Association.

REQUIRED SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Admission to the New Hampshire Bar Association;
• Valid Driver’s License or access to transportation.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL ABILITIES:

• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to communicate effectively;
• Sufficient vision or other powers of observation, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to observe a wide variety of written material in both electronic and hardcopy form;
• Sufficient manual dexterity with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to operate a personal computer and related equipment;
• Sufficient strength and endurance, with or without reasonable accommodation to lift and carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, through a full range of motion, up to 10 pounds occasionally, 5 pounds frequently and 2 pounds consistently;
• Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to have access within both the general office environment and to all applicable areas of the court system.