Staff Attorney

Performs complex professional and administrative work in the rendering of legal services to the Town. Work is performed under the direction and supervision of the Town Attorney.

Full salary range for this position is $89,609.57 to $134,414.36.

The following duties are those considered most essential to the position.  This does not preclude the delegation of other duties considered as necessary by management to successfully complete an assignment or project. 

• Conducts legal research and prepares opinions of various legal questions as directed by the Town Attorney.
• Provides legal and procedural advice to Town Departments on legal, administrative, and policy matters to assist them in performing their functions in compliance with State and Federal laws, the Town Charter, Ordinances, regulations and Resolutions of the Board.  
• Prepares, or reviews the departmental preparation, of public bid documents, requests for proposals, and the documentation for other public procurement processes.
• Prepares and reviews municipal contracts, agreements, deeds, leases, policies, and other legal documents as directed by the Town Attorney.  
• Assists the Town Attorney in overseeing contract management for the Town.
• Conducts or coordinates title examinations for land acquisitions and/or conveyances, or any other matter that necessitates an examination of title.
• Assists Town Departments in enforcement of the Town Code of Ordinances, including but not limited to minimum housing violations, and the preparation and filing of nuisance liens.
• Conducts searches of public records, including but not limited to Town records and ordinances and property tax records.
• Assists the Town Attorney in keeping the Town Code of Ordinances up to date.
• Responds to, or reviews departmental responses to, public records requests.
• Assists the Town Attorney, as appropriate, in the bringing or defending of lawsuits by or against the Town, including but not limited to legal research and writing, drafting of pleadings, legal memoranda, motions, and preparing and responding to discovery requests. 
• Attends Town Board meetings and the meetings of other Town boards as directed by the Town Attorney.   
• Provides legal advice and representation to the Town boards (Zoning Board of Adjustment, Planning Board, and other advisory boards) as directed by the Town Attorney.   
• Files legal documents, deeds, plats, pleadings, and other legal documents at the Mecklenburg County Courthouse and the Mecklenburg County Register of Deeds Office.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Comprehensive knowledge in a variety of legal areas, including but not limited to, municipal law, public records law, open meetings law, property and real estate law, eminent domain, contracts; comprehensive knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and court decisions affecting municipalities; ability to anticipate legal problems and involvement as may affect the Town; ability to present complex ideas effectively in verbal and written form; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Town officials and staff, court officials, members of the bar, and the general public; strong knowledge of real estate law, public bidding and contracting laws, zoning/subdivision, and other planning laws is required; ability to exhibit good professional judgement and provide sound counsel and advice; proficient skill in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint is preferred; ability to train on other software systems and programs.

Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and license to practice law in the State of North Carolina and one to two years of legal experience in municipal/public administration or real estate law. Or a combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, abilities, and skills to complete the essential functions and job responsibilities of this position.

Possession of an appropriate driver's license valid in the State of North Carolina is required.  

This position’s physical requirements involve sedentary work exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Additionally, the following physical abilities may be required: balancing, feeling, grasping, hearing, mental acuity, speaking, standing, talking, visual acuity, and/or walking. 

Work has no exposure to environmental conditions. Work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office with computer printers, light traffic).

The Town of Huntersville is committed to providing equal opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), gender, national origin, religion, disability, military service or veteran status, genetic information or any other classification protected by applicable Federal, State, and local laws and ordinances. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Town of Huntersville will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with Human Resources staff.