CITY OF OVERLAND PARK - POSITION DESCRIPTION

JOB SUMMARY STATEMENT: Appears in court on behalf of City. Plans goals and objectives of Law Department and prepares department budget. Directs all activities of Law Department, including but not limited to, areas of court representation and general counsel. Coordinates work assignments of staff in goal areas so that City's interests are protected. Monitors all activities and assignments of personnel, evaluates performance, provides training, and ensures professional competence.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Appears in court on City's behalf. Communicates with judge, witnesses, jury and opposing counsel so that City's position is clearly understood and accurately recorded by the court reporter. Reads evidentiary documents, jury selection lists and jury instructions. Observes physical sites and demonstrative evidence.

Negotiates and prepares City contracts. Determines specifications, considerations and contract issues through contact with staff, elected officials and others. Reviews supporting documentation. Meets as appropriate with contracting entity to establish positions, negotiate issues and considerations. Prepares correspondence and other documents concerning contract terms. Drafts, prepares reviews and approves final contract documents as to form.

Conducts legal research and/or provides legal advice. Communicates with staff, elected officials, public and others to gather necessary facts. Identifies legal issues. Locates source materials; reads and analyzes cases; prepares and provides a written memorandum, pleading or brief setting forth legal analysis. Communicates the legal analysis to the appropriate party. Attends Council, standing Committee and other City meetings as required.

Drafts City ordinances, resolutions, administrative policies and other legal documents. Communicates with staff, elected officials, public and others to determine needs, limitations or provisions of said documents. Prepares memoranda related to said documents; presents analysis of proposed documents; and reviews final documents for form.

Analyzes impact of proposed legislation. Provides advice on developing and implementing City legislative program. Testifies before legislature and administrative bodies concerning legislative and regulatory matters. Researches and prepares written testimony and legislation. Negotiates legislation with legislators and others so that the City's interests are protected.

Coordinates work assignments of staff, evaluates performance, provides training, and ensures professional competence.

Works the days and hours necessary to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks. Is available (especially during regular business hours or shifts) to communicate with subordinates, supervisors, customers, vendors and any other persons or organization with whom interaction is required to accomplish work and employer goals.

Is punctual and timely in meeting all requirements of performance, including, but not limited to, attendance standards and work deadlines; beginning and ending assignments on time; and scheduled work breaks, where applicable.

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION & SPECIAL LICENSE(S)/CERTIFICATIONS:

Juris Doctor Degree from an accredited law school and membership in the bars of the Kansas State Courts, the Federal District Court for the District of Kansas and the U.S. Court of Appeals, Tenth Circuit.

Access to the Kansas Criminal Justice Information System (KCJIS) may be required, so the following KCJIS requirements apply: must be at least 18 years of age; must not have been convicted of a felony; must not have been convicted of a serious misdemeanor; and must not have an arrest history the nature and severity of which warrant disqualification.

EXPERIENCE:

Eight to ten years of legal work in municipal government, or an equivalent level of experience.

SKILLS:

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Legal research skills.

PC skills.

Analytical skills.

Supervisory skills.

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to read and comprehend statutes, case law, ordinances, legal reference materials, and legal correspondence.

Ability to analyze legal issues.

Ability to write perceptively, coherently, thoroughly, and succinctly.

Ability to communicate effectively with staff, elected officials and others.

Ability to argue orally.

Ability to evaluate positions and to negotiate.

Ability to understand the legislative process and the elements necessary to enact a constitutional and otherwise unassailable law.

Ability to recognize and protect confidential information.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to travel and attend courtroom proceedings, physical sites and legislative sessions.

Ability to meet/consult with judges, witnesses, jury members, opposing counsel, staff, elected officials, public, and others.

Ability to sit and be attentive for extended periods of time.

Ability to conduct/attend intense and lengthy negotiation sessions.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY (Direct & Indirect):

Direct: Deputy City Attorney and Administrative Prosecutor

Indirect: Assistant City Attorney, Sr. and Prosecution Staff

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.