Associate city solicitor job in Springfield, Mass.

This was brought to our attention by a reader who notes, "$835/week to be an associate city solicitor in the rotting city of Springfield, MA."
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This is responsible, full-time professional legal work in connection with municipal legal affairs.

Work involves responsibility for the application of professional skills and knowledge in the performance of a wide variety of legal duties as a full-time associate to the municipal City Solicitor. Work is performed with professional independence in accordance with accepted legal practices adapted to municipal requirements under administrative direction of the City Solicitor who reviews work through reports and conferences. Supervision may be exercised over office personnel as delegated.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE, but are not limited to:

* Acting for the City Solicitor in his/her absence or as delegated; providing continuity and full-time legal assistance in the affairs of the office of the City Solicitor.
* Providing legal advice, counsel and opinions for the Mayor, City Council, boards, commissions, committees, officials, office heads, and as assigned by the City Solicitor.
* Studying statues, ordinances, precedents, bylaws, rules and regulations and carrying on related legal research.
* Preparing ordinances, orders, resolutions, contracts, leases, deeds, obligations, and other legal instruments and documents.
* Preparing briefs and pleadings, and presenting and arguing in court, actions, suits and proceedings brought by or against the City, municipal offices, or a City official in his/her official capacity.
* Appearing before the legislature, its committees, and carious state bodies of quasi-judicial nature, to represent the City’s interests.
* Interviewing witnesses, conferring with parties, attorneys, and municipal officials, and otherwise investigating suits against the City; negotiating out-of-court settlements.
* Attending meetings, and hearings of various municipal boards and commissions to provide legal advice and counsel.
* Supervising the work of office clerical personnel, and professional personnel as delegated.
* Performing related work as required.

SKILLS/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED INCLUDE, but are not limited to:

* Considerable knowledge of common and statutory law, municipal ordinances established legal precedents, and sources of legal reference.
* Considerable knowledge of the legal bases of the structure and function of municipal government.
* Considerable knowledge of the principles, practices, methods, materials of legal research and investigation.
* Considerable knowledge of legal pleadings and practices, and effective techniques of presenting cases in court.
* Considerable knowledge of judicial procedures and the rules of evidence including trial experience in state and federal courts.
* Ability to analyze and prepare legal documents and instruments.
* Ability to perform independent research and to interpret laws and precedents.
* Ability to present evidence and other legal material effectively in written or oral form.
* Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, municipal officials, court officials, and the general public.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

* Considerable experience in professional legal work, including experience in legal research and preparation and trial of cases.
* Graduation from an accredited law school, or its equivalent.

NECESSARY SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

* Admission to practice law before all of the courts of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
* Residence in the City of Springfield.
* Ability to devote full-time legal services to the City without supplementation of time or money to private legal practices.


4th Associate City Solicitor
Position: 4th Associate City Solicitor
Number of Positions: 1
Salary: $835/week
Department: Law
Closing Date: 11/15/10
Status: Non Civil Service
Approval Date: 10/28/10
Job Requisition Number: 10/26/10-073

http://www.springfieldcityhall.com/personnel/index.php?id=505