Assistant City Attorney I

About the Position:

The City of Durango is seeking an Assistant City Attorney I to join our legal team. This entry-level attorney position offers dynamic and diverse legal experience under the general supervision of the City Attorney.

Unlike many other legal roles, municipal attorneys encounter a variety of legal fields regularly. In just one week, you might work on issues ranging from free speech to personal injury. As an Assistant City Attorney I, you will provide legal assistance to the City Council, City Boards & Commissions, and City departments, supporting their official duties. You will prepare and review legal documents, including pleadings, ordinances, resolutions, contracts, deeds, leases, and reports. Your assignments may cover areas such as code enforcement, municipal prosecution, licensing, contracts, purchasing, elections, airport operations, utilities, land use, and public records.

City Government & the City Attorney Office:

The City of Durango operates as a home rule city with a council-manager form of government, as established by its charter. A five-member City Council, elected at large on a non-partisan basis for staggered four-year terms, holds the legislative and policymaking authority. The City Council is responsible for passing ordinances, adopting the budget, appointing advisory and commission members, and hiring the City Manager, City Attorney, and Municipal Judge. The City Manager implements Council policies, manages daily city operations, and appoints department directors.

Under the City Charter, the City Attorney attends all City Council Meetings and serves as legal advisor to the City Council, City Manager, and management staff. The office of the City Attorney handles a wide range of legal matters, including drafting ordinances, contracts, and agreements; representing the City in litigation; and advising on complex legal issues. The office also provides legal counsel to the Local Liquor Licensing and all Boards & Commissions appointed by City Council.

What You’ll Do in This Role:

• Collaborate with the City Attorney to advise City Council, departments, and Boards & Commissions.
• Draft and prepare complex legal documents for City projects and initiatives.
• Prosecute violators of municipal ordinances.
• Research legal issues and provide opinions.
• Draft ordinances, resolutions, policies, memoranda, correspondence, and agenda documents.
• Negotiate, review, and prepare agreements, leases, and contracts.
• Assist in case preparation, litigation, and settlement negotiations.
• Manage legal cases and track status, including monitoring claims.
• Initiate legal holds and manage document retention.
• Review responses to Colorado Open Records requests with the City Clerk and City Attorney.
• Maintain legal department files and manage special projects.
• Attend City Council and Boards & Commissions meetings as needed.
• Participate in professional meetings and stay up to date on developments in the legal profession, municipal government, public administration, and real estate.
• Direct calls and visitors, answer public inquiries, and refer concerns to the appropriate departments.

You Have:

• A Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Admission to the bar in the State of Colorado.
• Two or more years of experience in state or local government, or similar relevant experience in public service, preferred.
• In-depth understanding of municipal and government law, contract law, torts, administrative law, the law of evidence, and the Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure, as well as relevant federal and state laws impacting municipalities.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the duties, powers, authorities, and limitations of Home Rule municipal corporations in Colorado.
• Proficiency in legal research methods and techniques, including the use of online legal research tools such as Westlaw and Fastcase, and familiarity with electronic filing systems used by Colorado courts.
• Ability to analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, and make recommendations that align with City goals and strategic plans.
• Demonstrated sound judgment and discretion in decision-making.

What We Can Offer You:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Ample personal time off (PTO) and 11 paid holidays.
• 401(a) retirement plan and optional deferred compensation plan.
• Basic life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.
• Long-term disability coverage.
• Paid Family and Medical Leave (FMLA).
• Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Free access to the Durango Community Recreation Center and Chapman Hill Ice Rink & Ski Area.
• Holistic Employee Wellness Program, addressing physical, mental, financial, and professional well-being.
• Free transit pass and family member discounts.
• Reimbursement for job-related classes to foster continuous learning.
• Sixteen hours of volunteer time off per year to support local non-profit organizations.

Belong at the City of Durango:

We believe in creating an inclusive workforce that welcomes diversity of thoughts, viewpoints, and experiences.

The City of Durango is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis age 40 and over, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or any other applicable status protected by state or local law. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions are based on job-related factors.