Job Description

Description

SUMMARY: An Assistant Director of Law provides professional legal services for the City of Cleveland Heights, its boards, commissions, officers, and departments.

Examples of Duties

.ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Assistant Director of Law provides sophisticated legal counsel and representation to the City and its officials, boards and commissions which may include the handling of civil matters, legal research, preparation of legislation, preparation and review of contracts, labor and employment issues, public records response, administrative appeals, litigation including court representation in municipal, state, and federal courts, review and assistance with City policies, and other duties as assigned. Some prosecution/criminal matters may be involved but are not the primary focus. Experience with planning/zoning, labor and employment, or code enforcement is preferred.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not comprehensive and is for purposes of illustration only.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITES:

Assists with supervision of departmental office staff.

Typical Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Ohio municipal law, Home Rule, tort immunity/ORC Chapter 2744.
• Open meetings and public records laws.
• Municipal litigation including pleading requirements, discovery, rules of evidence and procedure.
• Legal research and writing and associated software (Microsoft Office; Westlaw; etc.)

Ability to:

• Quickly analyze City legal issues, which may be complex and technical, and render competent and practical professional legal advice.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Represent the City at the administrative agency, trial, and appellate court level.
• Prepare legal documents which may include contracts, deeds and Council legislation.
• Work well under pressure and deadlines.
• Establish and maintain cooperative professional relationships as a member of the Law Department team and within City Hall.
• Interact professionally and respectfully with City officials, coworkers, office support staff, outside agencies and attorneys, and the general public.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

J.D.; minimum three (3) years\' prior experience in a municipal or other public sector law department or representation of public entities.

CERTIFICATION/ LICENSURE

Ohio Bar license in good standing; admission to practice before the United States District Court, Northern District of Ohio, may be required.

Supplemental Information

The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Limited remote work may be permitted, subject to prior approval, but regular physical presence in the Law Department is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

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. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Position involves work that is typically performed inside an office or similar setting and does not typically expose the employee to adverse environmental conditions.

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