Corporation Counsel

Introduction

The City of New Haven is seeking an accomplished and strategic legal professional to serve as Corporation Counsel the Citys chief legal officer and head of the Office of Corporation Counsel. This highly responsible executive position provides legal leadership across all aspects of municipal government and plays a critical role in advancing the Mayors policy priorities while ensuring compliance with federal state and local law. The Corporation Counsel directs all legal operations for the City and serves as a trusted advisor to elected officials boards commissions and senior leadership.

Reporting directly to the Mayor and serving at the Mayors pleasure the Corporation Counsel manages a large and diverse legal department and oversees complex litigation contracts labor and employment matters land use and legislative affairs. This position requires exceptional legal judgment proven leadership experience and the ability to navigate high-profile high-impact legal matters in a dynamic municipal environment.

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS

This is highly responsible professional legal and administrative work directing all operations of the City of New Havens Legal Department. The Corporation Counsel serves as the chief legal officer of the City responsible for the management coordination and supervision of all legal affairs involving the municipality.

The position advises the Mayor department heads boards commissions and agencies on legal matters affecting the City and ensures that all municipal actions contracts ordinances policies and official documents comply with applicable laws. Work is performed with wide latitude for independent judgment and initiative under the general direction of the Mayor. Supervision is exercised over a staff of 12-15 professional attorneys legal specialists and 12 administrative personnel.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Legal Leadership & Administration

Plans directs and manages the operations of the Office of the Corporation Counsel including litigation contracts labor and employment matters land use claims and risk management.

Develops legal strategy for the City and oversees outside counsel as needed.

Establishes departmental policies procedures and performance standards.

Legal Research Analysis & Counsel

Studies constitutions statutes ordinances judicial decisions regulations and other legal authorities; conducts comprehensive legal research to interpret and apply the law.

Provides written and verbal legal opinions to the Mayor City officials boards commissions and agencies.

Advises on policy development and legal implications of municipal actions.

Drafting & Review of Legal Documents

Drafts reviews and approves contracts resolutions ordinances regulations deeds bonds and all official documents for form and legality.

Ensures that all City documents meet statutory regulatory and Charter requirements.

Litigation Management

Prepares briefs motions and legal pleadings; represents the City in court or administrative proceedings; oversees litigation performed by staff or outside counsel.

Develops settlement strategies and authorizes negotiations consistent with the Citys interests and applicable laws.

Legislative & Intergovernmental Affairs

Monitors state and federal legislation impacting municipal governance.

Appears before legislative committees to present the Citys position and advocate for municipal interests.

Coordinates with state regional and federal agencies on legal matters.

Community & Stakeholder Engagement

Responds to inquiries from citizens and external stakeholders on matters involving municipal law.

Works collaboratively with internal and external partners to support City initiatives.

Performs related work as required.

EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Graduation from a recognized accredited law school (Juris Doctor).

Admission to the Connecticut Bar and in good standing.

Not less than ten (10) years of experience practicing law in Connecticut as required by the City Charter (Art. VI 13).

Demonstrated experience in municipal law public-sector litigation contract law or related legal practice.

KNOWLEDGE EXPERIENCE SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Comprehensive knowledge of federal state and municipal laws affecting local government.
• Extensive legal experience in areas such as labor & employment land use civil rights contracts finance / bonding or municipal governance.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex litigation and high-stakes legal matters.
• Experience in a supervisory or legal-department leadership role.
• Strong written and oral communication skills including the ability to present complex legal concepts to non-attorneys.
• Experience working with elected officials public agencies or legislative bodies.
• Skill in legal research analysis and drafting.
• Proficiency in using applications such as Word and Excel for creating documents reports correspondence spreadsheets and presentations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook Word Excel PowerPoint Project and the ability to learn and use multiple web-based applications.
• Ability to manage a diverse team of attorneys and legal staff. Ability to provide supervision guidance and training as needed.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment discretion and diplomacy.
• Ability to effectively represent the City in legal forums and legislative settings.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and demonstrate ethical and professional integrity.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must possess and maintain a valid Connecticut Drivers License.

Will be required to attend public meetings during evening or weekend hours.

Must be an elector of the City of New Haven within six months of appointment as required by the City Charter (Art II Sec. 12).

SALARY BARGAINING UNIT & TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

This is a General Fund non-tested position.

This position covered by the Executive Management & Confidential Employee Policy available to review HERE .

Hires into this class shall not be covered by the City pension but shall continue to be covered by Social Security; additionally employer will contribute 7.5% of base pay into a defined contribution plan.

The City of New Haven does not sponsor employment visas. All applicants must have current authorization to work in the U.S. without employer-sponsored visa support.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of : (1) a pre-employment background check (2) a pre-employment physical examination including pre-employment drug screening accordance with the Citys Drug Free Workplace Policy

Pursuant to the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988 The City of New Haven has a adopted a Drug Free Workplace Policy. The City of New Haven requires a pre-employment drug test which includes screening for marijuana.

Selection Plan

Applications will be reviewed by the Department of Human Resources. Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the minimum requirements as listed within the job description; failure to do so may result in disqualification.

It is critical that you complete the application thoroughly as the information you provide will be used to ascertain if you are eligible to move forward in the selection process. Your application and resume should indicate that you meet the minimum requirements as listed. This information may be used to determine the eligibility list. Submissions may be evaluated prior to a posted closing date and a hiring decision may be made prior to the removal of the job posting.

Information regarding the employment and selection process can be found HERE.

Please note that the only method of communication with applicants for this position will be by email. You must provide a valid working email address and you will need to monitor your email including spam / junk folders for correspondence from the New Haven Human Resources Department.

We reserve the right to extend an application deadline or close a job posting early to ensure we can attract and identify the best candidate(s) for a position.

Conclusion

To apply for this opportunity :

Please Note your Profile is NOT an application for an open position. After you create your Applicant Profile you must still click on a Job Title and complete the application as instructed for each position .

Key Skills

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Employment Type : Full-Time

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1