Associate Counsel Un

Serve as in-house associate legal counsel in close consultation with the Associate Director/Sr. Legal Advisor, as more specifically described by the Essential Functions; this position performs general legal advisement and associated services but does not generally act in a representational capacity unless otherwise specifically directed for any specific matter(s) on a case-by-case basis.Lead, coordinate, oversee and participate in the more complex and difficult work of staff responsible for analyzing and developing proposals for City policy and legislation. Provide competent and diligent policy research, analysis, and support for the City Council Services Department, and handle a variety of technical tasks relative to assigned areas of responsibility and provide highly responsible and complex support to the Associate Director/Sr. Legal Advisor.This is an unclassified at-will position.Job descriptions are intended to present a general list of tasks/duties performed by employees within this job classification. Job Descriptions are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.Supervision Received and ExercisedReceive general administrative direction from the Associate Director/Sr. Legal Advisor of City Council Services and Director of City Council Services.Exercise functional and technical supervision over lower-level staff of the Council Services Department.Essential and Supplemental FunctionsESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the functions listed below)Review the work of staff responsible for analyzing and developing proposals for policies and legislation concerning various matters before the City Council for legal sufficiency, and for technical or legal issues. Offer advice and strategies for improvement.Work directly with Councilors and staff and present and respond to questions and offer guidance at meetings of the Council, its committees or other meetings or hearings as requested or as necessary.Provide drafting services and drafting advisement for resolutions, ordinances, and all other legislative formats before the Council.Perform analysis of administrative appeals and other land use legislation before the City Council and draft legal findings to support Council decisions.Advise the Council regarding the conduct of hearings, meetings and committees to afford due process to participants and to meet all other legal obligations relating to these proceedings, including for land use appeals and other quasi-judicial matters.Work in close consultation with the Associate Director/Senior Legal Advisor to provide support and offer competent legal advisement as requested relating to municipal law relevant to a municipal governing body including procedures, practices, policy development, separation of powers, City Council sources and limitations of the authority, land use, municipal home rule and pre-emption, and other substantive legal areas relating to the legislative initiatives, authority, or functions of the City Council. SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS: Staff and coordinate a variety of assigned activities with those of other divisions, departments and agencies and organizations.Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.Attend staff meetings of the City Council and its committees, including multiple after-hours meetings per month, unless excused.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Juris Doctor Degree from an accredited college or university.ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be a licensed member in good standing of the State Bar of New Mexico. Possession of a valid New Mexico Driver's License, or the ability to obtain the same within sixty (60) days of the date of hire.Possession of a City Operator's Permit (COP) within 6 months from date of hire.Required to work flexible hours, including evening meetings and occasional weekend hours.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Lead, organize and review the work of staff in the area of work assignedIndependently perform the most difficult legislative policy analysisInterpret, explain and enforce Council policies and proceduresAnalyze and develop policy resolutions for urban development and redevelopmentReview, evaluate and interpret economic, social, physical and political dataWork independently in the absence of supervisionCommunicate clearly and conciselyEstablish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of workPerform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation