Assistant City Attorney

POSITION SUMMARY:

The City of South Bend seeks an experienced generalist attorney to join its legal team to serve as support for the South Bend Human Rights Commission, Human Resources Department, and assist with support for the City’s Access to Public Records Act requests. Responsibility for additional departments or practice areas may be assigned based on need as well as attorney experience and/or developmental interest. Excellent writing and analytical ability, sound academic credentials, and good character and interpersonal skills are all essential for success in this role. The selected individual will interact with a team of attorneys and City leadership and employees to provide daily legal advice to further the City’s strategic goals and preserve its legal and ethical integrity. 

SCHEDULE:

Normal business hours 8:00 AM-5:00 PM, Monday-Friday.  Schedule is subject to change based on operational needs.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:  None.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Critical competencies include, but are not limited to, communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and accountability. The following list represents the types of duties required by this position. Other duties may be assigned as reasonably expected.

• Research and advise the staff of the South Bend Human Rights Commission, Department of Human Resources, and other City leadership and employees on legal matters, including but not limited to Federal, State, and City laws related to discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodation, and education; general labor and employment laws; workers’ compensation; and the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as general contract and litigation concerns.
• Represent the City in public meetings and assist team members with claims, charges, and litigation related to the South Bend Human Rights Commission, Department of Human Resources, and any other assigned department.
• Perform investigations as requested by the Department of Human Resources.
• Assist with the review of and response to Access to Public Records Act requests.
• Draft, negotiate, and review contracts and other legal documents.
• Assume direct responsibility for work and work independently.
• Communicate clearly, professionally, and persuasively.
• Maintain quality work product and professionalism, even when managing multiple projects with competing deadlines.
• Ability to work in a collaborative team environment, as well as ability to work independently.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office.
• Coordinate or participate in special projects, as assigned. 
• Perform other duties and assume other responsibilities as assigned, as apparent, or as delegated.
• Uphold the City’s core values of accountability, inclusion, excellence, innovation, and empowerment.

NON-ESSENTIAL/MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:

• Perform other duties and assume other responsibilities as apparent or as assigned.

EDUCATION / QUALIFICATIONS:

• Juris Doctor Degree from accredited law school.
• Admitted to the bar and in good standing in the State of Indiana. 
• Minimum of 3 years as a licensed attorney.
• Excellent character and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent writing and analytical ability.
• Willingness and desire to learn.  

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Experience with discrimination laws.
• Experience with labor and employment laws.
• Experience with litigation and/or claims.
• Experience with drafting legal documents for, and participating in, administrative law proceedings.
• Experience with drafting, negotiating, and reviewing contracts.
• Knowledge of municipal law.
• Experience with Indiana Open Door Law and Access to Public Records Act.
• Ability to work in a collaborative team environment, but with the ability to work independently.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSE, REGISTRATION:

Valid Driver’s license required.

EQUIPMENT:

• Computer, telephone, fax machine and copier.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The 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 individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, walk, talk, or hear.  The employee is required to type, use hands to fingers, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required in this job include vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is typically performed in on-site in office settings, with moderate inside temperatures.  The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate in the office.  Entire office is smoke free.

DISCLAIMER:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel so classified.  Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.  The City of South Bend is an at will employer.

REQUIRED:

Pre-Employment Drug Screen

Employee Background check

Essential Duty: Uphold Core Values

All employees of the City of South Bend are expected to uphold and actively demonstrate the City's Core Values in their daily work, which are summarized below:

• Excellence – Deliver high-quality service and strive for continuous improvement.
• Accountability – Take ownership of responsibilities and outcomes.
• Innovation – Seek creative solutions and embrace new ideas.
• Inclusion – Promote a respectful, equitable, and welcoming environment.
• Empowerment – Support and encourage others to grow and succeed.

This duty is fundamental to fostering a positive workplace culture and delivering exceptional public service. These values shape our culture, inform our decisions, and inspire our work every day.