Assistant City Attorney I
Assistant City Attorney I – Freedom of Information Act Records Attorney
An Overview
The Office of the City Attorney, legal counsel to the City of Alexandria, is accepting applications for a permanent full time position of Assistant City Attorney I. This is professional legal work involving legal advice and representation in selected areas of municipal operations, specifically related to handling records requests. An Assistant City Attorney has responsibility to act as counsel for major City departments and offices. An incumbent in this class handles and reviews records requests, which will involve providing client’s advice on a regular basis; conducting research; preparing ordinances and opinions; and assisting in litigation arising in this area. An Assistant City Attorney works under the close supervision of a Deputy City Attorney and the City Attorney.
The Opportunity
The incumbent will work with various departments related to records requests made under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The main tasks of the position are to process records requests and review records from all City departments and offices, including for body worn cameras. The position may also include performing research and preparing opinions; responding to inquiries and rendering legal advice to departments; assisting in defending suits against the City and City Council; attending meetings of public bodies and advising them on legal issues; and performing trainings for the client departments.
About the Department
The City Attorney's Office provides legal advice to City Council, Boards and Commissions, the City Manager and City Departments. We are responsible for drafting ordinances, contracts, deeds, leases, and other legal papers. We represent the City in civil court to defend the City in actions taken against it and to initiate cases to enforce the City's laws and actions. Our office is also responsible for handling requests for public records, in compliance with FOIA and for serving as an adjudicator for parking ticket disputes.
Minimum & Additional Requirements
To qualify for this position, all candidates must possess a Juris Doctor degree and be eligible to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Preferred Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have experience with processing and reviewing records requests under FOIA. The ideal candidate may also have experience conducting legal research and drafting opinions; drafting ordinances and resolutions; have excellent legal writing skills; and experience in dealing with inquiries from members of the public, staff, and local governing bodies.
Notes
This position will require the successful completion of a background investigation, to include a criminal records check.