City Attorney

The City of Bossier City is seeking a highly qualified, strategic attorney to serve as City Attorney and head of the Legal Department. The City Attorney is the City’s chief legal counsel and provides objective, timely legal guidance to the Mayor, City Council, municipal departments, boards, and commissions. The position is responsible for protecting the City’s legal interests and ensuring that municipal operations comply with the Bossier City Home Rule Charter and applicable federal, state, and local law. Appointment and Employment Status The successful candidate will be nominated by the Mayor and is subject to confirmation by the Bossier City Council. This is a full-time, unclassified, appointed employee position. Department Leadership: Direct the operations of the Legal Department and serve as its official head. Legal Counsel: Provide independent, practical legal guidance to the Mayor, City Council, municipal departments, boards, and commissions. Legal Opinions: Research and provide written legal opinions to the Mayor, the City Council or its individual members, and City boards and commissions regarding their official powers and duties. Legislation: Prepare ordinances and resolutions at the request of the Mayor or City Council members and inform the Mayor of legislative actions requested by Council members before the applicable City Council agenda meetings. Contracts and Legal Instruments: Review and provide recommendations concerning bonds, deeds, leases, agreements, contracts, and other instruments to which the City is a party or in which the City has an interest. Litigation and Prosecution: Represent or supervise the representation of the City in litigation, including the prosecution of ordinance violations in Bossier City Court. Outside Counsel: Acquire, supervise, and monitor outside legal assistance required to protect the City’s interests. Staff Management: Hire, direct, and evaluate legal staff and support personnel within the approved departmental budget. Budget and Resources: Prepare and administer the Legal Department’s annual budget and manage departmental resources and expenditures within approved limits. Legislative Monitoring: Monitor state and federal legislation and advise City officials and departments regarding potential operational or legal impacts. Meetings and Hearings: Represent the City at public meetings, administrative proceedings, court hearings, negotiations, and other proceedings as required. Risk Management: Identify legal risks proactively and provide preventive advice intended to reduce claims, disputes, and litigation. Required Qualifications Education: Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association. Licensure: Active license to practice law in Louisiana and membership in good standing with the Louisiana State Bar Association. Experience: Must be an attorney-at-law who has actively practiced law in the State of Louisiana for not less than five (5) years immediately preceding confirmation, as required by the Bossier City Home Rule Charter. Preferred Qualifications Experience in municipal, local-government, or other public-sector law. Knowledge of Louisiana municipal law, public contracts, public records, open meetings, governmental ethics, employment law, land use, utilities, municipal finance, and litigation. Experience advising elected officials, boards, commissions, and executive-level administrators. Experience supervising legal professionals, support staff, and outside counsel. Experience preparing and administering a departmental budget. Core Competencies Sound legal judgment, professional independence, discretion, and adherence to applicable ethical standards. Strong legal research, writing, negotiation, litigation, and oral communication skills. Ability to manage competing deadlines involving courts, City Council matters, contracts, legislation, and departmental operations. Timely and accurate review of ordinances, resolutions, contracts, agreements, and other legal instruments. Professional and respectful collaboration with elected officials, employees, courts, opposing counsel, and members of the public. Ability to provide objective legal advice while supporting the lawful policy objectives established by the City’s elected leadership. Additional Information The selected candidate shall be required to complete a background investigation and provide verification of education, licensure, and professional standing. Application materials may be subject to disclosure under the Louisiana Public Records Law. This full-time position requires the professional time and attention necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of the office. Any outside legal practice or secondary employment must comply with applicable law and City policy. #J-18808-Ljbffr