Corporation Counsel

Job Title

Legal Counsel for the Town of Wallingford

Job Description

Performs highly responsible and complex professional legal work involving administration of Town legal matters and representation of the Town in actions by or against the Town. Assists the Town Attorney in the administration and supervision of the Law Department and with providing a wide variety of legal services. Provides legal consultation, representation and assistance to departments, boards, commissions and committees. Represents the Town in actions arising out of Town business and actions in all courts and before administrative agencies.

Key Responsibilities

Prepares briefs, pleadings and performs related legal research in developing positions of Town in litigation, State or federal administrative hearings and regulatory proceedings. Researches questions of law and prepares opinions and/or oral advice as needed. Prepares or reviews Town contracts, ordinances or regulations and other documents as assigned by the Town Attorney. Advises on litigation to protect the interests of the Town. Attends meetings of various boards and commissions and provides legal advice. Supervises the clerical staff of the Office of the Town Attorney. Acts for the Town Attorney on request or in his absence. Assists in the preparation of the department budget. Makes recommendations to the Town Attorney for proposed local laws and regulations or for revisions to same. Performs related work as required.

Qualifications

Thorough knowledge of municipal, state, federal, common and of constitutional law affecting Connecticut municipalities. Thorough knowledge of judicial procedures and rules of evidence. Thorough knowledge of methods of legal research and of established precedents and sources of legal reference to Town activities. Considerable ability to prepare and try civil law cases in the various courts. Considerable ability to analyze and prepare a wide range of legal documents. Considerable ability to communicate orally and in writing and to make well-reasoned, persuasive legal arguments. Considerable ability to supervise the work of others. Considerable ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Town officials, boards, commissions, committees, legal professionals and the general public. Must possess a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited school of law and be admitted to the State Bar in Connecticut, plus a minimum of five (5) years experience in the practice of law of which a minimum of three (3) years of experience in the practice of municipal law and at least three (3) years of litigation experience. Must maintain valid admission to the State Bar in Connecticut during course of employment. Must maintain valid admission to practice law in Federal Courts during course of employment or qualified to obtain admission. Must devote full-time to the duties of the office and shall not otherwise engage in the private practice of law after six (6) months from date of appointment. Must possess and maintain a valid State of Connecticut Motor Vehicle Operator's license.