City Attorney - City of Hutchinson

Job Description

Job Description

City Attorney

City of Hutchinson, Kansas

The City of Hutchinson is seeking a highly experienced and strategic legal professional to serve as City Attorney . This executive-level position provides comprehensive legal counsel to the City Manager, City Council, and all City departments while overseeing the administration and delivery of municipal legal services.

This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned municipal attorney to play a critical role in shaping policy, ensuring legal compliance, and supporting the effective governance of a full-service city.

About the Position

The City Attorney is responsible for providing a broad range of legal services related to municipal operations, governance, development, employment, and risk management. The position serves as the City's chief legal advisor and manages legal staff and external counsel as needed.

The City Attorney reports directly to the City Manager and works closely with elected officials, department directors, boards, commissions, and community partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and representation on all aspects of municipal law, including land use, zoning, development, contracts, employment, civil service, open government, liability, purchasing, and utilities
• Draft, review, and negotiate ordinances, resolutions, contracts, agreements, deeds, leases, and other legal documents
• Attend and advise at City Council meetings, study sessions, executive sessions, public hearings, and work sessions
• Review and prepare legal items for City Council agendas
• Advise the Planning Department on zoning requests, plats, and land-use matters
• Coordinate and manage outside legal counsel and litigation matters
• Maintain and update the municipal code
• Provide legal support for employee relations, workers' compensation, and the City's self-insured liability program
• Monitor and interpret legislation, regulations, and case law affecting municipal operations
• Supervise, evaluate, and lead assigned legal staff
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local laws and ordinances

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
• Six (6) years of broad professional legal experience in municipal preferred
• Experience in legal research, drafting, courtroom/trial work, and municipal governance
• Supervisory or management experience preferred

Licenses & Certifications

• License to practice law in the State of Kansas
• Active membership in the Kansas Bar Association
• Valid Kansas Driver's License

Desired Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of municipal law and public sector legal issues
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Ability to manage multiple complex matters simultaneously
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and ethical judgment
• Ability to work independently while providing collaborative leadership

Why Hutchinson?

Hutchinson is a full-service city known for its strong leadership, engaged community, and commitment to public service excellence. The City offers a collaborative executive team environment and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on municipal operations and policy.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary based on qualifications and experience
• KPERS retirement
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, and paid leave

The City of Hutchinson is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workforce.

The City of Hutchinson employs over 400 employees that serve our community every day. City employees make Hutchinson a great place to live, work, and play. We take pride in our work, and it shows. Come be a part of a workforce that makes a difference! We're always looking for talented, self-motivated individuals to join our team.

City of Hutchinson is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.

All employees will be asked to consent to background and drug screening prior to starting employment.