City of Charlottesville VA - City Attorney

The City of Charlottesville is seeking an experienced trusted legal advisor to serve as its next City Attorney. The next City Attorney will serve a community that strives to solve community issues with creativity and innovation and needs a strategic legal advisor who can help guide this in a lawful and thoughtful manner. The City Attorney reports to the City Manager and advises the City Council City leadership and boards and commission. The City Attorney leads a talented staff and will be able to build on that talent by hiring a Chief Deputy Attorney to complement the existing team.

The position provides functional supervision for legal action involving the City the interpretation and application of laws and ordinances affecting the City and the preparation of legal documents and legal opinions for the City of Charlottesville. The City Attorney attends all City Council meetings provides legal advice and appropriate information when necessary and serves as staff on a variety of board commission and other professional meetings. The City Attorney provides legal advice to department heads regarding the Citys application of federal state and local employment laws and is responsible for legal review and approval of City personnel policies and practices. As the Citys chief legal counsel the City Attorney supervises the legal affairs of the City including planning developing implementing and evaluating the best way to provide legal services.

The City Attorney supervises the drafting of ordinances resolutions contracts deeds leases releases franchises and other legal documents on behalf of the City. Additionally the City Attorney serves as a legislative liaison with state and federal governments prepares drafts of bills for the Virginia General Assembly and analyzes legislation affecting the City. They also negotiate contracts supervise land transactions prosecute suits and litigate claims against the City. The City Attorney researches interprets and applies laws court decisions and other legal authority in the preparation of opinions and briefs and reviews the legality and sufficiency of various legal documents.

Furthermore the City Attorney oversees and coordinates investigations and audits related to City legal programs and matters provides daily legal advice to City officers departments and agencies and defends City employees in actions brought against them for conduct while in the line of duty. They stay abreast of new trends and innovations in public law maintain proficiency in municipal law through training and professional resources and respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints. The City Attorney also conducts title searches certifies titles handles closings and decides major legal questions in litigation claims leases contracts and land titles. They ensure the Citys interests are represented in various contract negotiations and may perform other duties as required by ordinance resolution or City Council. The City Attorney prepares and/or reviews all City ordinances and is responsible for ensuring that the City Code is uptocurrent. They also prepare and/or review all Standard Operating Procedures. The City Attorney manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals objectives policies and priorities for assigned programs; recommends and administers policies and procedures.

The City Attorney reports to the City Manager and has high interaction with the Council. The City Attorney assumes management responsibility for assigned services and activities plans directs coordinates and reviews the work plan for direct reports assigns work activities projects and programs and reviews and evaluates work products methods and procedures. They also meet with staff to identify and resolve problems monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures and recommend appropriate service and staffing levels within departmental policy.

Additionally the City Attorney hires supervises coaches mentors and trains assigned City staff providing career development and appropriate performance management and corrective action as necessary. They prepare and monitor the departmental budget and oversee and authorize expenditures. The office structure and responsibilities are designed to ensure efficient and effective service delivery with a focus on improving processes and systems across departments. The City Attorneys role is crucial in maintaining the legal and administrative functions of the City ensuring that all legal matters are handled proficiently and in accordance with the law.

Priorities

• Foster an environment of collaboration by building positive relationships with the City Manager Deputy City Managers City Council department directors City Attorneys office staff and other key staff in the City
• Enhance customer service to departments by providing timely and clear legal advice while ensuring that departments are informed about the status and timeline of their legal requests utilizing an existing workflow tool.
• Provide strategic legal advice on major city initiatives including land use social services and collective bargaining.
• Round out the City Attorneys office team by filling Chief Deputy Attorney vacancy aligning staff to needs of the organization and strategic goals and identifying gaps where outside counsel should be utilized or where currently outsourced activities should be insourced.

The Successful Candidate

The ideal City Attorney will bring extensive experience and a strategic mindset particularly with a background in Virginia law in a Dillon rule environment. This role offers a unique opportunity to build the office define the team and operate like a law firm that supports and partners with City leadership. The successful candidate will be a legal strategist focused on improving operations and providing excellent customer service to departments with high interaction with the Council. Key traits include strong leadership management communication transparency collaboration relationshipbuilding and unimpeachable ethics. The successful candidate will be a team player nonpolitical but politically savvy and have the Citys best interest. They will combine confidence and openness to innovative solutions with the ability to ensure the City is on sound legal footing.

The next City Attorney will be highly proficient in delegating work building teams and helping team members grow their legal skills. They will optimize the skills and contributions of others and create an environment that encourages sharing expertise and providing feedback regularly. They will mentor attorneys and legal staff provide direction encourage professional development and respect them as professionals.

The City Attorney will possess comprehensive knowledge of complex legal principles and practices including statutory civil contract and administrative laws. They will understand municipal government functions and legal issues such as City ordinances the City Charter and the City Code and have familiarity with Virginia land use law administrative procedures and labor laws. The successful candidate will have a deep knowledge of legal research methods and the preparation of legal documents along with knowledge of financing land acquisitions trades and publicprivate partnerships. Additionally knowledge of public budget administration program planning and financial management principles is also necessary for the ideal candidate to possess. They will be able to communicate effectively with the public members of outside agencies and employees and establish effective working relationships with various stakeholders.

The ability to form team environments build morale increase productivity and meet goals using strategic negotiation techniques is vital for the successful candidate to excel at. The next City Attorney will defuse difficult situations with tact and courtesy using appropriate mediation and conflict management techniques. They will stay updated on legislative changes and best practices and interpret and apply relevant codes policies laws and regulations. The City Attorney will be an effective communicator who can explain complex legal matters to an audient of experts and those who are not familiar with the law.

The ideal City Attorney will possess extensive legal expertise including knowledge in land use law union/labor experience sustainability land acquisition grants work contracts public records and open meetings and transactional law. The City Attorney should excel in problemsolving and strategy partnering with City leadership on solutions to execute creative ideas to complex issues.

Qualifications

Minimum requirements include graduation from an accredited law school of recognized standing with a juris doctorate and a minimum of ten 10 years of progressively responsible experience in the practice of law with management and supervisory experience. Applicants must also be a member in good standing of the Virginia State Bar or be eligible to practice law in Virginia upon appointment.

Preferred qualifications include five 5 or more years of active legal experience in the practice of municipal law including providing clear legal advice in land use contracts employment legislative public records and meeting and public finance. A successful track record as a City or County Attorney Deputy/Assistant Attorney or experience in a private law firm advising City/County clients is preferred.

Residency is not required. Attendance at City Council and other evening meetings and working in the office is required. This is not a remotework position.

Inside The City of Charlottesville

Charlottesville operates under a CouncilManager form of government. Charlottesville voters elect five atlarge members to serve as the Citys legislative and governing body City Council. The members serve fouryear terms and they vote to select one Councilor to serve as Mayor and one as Vice Mayor for two years. Municipal elections are held in November in oddnumbered years. The terms of Council members are staggered so that three are elected in one year and two are elected two years later. If a vacancy occurs Council elects a new member to serve out the unexpired term.

Inside the City Attorneys Office

The City Attorneys Office in Charlottesville plays a crucial role in providing legal advice and representation to various City entities. This includes the Airport Authority all City departments and employees the Charlottesville Industrial Development Authority the City as a corporate entity City Council the City Manager the Planning Commission and the Retirement Commission. The office is responsible for drafting resolutions and ordinances for City Council consideration reviewing contracts issuing opinions on zoning procurement and personnel matters and responding to inquiries under the Freedom of Information Act. The office includes the City Attorney Chief Deputy City Attorney four Deputy City Attorneys a paralegal and two administrative support staff. The next City Attorney has an opportunity to build on the existing strong team by filling two vacant attorney positions and one legal support position. The office has a budget of $1.4 million for FY2025.

In addition to these responsibilities the City Attorneys Office handles certain types of litigation risk management and real estate matters. The office is not permitted to give advice about personal or private legal problems of citizens but can answer legal questions related to City activities including the interpretation of the City Code. The office also drafts and reviews policies and agreements such as the Cable Franchise Agreement and the Policy for the Sale of CityOwned Property. Responsibilities also include collective bargaining investigations and determining what legal services should be contracted to outside counsel.

Mission: The mission of the City Attorneys Office is to advance the City Councils vision and priorities through the law and to reduce the risk of legal liability through advance planning and prevention.

Vision: The vision of the City Attorneys Office is to provide firstclass legal services to the City Council and City Manager. The office aims to maintain a strategic vision consistent with City Councils goals and objectives have a clear and focused role in the City organization have a structured set of objectives be an integral part of the Citys decisionmaking strategy be perceived as a strategic resource and add value to City Council and staff.

Values: The values of the City Attorneys Office include Clarity Candor Diligence and Competence.

The Community

Nestled in the upper Piedmont Plateau at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains and near the headwaters of the Rivanna River Charlottesville is situated in West Central Virginia. Located about 120 miles southwest of Washington D.C. and 70 miles northwest of Richmond Virginia Charlottesville was founded as a town in 1762 by the Virginia General Assembly and became an independent city in 1888. Following eight annexations the latest occurring in 1968 the City covers an area of 10.4 square miles.

Charlottesville is home to more than 51000 people characterized by a mix of students families and professionals. The Citys diversity is reflected in its various neighborhoods each with its own unique character. From the historic downtown area filled with shops and restaurants to the more suburban settings of areas like North Downtown and the Ivy neighborhood there is something for everyone. The Citys commitment to inclusivity and community engagement fosters a welcoming atmosphere making it an appealing destination for individuals from various backgrounds.

Charlottesville is also known for its excellent school system which includes both public and private options. The Charlottesville City Schools district is recognized for its strong academic performance and commitment to fostering a wellrounded education. The City is notably home to the University of Virginia founded by Thomas Jefferson which infuses the area with a youthful energy and contributes to its diverse population and not only drives educationrelated jobs but also stimulates research and development initiatives that contribute to the local economy.

Beyond education the City is a hub for arts and culture featuring a plethora of galleries theaters and music venues. The annual Virginia Film Festival and various art walks highlight the communitys dedication to the arts showcasing local talent from across the region. Known for its picturesque landscapes and historic significance Charlottesville boasts a unique charm that attracts residents and visitors alike.

Recreation plays a significant role in the community with numerous parks and outdoor spaces available for residents to enjoy. The Citys location near the Blue Ridge Parkway and Shenandoah National Park offers ample opportunities for hiking biking and outdoor activities. Within the City parks like the expansive McIntire Park provide green spaces for sports picnics and community events. The emphasis on maintaining a healthy lifestyle through outdoor recreation enhances the quality of life for Charlottesville residents.

The City has garnered recognition for its livability and quality of life consistently ranking high in various community ratings and awards. With its blend of historic charm cultural vibrancy and strong community values Charlottesville remains a soughtafter place to call home.

Quick Facts

• Population: 51000
• Median Household Income: 67177
• Median Home Value: 398400
• Median Age: 39

All demographic information was sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau except the population which was sourced from the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Policy (UVA)

Compensation and Benefits

The expected hiring range is $195000$225000 depending on qualifications with an excellent benefits package. Learn more about our options and employeebased benefits here.

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis. Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. The position will be open until filled with a first review of applications beginning January 6 2025.

Questions

Please direct questions to Catherine Tuck Parrish at and Robert Colichio at .

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