Description

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:

The Law Department is responsible for providing legal representation and advice to the City and its officials in numerous areas of law including but not limited to: zoning, environmental, employment, civil rights, contracts, tax, real estate and torts involving personal injury and property damage claims.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

Working under the direct supervision and direction of the City Solicitor, Deputy City Solicitor, and First Assistant City Solicitor, assists the City Solicitor in all duties as set forth in the Cambridge Municipal Code, Chapter 2.26, §§2.26.020 through 2.26.041. The Assistant City Solicitor conducts the prosecution and defense of civil litigation in state and federal court proceedings and administrative proceedings to which the City is a party and provides representation as to a broad variety of municipal issues.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the supervision and direction of the City Solicitor, Deputy City Solicitor, and First Assistant City Solicitor, the Assistant City Solicitor’s duties include, but are not limited to the following:

• Prosecute and defend suits in which the City is a party in state and federal courts and administrative agencies.
• Handle transactional matters in which the City is involved.
• Provide representation and advice to the City Manager, City Council, department heads and other City officials on a broad variety of legal issues, rights, obligations and practices under applicable federal, state and local laws, and exercise sound judgment in making decisions and rendering advice regarding the City’s legal affairs.
• Draft advisory opinions to the City Manager, City Council, School Committee, department heads, and boards/commissions/committees.
• Draft and review legislation and a wide range of legal instruments.
• Perform work as required and at the direction of the City Solicitor.

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Juris doctor degree from an accredited law school required.
• Must be a member of the Massachusetts Bar, admitted to practice before Massachusetts state and federal courts.
• Thorough knowledge of Massachusetts and federal law required.
• Experience with the Massachusetts Public Records Law, Open Meeting Law and Conflict of Interest Law.
• A minimum of three years’ experience practicing law required.
• Substantial experience in civil litigation, as well as some experience in municipal law, employment/labor, zoning, real estate, construction, contracts, personal injury, civil rights and/or environmental law.
   

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least 5 years’ experience working as an attorney in a municipal law department.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the City of Cambridge’s form of government, ordinances, departmental structure, operations and functioning.
• Experience representing municipal elected and appointed officials, employees, committees, commissions and boards.
• Experience with case management, document management and e-discovery software, and any other software used in the legal field.
   

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

Please upload the following documents to complete your application:

• Resume
• Cover Letter