City Attorney - City of Rutland in London

Client: City of Rutland

Location: 1 Strongs Avenue, Rutland, VT 05701

Salary: $97,929 - $107,072

Reports to: Mayor

Position Type: Full-time, Hybrid work-model

Hours are 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM; however, this exempt position requires flexibility and the ability to work additional hours as necessary to fulfill job duties.

About Us

The City of Rutland in Vermont serves as the economic and cultural hub of Rutland County. Our municipal government is dedicated to providing high-quality services that support a safe, vibrant, and welcoming community for residents, businesses, and visitors. City employees work across departments including public safety, public works, planning, and community services to maintain infrastructure, enhance quality of life, and support the city's continued growth. At the City of Rutland, we value collaboration, accountability, and a strong commitment to serving our community. Rutland is an affordable, tight-knit community that is a great place to raise a family. Located in the heart of the Green Mountains, Rutland offers four-season recreational opportunities. With close proximity to Killington Resort, Pine Hill Park, the Long Trail, and Lake Bomoseen, there are countless outdoor activities to enjoy that support work/life balance. In addition, Rutland has a walkable downtown and diverse dining scene.

Position Overview

This is a great opportunity to serve as legal counsel for the City of Rutland, its city officials, employees, boards and commissions and to make a positive impact on the City. The City Attorney supports the enforcement of city ordinances, regulations and by‐laws and represents the City in civil litigation cases. This is an appointed position which can be re‐appointed every two (2) years and requires the approval of the Board of Aldermen.

Essential Duties

• Serves as the chief legal counsel for the City of Rutland
• Performs thorough and accurate legal and policy research and analysis
• Provides general legal and policy advice to the Mayor, Board of Aldermen, City Departments as well as various city boards and commissions
• Drafts and reviews legal documents (including agreements and contracts), ordinances, and other rules and regulations
• Performs the role of lead negotiator during collective bargaining discussions with the City's four (4) bargaining units. Handles pre-work and preparation in advance of negotiations
• Works with Human Resources to review, revise and draft workplace policies
• Provides support and counsel to Human Resources, Mayor, department heads and union leadership to resolve grievances and other employee relations issues
• Reviews and coordinates responses to all public record requests received by the City of Rutland
• Ensures compliance with matters such as Open Meeting Laws; Municipal Ethics, etc.
• Negotiates and prepares documents for real estate transactions and provides legal advice relating to development activities involving the city
• Represents the City during litigation including all aspects of pleadings, discovery, negotiation, settlement, trial and appeals
• Procures outside legal counsel either directly or in consultation with representatives of the Vermont League of Cities and Towns to address specific or specialized concerns and issues
• Regularly attends board and commission meetings for purposes of providing real‐time advice and guidance (Board meetings are held twice a month on Mondays)
• Prepares or oversees the preparation of resolutions and related communications for action by the boards and committees
• Coordinates covered insurance claims and lawsuits with the City's insurance carrier
• Performs duties of traffic Court Judge
• Develops and administers the budget for the Legal Department
• Supervises legal department staff including legal interns, administrative support and Assistant City Attorney

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school or a Bachelor's Degree and completion in a law office study program, including at least five (5) years of extensive experience in legal practice. Public law practice experience preferred.
• Licensed to practice law in the state of Vermont.
• Must be able to effectively and accurately draft memoranda, litigation documents, agreements, new ordinances and policy initiatives.
• Prior supervisory experience leading a team of 2-3 individuals. Ability to plan, coordinate and effectively supervise work of others.
• Must be able to provide constructive feedback aimed at helping employees improve their job performance and development.
• Demonstrates above average knowledge and skill with Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe.
• A high degree of accuracy, neatness, integrity, tact and courtesy.
• Ability to learn and comprehend laws, ordinances, codes and regulations applicable to the operations of the municipality.
• Ability to plan, develop and implement office procedures and make decisions regarding priorities and work schedules.
• Must be able to work in a team environment, while also being self‐directed.
• Must have strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be able to interact well with office staff and the public.
• Must be able to work evenings to attend committee and board meetings.
• Must be comfortable with public speaking and making presentations.
• Complies with punctuality and attendance expectations of the department. Schedules time off appropriately and ensures that office is adequately staffed at all times during operating hours.
• Must have a valid driver's license and clean driving record.
• Must be capable of successfully completing a background check.

Benefits

The City of Rutland offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employee well-being, work-life balance, and long-term financial security.

• Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance with an HRA (effective the 1st of the month after completing 30 full days of employment)
• Dental and vision coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Participation in the Vermont Municipal Employees' Retirement System (VEMRS)
• Generous time off with a focus on work/life balance
• 14 paid holidays annually
• Bereavement leave
• Education and tuition reimbursement opportunities
• Relocation package available

Employees at the City of Rutland enjoy a supportive workplace culture focused on professional growth, community impact, and maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life. This job description outlines the primary duties and responsibilities of the role, but is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and tasks. The incumbent may be required to undertake additional responsibilities as needed to support the overall objectives of the City of Rutland.