At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in legal representation and advice for the City on various municipal issues.
- Company: Join a diverse and dynamic Law Department serving the City of Cambridge.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, potential hybrid work schedule, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing your legal skills.
- Qualifications: Juris Doctor degree, Massachusetts Bar membership, and at least three years of legal experience.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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. Members of the legal staff also regularly attend and provide advice at meetings of the City Council and sub-committees thereof and to City boards and commissions. In addition to drafting ordinances and other legal documents, numerous verbal and written opinions are rendered to the City Manager, Mayor, City Council, and Department Heads.
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. Drafts legislation and a wide range of legal instruments and renders advisory opinions to City officials, boards, and commissions. Assists in the supervision of clerical, paralegal, and investigative staff. The successful candidate will be a highly motivated attorney with municipal law experience, litigation experience, and experience in at least one of the following areas: employment/labour, zoning, real estate, construction, contracts, personal injury, civil rights and/or environmental law. The successful candidate will be an organized self-starter who takes ownership of projects and tasks. The department strives to help the City Manager, City Council, City departments, and City boards/commissions/committees achieve their goals within the parameters of the law.
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.
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/labour, zoning, real estate, construction, contracts, personal injury, civil rights and/or environmental law. Experience performing legal research and preparation and trial of cases. Strong oral communication skills and legal writing skills. Strong organizational skills, ability to manage a large number of projects and tasks at any given time, ability to shift gears quickly and with flexibility and respond to emergency circumstances. The City of Cambridge’s workforce, like the community it serves, is diverse. Applicants must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.
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.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Ability to access, input, and retrieve information from a computer. Answer telephones and maintain multiple files. Must read and analyze large quantities of information. Must lift and/or move up to 10 pounds at times. Must have sufficient mobility to get back and forth from the office to offsite meetings and court.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is conducted primarily in an office environment with fluorescent lighting, air conditioning, computers, and other standard office equipment, but also involves meetings in other offices or facilities. This position may be eligible for a hybrid work schedule under the City’s Telework Policy depending on operational needs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Please upload the following documents to complete your application: Resume, Cover Letter.
Assistant City Solicitor in Cambridge employer: Kinsley Power Systems
Contact Detail:
Kinsley Power Systems Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant City Solicitor in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who have experience in municipal law. Attend local legal events or webinars to meet potential colleagues and mentors who can give you the inside scoop on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of local laws and recent cases relevant to the City of Cambridge. Show that you’re not just a qualified candidate but also genuinely interested in the role and the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to keep your name fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! We make it easy for you to submit your application and stay updated on your status. Plus, it shows you’re keen on being part of our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant City Solicitor in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in municipal law and litigation. We want to see your personality, so don’t be afraid to let it show while keeping it professional.
Tailor Your Resume: Customise your resume to reflect the skills and experiences that align with the Assistant City Solicitor role. Focus on your legal writing skills and any specific areas of law mentioned in the job description. We love seeing how you fit into our team!
Showcase Your Organisational Skills: Since the role requires managing multiple projects, make sure to demonstrate your organisational abilities in your application. Use bullet points or clear sections in your resume to make it easy for us to see how you handle tasks efficiently.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kinsley Power Systems
✨Know Your Municipal Law
Brush up on your knowledge of municipal law, especially in areas like zoning, employment, and environmental law. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with the specific legal challenges the City faces.
✨Showcase Your Litigation Skills
Highlight your civil litigation experience during the interview. Prepare examples of cases you've worked on, focusing on your role and the outcomes. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the prosecution and defence of suits effectively.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication
Since strong oral communication skills are essential, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might be asked to provide legal opinions or advice, so being able to convey complex information simply is key.
✨Be Organised and Proactive
The role requires managing multiple projects simultaneously. Share examples of how you've successfully juggled tasks in the past, showcasing your organisational skills and ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances.