City Solicitor

The City Solicitor is the chief administrator of the city's Law Department and is responsible for overseeing the provision of legal services to the city of Medford, the Mayor, City Council, and all city departments, boards, and commissions. Attendance at some events, community meetings and other outside agencies, which will include some evenings and weekends.

Sample responsibilities:

Conducts legal research and drafts opinions on numerous legal and policy issues for the Mayor, City Council, and all city departments, and boards and commissions.
Manages the legal work of all in-house and contracted employees, and facilitates the work of paralegal, and other department staff.
Maintains an active litigation case load from intake to conclusion before state and federal courts and administrative agencies.
Reviews, negotiates, and signs off on all city contracts for goods and services.
Advises on negotiation of all labor contracts for the city's labor unions with the city's negotiations team.
Manages the resolution of tort claims against the city and seeks collection on claims on behalf of the city.
Drafts state legislation, home rule petitions and city ordinances, rules, and regulations.
Appears before all city boards and commissions.
Interacts with city department heads to manage city projects.
Prepares and oversees the administration of the department's annual operating budget.
Serves as the city's official Keeper of Record for all documents in the Law Department.
Serves as the city's Records Access Officer in responding to public records requests.
Performs other duties as required by local ordinance and state statute.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

Knowledge: thorough working knowledge of all local, state, and federal legal laws; court cases relevant to serving the needs of an urban municipality. Working knowledge of municipal organization structure and municipal services. Working knowledge of legislative processes.

Abilities: excellent oral and written communication ability. Ability to manage multiple tasks in a detailed and accurate manner. Ability to supervise employees; ability to develop, implement and monitor the effectiveness of a wide range of legal services. Ability to work effectively with confidential information. Ability to collaborate effectively with disgruntled employees and members of the public. Ability to interact effectively with government officials at all levels.

Skill: excellent work ethic. Excellent management and leadership skills. Skill in developing policies and procedures to accomplish goals and objectives. Excellent listening, customer service and public relations skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Education:

Juris doctor degree with more than 10 years of prior work experience, preferably in a municipal law practice at a partner level; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience, which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Must be a member in good standing with the States Bar of Massachusetts. Admission in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts. U.S. First Circuit Court of Appeals is desired but not required.

Address all cover letters, application and resumes to:

Human Resources Department, City of Medford – Room 204, 85 George P. Hassett Drive, Medford, MA 02155.

Or send cover letter and resume with the job title in the subject line to -

For the posting, please visit the city of Medford's website –

This is not a remote position.

The city is an equal opportunity employer.

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