Assistant Town Attorney I, II, III

The Town Attorney's Office supports the Town of Queen Creek's mission by providing sound legal counsel and ensuring that Town operations, policies, and decisions are legally defensible and aligned with the Town's values of Responsive, Innovative, Transparent, Respectful and Friendly.The Assistant Town Attorney position will be filled at either the I, II, or III level. As you complete your application, please be sure to include all applicable information (related work history, etc.) so you can be considered for the appropriate level.Offering salary may be made above the minimum of the posted salary range up through the midpoint, depending upon qualifications, experience, education, certifications, training, and internal equity considerations.This position is open on a continuous basis. The first review of applications will be on December 15, 2025, with subsequent reviews conducted weekly. The posting may close at any time after the first review.This job classification description is intended to be generic in nature and not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The specific tasks/duties may vary based on position assignment and as determined by the Town of Queen Creek.Assistant Town Attorney I ($104,003 - $150,804 Annually)DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICSThis is the entry-level professional attorney classification within the Town's civil legal series. Assistant Town Attorney I is distinguished from Assistant Town Attorney II (the journey-level) in that incumbents handle less complex legal assignments, receive more direction and oversight, and do not typically represent the Town independently in high-impact litigation or negotiations.The classification is distinguished from Assistant Town Attorney III, which handles highly complex work independently, serves as a subject matter expert, and may provide lead direction to other attorneys.*ESSENTIAL DUTIESThe following are intended to describe core work functions of this classification. While the level and broad nature of essential duties may not change, specific work tasks will vary over time depending on the Town's needs.*Conducts legal research and prepares legal opinions, memoranda, staff reports, and other written analysis on issues affecting Town policy, operations, and litigation.Assists in drafting, reviewing, and recommending revisions to ordinances, resolutions, contracts, intergovernmental agreements, development agreements, policies, and other legal documents.Provides routine legal advice, coordination and policy interpretation to Town staff under supervision; escalates complex or sensitive matters as appropriate.Fosters collaboration and teamwork across departments and ensures clear and consistent communication of legal guidance.Supports litigation and administrative hearings, including code enforcement proceedings, by preparing filings, evidence summaries, discovery responses, presenting oral arguments and witnesses at hearings, and briefs.Represents the Town in court and other legal proceedings and matters as required and assigned by the Town Attorney or designeeDefends the Town against all criminal and civil suits, actions or cause of action where the Town is a party.Assists in ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local laws including open meeting, election, and public records statutes and other regulatory compliance involving Town operations.May attend Town Council, advisory board, or commission meetings to observe or provide limited legal support.Maintains confidentiality and adheres to established legal and ethical standards.Performs related duties as assigned.Assistant Town Attorney II ($119,073 - $172,655 Annually)DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICSThis is a journey-to-senior level professional attorney classification responsible for providing a wide range of municipal legal services. It is distinguished from the Deputy Town Attorney, which has greater administrative responsibility, serves as second-in-command, and acts for the Town Attorney in their absence. The Assistant Town Attorney II is expected to handle complex legal assignments independently but works under the direction of the Town Attorney or designee for department-wide priorities and coordination.*ESSENTIAL DUTIESThe following are intended to describe core work functions of this classification. While the level and broad nature of essential duties may not change, specific work tasks will vary over time depending on the Town's needs.*Provides legal advice and counsel to the Town Council, Town Manager, and Town departments on matters including contracts, land use and zoning, water and utility law, real estate transactions, liability, municipal authority, and public records.Drafts, reviews, and negotiates ordinances, resolutions, contracts, intergovernmental agreements, development agreements, leases, and other legal documents.Represents the Town in court and other legal proceedings and matters as required and assigned by the Town Attorney or designeeResearches and prepares legal opinions, memoranda, and other documents on issues affecting Town policy, operations and litigation.Defends the Town against all criminal and civil suits, actions or cause of action where the Town is a party.Fosters collaboration and teamwork across departments and ensures clear and consistent communication of legal guidance.Provides training to Town staff, boards, commission, and police department personnel on legal and procedural matters.Attends Town Council meetings, boards, commissions, and public hearings to provide legal support as assigned.Advises on risk management, liability, real estate acquisition and disposition and municipal compliance matters.Provides guidance and direction to paralegal or support staff when assigned; may mentor less experienced attorneys.Ensures compliance with local, state, and Federal laws affecting municipal operations and monitors legislative and case law development that may impact the Town.Maintains confidentiality and upholds professional and ethical standards of the legal profession.Performs related duties as assigned.Assistant Town Attorney III ($126,026 - $189,040 Annually)DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICSThis is the advanced/senior attorney classification, distinguished from Assistant Town Attorney II by incumbents handling the most complex, high-impact legal matters with minimal oversight, serving as primary legal counsel for specialized or technical municipal functions, providing lead direction or mentoring to other attorneys, and representing the Town in major litigation, negotiations, and high-level policy matters.This position is distinguished from the Deputy Town Attorney, which serves as second-in-command and has broader administrative and management responsibilities.*ESSENTIAL DUTIESThe following are intended to describe core work functions of this classification. While the level and broad nature of essential duties may not change, specific work tasks will vary over time depending on the Town's needs.*Provides high-level legal advice and counsel to the Town Council, Town Manager, leadership team, and departments on complex legal, regulatory, governance, operational, and risk-management matters.Leads the drafting, negotiation, and review of complex contracts, development agreements, real estate transactions, intergovernmental agreements and policies.Represents the Town in significant litigation, arbitration, and administrative proceedings; may act as lead trial counsel on matters assigned by the Town Attorney or designee.Defends the Town against all criminal and civil suits, actions or cause of action where the Town is a party.Develops strategies and legal interpretations on specialized topics such as major development, utilities, water rights,Researches and prepares legal opinions, memoranda, and other documents on issues affecting Town policy, operations and litigation.procurement, risk management, land use, or municipal finance.Acts as a subject matter expert and advisor on statewide and regional legal issues affecting the Town.Provides training to Town staff boards, commission, and police department personnel on legal and procedural matters.Fosters collaboration and teamwork across departments and ensures clear and consistent communication of legal guidanceProvides lead direction, guidance, and mentoring to Assistant Town Attorneys I and II and legal staff as assigned.Briefs and coordinates with outside counsel for council meeting issues, litigation and special assignments, as needed.Attends and advises at Town Council meetings, boards, commissions, and committees; may serve as primary legal advisor for key bodies.Oversees and coordinates the work of outside counsel when assigned.Ensures Town compliance with all applicable laws and provides proactive risk management recommendations.Performs related duties as assigned.Assistant Town Attorney I*MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS*(at Job Entry)Education and Experience:Juris Doctorate Degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association; two (2) years of professional legal experience in the general practice of law, including experience in municipal or public sector law; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.(Recent law graduates with relevant internships or clerkships may be considered.)*Special Requirements:*Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Arizona and be a member in good standing with the State Bar of Arizona.To be eligible, Incumbents cannot be on the Office of Inspector General (OIG) list of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE).Assistant Town Attorney II*Education And Experience:*Juris Doctorate Degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association; minimum three (3) years of increasingly responsible professional legal experience in the general practice of law, with municipal law or government law preferred; or the equivalent combination of directly related education and experience.*Special Requirements:*Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Arizona and be a member in good standing in the State Bar of Arizona.To be eligible, Incumbents cannot be on the Office of Inspector General (OIG) list of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE).Assistant Town Attorney III*Education And Experience:*Juris Doctorate Degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association; five (5) years of increasingly responsible professional legal experience in the general practice of law that includes at least three (3) years of supervisory or managerial experience, including substantial experience in municipal or government law, or an equivalent combination of directly related education and experience.*Special Requirements:*Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Arizona and be a member in good standing with the State Bar of Arizona.To Be Eligible, Incumbents Cannot Be On The Office Of Inspector General (OIG) List Of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE).OVERALL PHYSICAL STRENGTH DEMANDS:Physical Strength for this classification is indicated below with an "X"XSedentary: Exerting up to 10 lbs. occasionally or negligible weights frequently; sitting most of the time.Light: Exerting up to 20 lbs. occasionally, 10 lbs. frequently, or negligible amounts constantly OR requires walking or standing to a significant degree.Medium: Exerting 20-50 lbs. occasionally, 10-25 lbs. frequently, or up to 10 lbs. constantly.Heavy: Exerting lbs. occasionally, 10-25 lbs. frequently, or up to 10-20 lbs. constantly.Very Heavy: Exerting over 100 lbs. occasionally, lbs. frequently, or up to 20-50 lbs. constantly.*PHYSICAL DEMANDS:*CFORNContinuouslyFrequentlyOccasionallyRarelyNever2/3 or more time1/3 to 2/3 of timeUp to 1/3 time< 1 hour per weekNever occursNote: This is intended as a description of the way the job is currently performed. It does not address the potential for accommodation.Physical DemandBrief DescriptionCFORNStandingCommunicating with co-workers, observing work site, observing work dutiesXSittingDesk workXWalkingTo other departments/offices/office equipmentXLiftingSupplies, filesXCarryingSupplies, filesXPushing/PullingFile draws, tables and chairsXReachingFor supplies, for filesXHandlingPaperworkXFine DexterityComputer keyboard, telephone pad, calculator, calibrating equipmentXKneelingFiling in lower drawers, retrieving items from lower shelves/groundXCrouchingFiling in lower drawers, retrieving items from lower shelves/groundXCrawlingUnder equipmentXBendingFiling in lower drawers, retrieving items from lower shelves/groundXTwistingFrom computer to telephone, getting inside vehiclesXClimbingStairs, step stoolXBalancingOn step stoolXVisionReading, computer screen, drivingXHearingCommunicating with co-workers and public and on telephone, listening to equipmentXTalkingCommunicating with co-workers and public and on telephoneXFoot ControlsDrivingXOther (Specify)*MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE:*Standard office equipment; vehicle*ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:DWMSNDailySeveral Times Per WeekSeveral Times Per MonthSeasonallyNeverHealth & Safety FactorsDWMSNHealth & Safety FactorsDWMSN*Mechanical HazardsXRespiratory HazardsXChemical HazardsXExtreme TemperaturesXElectrical HazardsXNoise and VibrationXFire HazardsXWetness/HumidityXExplosivesXPhysical HazardsXCommunicable DiseasesXPhysical Danger or AbuseXOther (Specify Below*PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:*None*NON-PHYSICAL DEMANDS:CFORNContinuouslyFrequentlyOccasionallyRarelyNever2/3 or more time1/3 to 2/3 of timeUp to 1/3 timeDescription of Non-Physical DemandsCFORN*Time PressureXEmergency SituationXFrequent Change of TasksXIrregular Work Schedule/OvertimeXPerforming Multiple Tasks SimultaneouslyXWorking Closely with Others as Part of a TeamXTedious or Exacting WorkXNoisy/Distracting EnvironmentXOther (Specify Below)PRIMARY WORK LOCATION:XOffice EnvironmentWarehouseShopRecreation/Neighborhood CenterVehicleOutdoorsCombination of Office, Vehicle and FieldOther (Specify Below)