General Description and Classification Standards

Plans, develops and manages the City's legal function, including legal matters related to all City departments, programs, and activities. Plans legal strategies; interprets policy; manages projects; manages case planning, office administration, coaching and training of legal staff, and interacts with other senior management, courts, law firms and elected officials when needed. Provides legal advice, written legal opinions, and representation for the Mayor and City Council, various Boards and Commissions, and other City of Atlanta staff. Provides direction to a group of managing attorneys engaged in multiple activities related to the legal function; establishes operating policies; provides management coaching and guidance; builds relationships across department and City organizations; develops and manages organizational budget. Plans for the long-term talent needs of the organization; identifies, coaches, and mentors employees for future positions. Supervision Received Direction received is very general and focuses on strategic objectives and is typically collaborative in nature. This is a policy-making level of management and is considered "upper" management.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities These are typical responsibilities for this position and should not be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. May perform other duties as assigned. Manages the operations of the Law Department to include advising and counseling staff attorneys, supervising litigation, and negotiating, interpreting, and making responsible decisions that meet federal, state and local laws and ordinances. Provides legal advice and representation to members of the City Council and Mayor; prepares written legal opinions, advises orally, and drafts resolutions and ordinances. Conducts litigation on which the City or any elected or appointed official in his capacity is a party. Conducts legal research needed for developing opinions and advising. Conducts internal investigations and investigations of claim made either by or against the City. Provides legal advice and representation orally and through written opinions to the City Commissioners, officials, department heads, and employees. Attends meetings of the Mayor and City Council to provide legal guidance as needed. Attends meetings on public policy issues with various third parties. Responsible for developing and monitoring the department budget which involves coordinating budget preparation with subordinates; analyzes costs and previous budgets, tracks expenses, payroll disbursements, and departmental purchasing. Drafts and reviews contracts for the City. Defends civil actions in various Courts. Provides legal advice and representation to various commissions and boards. Supervises and evaluates assigned staff, handling all employee concerns, directing work assignments, counseling and disciplining employees when necessary, and completing employee performance appraisals. Decision Making Establishes organization strategy and policy within required legislative or executive limitations; modifies organization to achieve objectives. Leadership Provided Provides direction to very senior level and supervising attorneys.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities This is a partial listing of necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job successfully. It is not an exhaustive list. Broad and detailed knowledge of the functions led. Knowledge of general management principles and approaches. Advanced knowledge of core technical and/or operations issues related to area of Exceptional leadership and motivational skills. Skill in identifying strategic issues and developing long-term resolutions. Ability to visualize and plan organization operations to accomplish strategic goals. Exceptional ability to build complex relationships within organization and with external constituents/partners.