The Staff Attorney is an Unclassified Appointed position with general supervision provided by the City Manager, with reporting responsibilities to the City Attorney and Assistant City Attorney. The Staff Attorney assists in providing legal services in support of the operations of the City of Dothan. Provides responsible and advanced professional legal services to the City Commission, City Manager, Department Directors, and other City officials and staff. Researches and creates legal documents, ordinances, resolutions, and opinions, and represents the City before courts, administrative agencies, and other entities. Work is performed with independent judgment subject to City of Dothan policies and procedures, to include local ordinances, state, and federal law.

The Staff Attorney provides legal advice to various city departments and employees regarding policy and procedural interpretations and performs essential tasks to effectively defend, safeguard, and recommend best practices regarding municipal government operations. The Staff Attorney is assigned to the Legal Division that includes the City Attorney, Assistant City Attorney, Pre-Trial Diversion Coordinator, Legal Assistant, Legal Secretary, and other contracted legal services as determined.

Participates in the representation of the City of Dothan, its employees, and representatives in all aspects of civil litigation in both state and federal courts. Performs legal research for various points of law; prepares memorandums or briefs.

Performs legal research; prepares or reviews legal documents. Investigates claims and complaints and prepares cases for trial. Prosecutes criminal cases in the City of Dothan Municipal Court; files and prosecutes criminal appeals in the circuit courts. Reviews Pre-Trial Diversion applicants and notifies court of participants compliance with program requirements.

Assists in representing various City Boards (ex. Board of Zoning Adjustments, Planning Commission, Recreation Board, Personnel Board, etc.) with appeals as assigned.

Responds to requests from employees and elected and appointed officials related to their duties and responsibilities; reviews and responds to damage claims filed against the city; advises and assists city employees in responding to subpoenas and other record requests.

Minimum Requirements:

Doctor of Jurisprudence degree (J.D.) required from an accredited law school recognized by the U. S. Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Licensed by the Alabama State Bar Association to practice law in the State of Alabama is required.

Two (2) years recent experience in the practice of law in Alabama which may include the completion of a post graduate clerkship required; and recent experience in the legal representation of a municipality, county, or state preferred. Admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the Middle District of Alabama and United States Court of Appeals-11th Circuit is preferred.

Compensation: The Staff Attorney compensation is highly competitive, and the salary range is $77,937.60 - $124,654.40 to include health, dental, voluntary insurance, and retirement benefits.

To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to: 

Delvick J. McKay, Personnel Director 

djmckay@dothan.org

City of Dothan, P.O. Box 2128 Dothan, AL 36302