GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

The Assistant Corporation Counsel serves as legal counsel to the City of Schenectady, performing professional and highly responsible legal services...

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

This is professional legal work in the Office of the Corporation Counsel. Duties require the exercise of independent legal judgment under the general supervision of the Corporation Counsel.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (Illustrative only)

Act as counsel and trial attorney for the City in criminal and civil cases, including prosecution of city ordinance violations, and foreclosure of tax liens;

Prepares and argues appeals to higher court;

Represents the City in union negotiations and before the Public Employment Relations Board;

Tries actions brought in all courts against the City, including tax certiorari proceedings;

Drafts legal instruments, including contracts, leases, and statutes;

Prepares reports, ordinances, and resolutions for the City Council;

Serves as legal counsel to City boards and commissions, attending meetings, and hearings of those bodies and advising them;

Investigates, prepares and presents workers’ compensation cases;

Represents the City before the Public Service Commission and other state agencies;

Investigates claims against the City that are not covered by insurance; and

Consults with, advises and prepares legal memoranda for City departments on a wide variety of legal issues.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Thorough knowledge of the principles and practice of common law and of city, state and federal

laws, especially in the fields of criminal law, law of municipal corporations and administrative law;

Thorough knowledge of civil court procedures and of the rules of evidence;

Thorough knowledge of the general functions and administrative activities of the city government;

Skill in preparing and drafting legal instruments;

Ability to analyze, appraise, and apply legal principles, facts and precedents to legal problems;

Ability to plan and supervise the work of others;

Good command of language; Initiative; Tact and courtesy;

Good professional judgment; and

Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

Extensive experience in the practice of law and graduation from a law school of recognized

standing; or any equivalent combination of experience and training sufficient to indicate ability

to do legal work.

SPECIAL QUALIFICATION REQUIRED FOR ACCEPTANCE OF APPLICATION:

A license to practice law in New York State
Schenectady NY USA

Salary Criteria