The City is seeking a dynamic leader to serve as Director of the Legal Department, a pivotal role that provides high-level legal counsel to the Mayor, City Council, department directors, and various boards, committees, and commissions. This position oversees the full scope of the department’s operations, guiding programs, policies, and long-term planning efforts that support the City’s mission and strategic goals. The Director plays a critical role in shaping citywide initiatives by delivering thoughtful legal insight and managing complex legal matters with integrity and vision. In addition to leading an internal legal team, the Director coordinates and supervises outside legal counsel as needed and serves as a vital member of the City’s executive management team. This is an exceptional opportunity for a collaborative, service-minded professional to lead with purpose and contribute to the well-being and progress of the community. Works under the broad policy guidance and direction of the Mayor and Council. Supervises legal services staff, including attorneys, paralegals, and legal assistants.

Provides a wide range of legal-related advice, support, and information to the Mayor, Council, city boards, committees, commissions, and other officials of the City in accordance with federal, state, and city code legislation. Organizes and oversees the work of outside legal counsel and determines the scope of outside legal services needed. Negotiates and resolves sensitive, significant, controversial, and complex legal matters. Renders advice and opinions. Oversees efforts to minimize the risk of legal liability to the City. Ensures city officials and employees comply with the legal and ethical requirements of City employment. Drafts and reviews opinions, resolutions, ordinances, contracts, and other legal documents and instruments. Reviews and drafts recommended changes to proposed legislation. Attends legislative sessions to promote the interests of the City before the state legislature, as needed.

Plans, organizes, and evaluates civil and criminal litigation, including all phases of pretrial, trial, and appellate work. Represents the City in complex litigation and before administrative hearings held by local, state, and federal agencies, and defends the City in suits brought against it. Analyzes existing and new cases and legislation, legal briefs, court rulings, and legal publications affecting the City, the Legal Department, and other City entities. Develops litigation strategies and alternatives, prepares briefs, drafts pleadings, motions and arguments, and conducts discovery and depositions in preparation for case presentation. Oversees the work of specially retained independent counsel on matters contracted to be handled on behalf of the City.

Oversees and leads the City’s misdemeanor and infraction prosecution team as the chief law enforcement officer for criminal matters within the City’s jurisdiction. Supervises legal and support staff and provides direct support for all aspects of the City’s criminal cases, from citation or complaint to final resolution, including jury trial and appeals. Assists professional staff in the analysis of specific cases, advises on case development, and serves as a mentor on legal matters. Coordinates the prosecution strategy for significant criminal cases. Regularly prosecutes misdemeanor cases.

Participates as a member of the executive management team. Takes part in strategic planning and works closely with the City’s elected leadership in setting and carrying out the City’s vision, mission, goals, and objectives for the department and the City as a whole. Models behavior that supports City values. Researches, evaluates, and approves recommendations regarding departmental programs. Demonstrates continuous efforts to improve operations and provide quality, seamless service to the public. Ensures the department and staff are meeting established goals and objectives. May conduct investigations of complaints made by or against the City.

Serves as a spokesperson to the media on controversial cases and other legal-related areas of interest. Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with the public, local businesses, intergovernmental agencies, news media, elected officials, division heads, and employees. Represents the City on various committees.

Oversees preparation of the departmental budget. Analyzes budget data to identify and project resource needs. Monitors and approves budget expenditures, including the procurement of departmental resources. Responsible for the City codification system. Performs other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience: Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctorate.
Preferred Qualification: Eight (8) years of progressively responsible work experience related to the duties described; with at least four (4) years involving the hiring and management of both professional and support staff positions. Member of the Idaho State Bar or a state bar with reciprocity in Idaho and currently licensed to practice law in the State of Idaho. Must possess a valid driver’s license.

A completed job application and resume with detailed information about your background and experience. Applicants are also encouraged to attach a cover letter sharing more about their passion for the role.