Parish Attorney (Unclassified)

JOB CODE: 3062

PAY GRADE: 2350

SALARY RANGE: $81,404 - $135,716

LOCATION OF WORK
Parish Attorney

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Under the general direction of the Metropolitan Council, performs professional legal and administrative work of a very responsible nature in directing the legal activities of the City and Parish. This employee serves as the chief legal advisor to the City and Parish and in so doing is responsible for providing sound and efficient legal services for all departments under the jurisdiction of the Mayor-President and Metropolitan Council. Supervision is exercised over a staff of professional and clerical assistants handling the bulk of the work assigned to the office. Employee participates in and supervises in detail, the more complex and important work such as the preparation and presentation of cases in higher courts, and the rendering of particularly significant legal opinions. Work is performed with complete technical independence subject to review by the courts. Performs other work as requested.

ESSENTIAL WORK TASKS
Plans and assigns the work of professional assistants engaged in the drafting of ordinances, resolutions, contracts, deeds, leases, and other legal documents. Attends various Parish and City official meetings and advises officials on legal matters. Represents both the Parish and City in any criminal case in which the constitutionality or validity of any ordinance or resolution is in issue. Prepares legal opinions of a more complex nature for City and Parish officials and members of either governing body. Prepares or approves all bonds, deeds, leases, contracts or other instruments to which the Parish, City, or any district of which the Metropolitan Council is the governing body, is a party or in which any of them has an interest. Directs the work of assistants in the prosecution of all ordinance violations in the City Court. Represents Parish, City and any district of which the Metropolitan Council is the governing body in all civil litigation.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of City and Parish ordinances and Plan of Government provisions, and of general municipal, state, federal, and common law, and of constitutional law affecting Louisiana municipal government. Knowledge of judicial procedures and rules of evidence. Knowledge of the methods of legal research. Knowledge of established precedents and sources of legal reference applicable to municipal activities. Skill in the preparation and trial of cases. Skill in organizing, interpreting, and applying legal principles and knowledge to complex legal problems. Skill in expressing oneself clearly and concisely, orally and in writing. Ability to plan and supervise the work of professional assistants. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, employees, and public officials of other departments, and the general public.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS