Career Center

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 11/21/2023 by 5:00pm EST

TO APPLY: to view the complete job information and to apply, visit our employment website listed. Applications are only accepted online through the City of Charlottesville employment page and must be submitted prior to the listed closing date and time. Click here to apply online!

The City Attorney's Office is seeking candidates to be considered for the position of Chief Deputy City Attorney who are highly motivated and who strive for success by demonstrating Charlottesville's Core Values of Leadership, Trust, Creativity, Respect, and Excellence.    

Remember Why You Became a Lawyer in the First Place?
Our belief in public service is strengthened by our conviction that the law is a powerful tool to promote justice and enhance the quality of life in Charlottesville. Our active general practice offers our lawyers an engaging work environment. At the City Attorney's Office, we have the opportunity to undertake significant legal work in a city that is renowned for its rich cultural resources and highly educated and engaged population. Charlottesville has a history of surpassing expectations, and we are proud to be part of this tradition.

The preferred hiring range for this position is between $129,186.00 - $164,711.57  Annually. Starting offer is based on applicable education, experience, and internal equity. This is a full-time, exempt, position which provides excellent benefits including 13 paid holidays plus 1 floating holiday, paid vacation and sick leave, health insurance options with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, City's retirement options, gym membership reimbursement (up to $34 a month), tuition reimbursement (up to $3,000 per fiscal year), and continuing education/training opportunities.  

• For a general summary of benefits offered by the City, please click the 'benefits' tab on this posting, or visit https://www.charlottesville.gov/1047/Employee-Benefits.
• The City of Charlottesville manages its own retirement system and does not participate in VRS, however the City has a Portability Agreement with VRS and there are certain provisions that must be met. For questions pertaining to the Portability Agreement, please contact the City's Benefits Administrator at 434-970-3462.

This position is responsible for providing professional legal services to the City on difficult and complex matters and assists the City Attorney in the management of the office; assists the City Attorney in a lead capacity in the training and supervision of other attorneys and administrative staff; and performs the duties and responsibilities of the City Attorney in their absence from the office. Primarily and most frequently the work done here is performed independently in diverse functional areas that require specialization and ability to train others. Work is performed independently and with considerable autonomy; does related work as required.

To view a downloadable brochure about our Community, City Government, and the position, please go to: https://www.charlottesville.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10602/Chief-Deputy-City-Attorney-2023-Recruitment-Profile?bidId=

Essential Responsibilities and Duties

• Renders legal advice on a daily basis to all officers, departments and agencies of the City; provides information and answers inquiries from the general public.
• Represents the City before federal, state and local courts and before federal and state agencies.
• Attends meetings of boards and commissions of the City and renders on-the-spot legal advice.
• Drafts ordinances, resolutions, charter revisions, proposed legislation, contracts, deeds, leases, releases, franchises and other complicated legal documents on behalf of the City.
• Processes and litigates claims against the City.
• Prepares cases for trial, interviewing witnesses, examining law and evidence.
• Assists the City Attorney in ensuring quality control by reviewing the work performed by other attorneys.
• Conducts title searches, certifies title and handles closings; oversees the acquisition of easements.
• Monitors recent developments in statutory and case law applicable to the City and oversees the implementation of any necessary changes.
• Develops and oversees the implementation of operational policies for the City Attorney's Office and the City at-large.
• Performs related tasks as require.

Minimum Qualification: 

• Graduation from an accredited law school.
• Considerable experience in the practice of law, with at least eight (8) years of experience in local government law.
• Eligibility to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• Experience in land use, real estate and/or litigation is preferred. 
• Some experience assisting in the management of a law office is helpful, but not required.

Skills: Comprehensive knowledge of municipal law, torts, contracts, civil rights, administrative process, land use, and real property; thorough knowledge of the principles, methods, materials, practices and references utilized in legal research; thorough knowledge of legal office procedures and practices; ability to plan and supervise the work of other attorneys; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with court officials, City officials, and the general public; ability to present complex ideas effectively, orally and written; ability to handle complex trial and appellate litigation.

About City of Charlottesville

Charlottesville, Virginia is an independent city with a population of approximately 45,000. Located in Central Virginia, Charlottesville sits in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, approximately 100 miles southwest of Washington, D.C., and 70 miles northwest of Richmond, Virginia. Our community is known as a major university town and residents enjoy the very best of urban, suburban, and rural life. The City offers a wide variety of cultural, social, and recreational opportunities, including the Downtown Pedestrian Mall which is a center for art, music, dining, shopping, and entertainment. Residents also enjoy a wide variety of amenities, ranging from 25 City parks, to an outdoor performance pavilion, numerous venues for music/theater performances, festivals, and museums. Charlottesville is a diverse and unique community and is an ideal place in which to live, work, and play. The City operates under a City Manager/Council form of government. City Council establishes policy in the areas of city planning and finance, human development, public safety and justice, public utilities, transportation and other areas and has specific powers to pass ordinances, levy taxes, collec...t revenues, adopt a budget, make appropriations, issue bonds, borrow money, and provide for the payment of public debts. Administrative and executive duties are performed by the City Manager. The City of Charlottesville has a diverse workforce of approximately 950 benefit-eligible employees, in addition to temporary and seasonal staff, made up of administrative, professional, technical, public safety, and skilled/trade workers who are dedicated to public service in this exceptional city. Consider employment with the City of Charlottesville; be part of our team, make a difference in the community and build a meaningful career!

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