Position
The City Attorney is the chief legal counsel for
the City of Lake Oswego and is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the
City Council. As the primary legal counsel, the City Attorney provides sound legal
advice to the Council and departments on significant policy, project, and
financial matters, attends all regular City Council meetings, and drafts or
reviews ordinances, orders, and resolutions that come before the City Council. In
addition, the City Attorney advises the City Manager and City departments on
legal affairs of the City, drafting and reviewing contracts, agreements,
letters, and other legal documents.
The City Attorney leads the City Attorney’s
Office with a biennial budget of $1.7M and is responsible for appointing and
supervising the staff, which includes the Deputy City Attorney, Legal Assistant,
and Legal Secretary. Legal services to the City include land use matters,
public contracting, real estate transactions, labor and employment law,
municipal finance, and general municipal law. The office also prosecutes
misdemeanor crimes, City code violations, and state traffic offenses in the
Lake Oswego Municipal Court. The office currently contracts for City Prosecutor
services. The City Attorney’s Office also provides legal services to the Lake
Oswego Redevelopment (Urban Renewal) Agency.
The new City Attorney has the ability to
quickly understand the values of Lake Oswego and is comfortable working in a
community accustomed to high-quality municipal services and a tradition of
community involvement. The successful candidate maintains objectivity and supports
sound legal decisions while remaining solutions-oriented. The City Attorney demonstrates
a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion as a key organizational value and
is committed to contributing to a culture that fosters belonging. With
unquestioned integrity and sound ethics, the City Attorney is considered a
thought partner dedicated to public service and works in the best interest of
the City at all times.
Qualifications
A minimum of five years in the practice of
municipal law, ideally with a successful track record as a City Attorney,
Deputy City Attorney, or experience in a private law firm advising municipal
governments with a full range of municipal services, or a similar role in an
equivalent type of organization, in order to successfully fulfill the
requirements of the City.
The successful candidate is a member of the
Oregon State Bar, ideally for a minimum of five years, with emphasis and
experience in one or more specialty areas, such as: land use, urban
renewal, real property, public meetings and records, public contracts, and
civil and administrative law relating to municipal governments. Experience with
court processes and procedures, including at the appellate level, is preferred.
The ability to be bonded in accordance with City standards is required.
Compensation and Benefits
The City Attorney contract is at the
discretion of the City Council with a salary range of $142,300 – $172,966 and
will depend on the qualifications of the successful candidate. The City of Lake
Oswego encourages a healthy work-life balance and offers a wide range of
benefits as part of your total compensation package.
How to Apply
The City of Lake Oswego is an Equal
Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. Minorities, women, and
qualified individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to
apply. If you wish modification of the selection process in order to accommodate
a disability, please make your request in writing and submit it with your
required materials.
Applications will be accepted electronically
by The Novak Consulting Group at https://bit.ly/3p5Th7I.
Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover
letter and resume. Please apply no later than February 7, 2021.
