ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:

The Law Department is responsible for providing legal representation and advice to the City and its officials in numerous areas of law, including but not limited to: zoning, environmental, employment, civil rights, contracts, tax, real estate, and torts involving personal injury and property damage claims. Members of the legal staff also regularly attend and provide advice at meetings of the City Council and sub-committees thereof and to City boards and commissions. In addition to drafting ordinances and other legal documents, numerous verbal and written opinions are rendered to the City Manager, Mayor, City Council, and Department Heads. The department strives to help the City Manager, City Council, City departments, and City boards/commissions/committees achieve their goals within the parameters of the law.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

Working under the supervision and direction of the City Solicitor, Deputy City Solicitor, and First Assistant City Solicitor, the Assistant City Solicitors assist the City Solicitor in all duties as set forth in the Cambridge Municipal Code, Chapter 2.26. An Assistant City Solicitor conducts the prosecution and defense of civil litigation in state and federal court proceedings and administrative proceedings to which the City is a party and provides representation as to a broad variety of municipal issues. An Assistant City Solicitor drafts legislation and a wide range of legal instruments and renders advisory opinions to City officials, boards, and commissions. An Assistant City Solicitor assists in the supervision of administrative and paralegal staff. The successful candidate will be a highly motivated attorney with an interest in municipal law and being part of a collaborative team of attorneys.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the supervision and direction of the City Solicitor, Deputy City Solicitor, and First Assistant City Solicitor, the Assistant City Solicitor’s duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Prosecute and defend suits in which the City is a party in state and federal courts and administrative agencies.
• Handle transactional matters in which the City is involved.
• Provide representation and advice to the City Manager, City Council, department heads and other City officials on a broad variety of legal issues, rights, obligations and practices under applicable federal, state and local laws, and exercise sound judgment in making decisions and rendering advice regarding the City’s legal affairs.
• Draft advisory opinions to the City Manager, City Council, School Committee, department heads, and boards/commissions/committees.
• Draft legislation and a wide range of legal instruments.
• Perform work as required and at the direction of the City Solicitor, Deputy City Solicitor and First Assistant City Solicitor.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Juris doctor degree from an accredited law school required.
• Must be a member of the Massachusetts Bar, admitted to practice before Massachusetts state and federal courts.
• Knowledge of Massachusetts and federal law required.
• A minimum of three years’ experience practicing law required.
• Experience in civil litigation and preparation and trial of cases.
• Strong legal research, oral communication, and legal writing skills.
• The City of Cambridge’s workforce, like the community it serves, is diverse.  Applicants must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in municipal law and in employment/labor, zoning, real estate, construction, contracts, personal injury, civil rights and/or environmental law are highly desirable.
• Experience with the Massachusetts Public Records Law, Open Meeting Law and Conflict of Interest Law.
• Experience representing municipal elected and appointed officials, employees, committees, commissions and boards. 
• Experience with case management, document management and e-discovery software, and any other software used in the legal field.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:    Ability to access, input, and retrieve information from a computer.  Answer telephones and maintain multiple files. Must read and analyze large quantities of information.  Must lift and/or move up to 10 pounds at times. Must have sufficient mobility to get back and forth from the office to offsite meetings and court. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT:   Work is conducted primarily in an office environment with fluorescent lighting, air conditioning, computers, and other standard office equipment, but also involves meetings in other offices or facilities. This position may be eligible for a hybrid work schedule under the City’s Telework Policy depending on operational needs.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

Please upload the following documents to complete your application:

• Resume
• Cover Letter