CITY ATTORNEY

REPORTS TO: MARTINSVILLE CITY COUNCIL

FLSA STATUS: EXEMPT
RATE OF PAY: DOQ

NATURE OF WORK
The City Attorney is a contract position appointed directly by the Martinsville City Council and serves as the chief legal advisor to the City. This role is responsible for providing comprehensive legal services to the City Council, City Manager, department heads, and various City boards and commissions. The position requires an experienced legal professional with a strong background in municipal law, litigation, and public sector governance. The City Attorney must demonstrate sound legal judgment, integrity, and a proactive approach to managing the City’s legal affairs.

EXAMPLES OF WORK

• Legal Counsel: Serve as the principal legal advisor to the City Council, City Manager, and all City departments. Interpret and apply federal, state, and local laws to ensure City compliance and limit liability.
• Document Drafting and Review: Prepare, review, and revise a variety of legal documents including ordinances, resolutions, contracts, agreements, deeds, leases, and policies relevant to City operations.
• Litigation and Representation: Represent the City in civil and administrative proceedings. Initiate or defend legal actions on behalf of the City as appropriate. Coordinate with external counsel when necessary.
• Council and Board Meetings: Attend all City Council meetings and, as needed, meetings of boards and commissions to provide legal advice and ensure procedural compliance.
• Risk Management and Compliance: Advise on matters involving legal risk, liability exposure, and ensure the City’s actions are conducted in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Policy and Legislative Guidance: Monitor legislative and regulatory changes that may impact City operations. Provide guidance and recommendations on necessary policy adjustments.
• Additional Responsibilities: Perform other duties as assigned by City Council. A comprehensive list of duties is also outlined in Chapter 7 – Department of Law, City Charter.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OF WORK

• Licensure: Must be a member in good standing of the Virginia State Bar and licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• Experience: A minimum of five (5) years of active legal practice, preferably with substantial experience in municipal or governmental law.
• In-depth knowledge of local government structure and legal procedures
• Exceptional legal research, drafting, negotiation, and communication skills
• Strong judgment, discretion, and ability to work independently
• Experience in courtroom and administrative proceedings

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to sit, stand, and move around for extended periods.
• Manual dexterity and visual acuity to operate a computer and other office equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Occasional lifting of materials or equipment up to 25 pounds may be required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment is primarily indoors within an office setting. Occasional travel within the city or to external meetings may be required. The atmosphere is professional and collaborative, with frequent interactions with city officials, staff, and external partners.
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. It does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change as the needs of the City and requirements of the role evolve.

Department: Administration
This is a management position
This is a full time position