Assistant City Solicitor

TITLE: Assistant City Solicitor

DEPARTMENT: Legal Department

POSITION STATUS: Full time, 35 hours per week non-union position with full benefits

REPORTS TO: City Solicitor

SALARY: $115,000.00 – $130,000.00, depending upon experience and qualifications

OVERVIEW

Appointed by the Mayor and working under the direction of the City Solicitor, the Assistant City Solicitor is a

diligent and thorough detail-oriented attorney who works well in a fast-paced environment, engages with other

members of the Legal Department’s team.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Assist the City Solicitor in the duties of their office as defined by ordinance.

Appear at City Council meetings, committee meetings, municipal boards and commissions as directed by the

City Solicitor.

Assist in defending and prosecuting legal actions brought by and against the City.

Assist in drafting of all municipal ordinances. Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, ordinances, resolutions,

and other legal documents.

Advise the Mayor, City Council, Department Heads, and City employees on matters relating to municipal

government.

Participate in developing and implementing City policies and procedures.

Appear as needed and required before the Federal Court, Superior Court, District Court, Massachusetts

Commission Against Discrimination and other federal and state tribunals.

Handle confidential information and material with due care.

The City Solicitor may reassign the duties of the Assistant City Solicitor at any time based upon the needs of the

office.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Must be a practicing attorney in good standing and duly admitted as an attorney and counselor in the courts of

the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Possess a Juris Doctor Degree from an accredited law school and be admitted to the Massachusetts Bar.

Current admission to the Federal Courts, or achieve admission within three (3) months of appointment.

Experienced in litigation, including conducting depositions and trials in both state and federal court.

Strong written and oral communication skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience in municipal government, including but not limited to: the defense of Massachusetts General Laws

(MGL). ch. 258 claims, Ch 84 claims, civil rights actions, EEOC and MCAD claims.

Experience representing municipalities before the Massachusetts State Court of Appeals, and the Supreme

Judicial Court

Knowledge and experience in public records law, open meeting laws, zoning and land use matters,

Massachusetts Building Codes, MGL. c. 30B, conflicts of interest law and MGL c. 268A.

Experience with MGL. c. 30A and administrative hearings.

Experience with public employment matters including Collective Bargaining Agreements, labor law and

grievances, and civil service laws.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully

perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to communicate with others frequently and

be mobile. Regular use of computers can be expected. The noise level in the work environment is usually

moderate.

HOW TO APPLY

Qualified individuals are encouraged to send resume and cover letter to the City of Salem using this

email address: jobs@salem.com. Position is open until a qualified candidate is chosen.

City of Salem Human Resources

Lisa B. Cammarata, Director

98 Washington Street, 3rd floor

Salem, Massachusetts 01970

The City of Salem is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on

the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil

union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic

information, or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws.

We prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate

in an equal opportunity investigation.

DATED: December 11, 2025