City Attorney

Position Overview

The City Attorney serves as the chief legal advisor and attorney for the City of Ketchum. Provides comprehensive legal services to the Mayor, City Council, City Administrator, department directors, boards, and commissions. Performs professional legal work involving municipal law, including advising on legal risk, drafting and reviewing legal documents, representing the City in legal proceedings, and ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. As an Appointed Officer under general direction from the Mayor and City Council, work is performed within with wide latitude for exercise of independent judgment.

Essential Functions 

• Provides legal advice, opinions, and support to the Mayor, City Council, City Administrator, department heads, and City boards and commissions. Interprets and applies federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and court decisions affecting City operations. Identifies legal risks and develops practical, legally sound solutions. Represents the City in civil and administrative proceedings. When necessary, selects and oversees outside legal counsel for specialized or complex matters;
• Attends City Council meetings and other meetings as required. Drafts, reviews, and approves ordinances, resolutions, contracts, intergovernmental agreements, policies, and other legal documents. Advises on public records, open meeting laws, ethics, land use, employment law, procurement, and municipal governance matters. Reviews proposed legislation and provides recommendations regarding legal and operational impacts;
• Works closely with elected officials and executive leadership to support the City’s strategic goals, values, and long-term vision. Provides legal perspective on policy development and organizational initiatives;
• Serves as a legal resource in interactions with the public, partner agencies, and other governmental entities. Represents the City on intergovernmental committees or working groups as assigned;
• Manages the legal services budget, including forecasting legal service needs and monitoring expenditures related to outside counsel and legal resources. Ensures legal services are delivered efficiently and within approved budget parameters;
• Performs other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.

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