Deputy City Attorney

(Regular, Exempt)

Starting Salary Range: $120,568.81 - $156,4563.70/annualized, DOQ

Closing Date: Open until filled, may close at any time 

Shift/Workdays and Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00AM - 5:00PM (Generally)

How to Apply: Using the “apply” button on this page, please complete the required online application, upload a resume and a list of three professional references with full contact information. For general questions about the position, contact Unique Hiram at (785) 587-2447 or [email protected].   

Summary/Objective  

The Deputy City Attorney provides professional legal services for the municipality and provides support for the City Attorney by performing duties as the assistant director of the Legal Services Department, which contains a criminal division (Manhattan Municipal Court) and civil division (City Attorney’s Office).  

Essential Functions 

Provides a full range of professional legal services to the City Commission, City Boards, the City Manager, and City staff on complex legal issues related to all aspects of the municipality.  

• Performs legal research and analysis and provides legal opinions and the development of legal documents on a wide range of complex and sensitive legal issues related to all aspects of the municipality. 
• Prepares and reviews legal and other documents, including ordinances, resolutions, memos, pleadings, reports, recommendations, administrative and personnel policies, forms, permits, letters, press releases, informational documents, and other communications. 
• Negotiates, reviews and drafts contracts, leases, construction documents, real estate documents and economic development deals. 
• Researches, interprets, and applies City ordinances, resolutions and applicable state and federal laws. 
• Reviews, investigations and responds to allegations, claims, or complaints against the City. 
• Attends meetings with City staff to answer legal questions, applies legal points and procedures and recommends changes to meet legal requirements. 
• Provides responses to time-sensitive legal issues presented by City Commissioners or City employees via drop-ins, on the phone or by e-mail. 
• Represents the City of Manhattan in Municipal Court and state and federal courts.  
• Manages major projects assigned to the City Attorney’s Office, as directed by the City Attorney. 
• Serves as “acting” City Attorney in the City Attorney’s absence. 
• Attends meetings of the governing body and City boards and committees to provide legal counsel. 
• Maintains updated knowledge and training on legal issues, caselaw, statutes and regulations impacting the municipality. 

Performs administrative and supervisory functions.  

• Supervises Legal Department employees in the City Attorney’s absence. 
• Makes decisions and provides recommendations on hiring, termination, compensation, and promotion. 
• Assists City Attorney with training and mentoring new employees in the City Attorney’s Office. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

Required Education and Experience 

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university. 
• Juris doctorate degree from an accredited law school. 
• License to practice law and memberships in good standing of the bar of the State of Kansas and the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas. 
• A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in the practice of law, including a minimum of five (5) years of municipal law experience. 

Preferred Education and Experience 

• Prior supervisory experience over attorneys and other legal positions preferred. 

Compensation & Benefits

• Boot, Clothing and Vehicle Allowances, if applicable.
• City issued Cell Phone, if applicable.
• Retirement/Pension - City employees are required by statute to contribute to the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS). Voluntary retirement contributions are offered with Nationwide, Mission Square, and Empower KPERS 457.
• Medical, Dental, Vision - The City offers an excellent benefits package that includes wellness, medical, vision, dental, and prescription drug benefits.
• Paid Holidays – 10.5 paid holidays per year plus one additional floating holiday.
• Paid Vacation - 12 to 26 days per year based on years of service.
• Paid Sick Leave - 12 days per year.
• Paid Parental Leave - up to 6 weeks of paid leave.
• Education Reimbursement, Professional Development. Certifications/Licensure - The City will reimburse up to $8,000 per calendar year for tuition and fees. Professional Development funds are based on department budget. Certification/licensure may be reimbursed by the City.
• Other Benefits - Long-term disability, employer paid group life insurance, basic life insurance, employee assistance program and an array of voluntary benefit options.

The City of Manhattan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and believe the best workplaces bring together employees with diverse skill sets, backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints to achieve common goals. Applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status, or any basis protected by law.