City Attorney

Job Title: City Attorney
Department: City Attorney
Reports To: City Council
FLSA Status: Exempt
Salary: DOQ

Nature of Work:
The City Attorney is 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.

About the Role:
The City Charter establishes the position of City Attorney, who serves as the head of the department of law. The City Attorney is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the City Council and is responsible to Council for the administration and effective operation of all governmental functions under the Council’s authority. The position is that of a full-time City employee, with all the responsibilities, expectations, and benefits of City employment. The authority and responsibilities of the City Attorney are established by City Charter, City Code, and by action of City Council.

Authority and Responsibilities:

• Act as legal advisor to City Council, the City Manager and departments, boards, commissions, and agencies of the City; provide interpretations of codes, ordinances, statutes, regulations, and legal and legislative proceedings; furnish written opinions on questions of law when requested.
• Prepare ordinances, deeds, contracts, agreements, leases, franchises, releases, and other legal documents on behalf of the City.
• Review and advise or assist in the negotiation of contracts, leases, bonds, and bids.
• Assist in the development of and compliance with various City policies, including personnel and procurement.
• Assist in personnel matters, including policy development, training, and interpretation; participate in grievance procedures when appropriate.
• Institute, prosecute, and participate in legal proceedings necessary to protect the interest of the City.
• Manage any potential, threatened, or actual litigation, representing the City as counsel or engaging and coordinating with outside counsel when appropriate.
• Defend City employees in actions brought against them for conduct while in the line of duty.
• Oversee and manage City real estate matters, including the preparation of leases, contracts, title research, and the sale of tax delinquent property.
• Manage the City’s risk management and self-insurance programs; respond to claims against the City.
• Build effective internal and external working relationships, work in partnership with the City Manager and collaborate, as needed, with the Constitutional Officers.
• Prepare and present training to City staff, City Council, and members of boards and commissions on the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), the Conflict of Interest Act (COIA), and the Records Retention Act.
• Assist with responses to FOIA requests.
• Monitor legislation proposed in the Virginia General Assembly, advise City Council and the City Manager of potential impacts, and assist City Council in developing a position on proposed legislation.
• Attend City Council meetings in person or assign an assistant to do so.
• Appoint and remove such Assistant City Attorneys and other employees as shall be authorized by City Council.

Qualifications, Education, and Experience:

• Juris Doctor in law from an American Bar Association approved law school.
• At least five (5) years of experience in the practice of law, including experience as counsel to a local government in Virginia.
• A member in good standing of the Virginia State Bar and licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• Knowledge of the statutory requirements of local government in the Commonwealth, including the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Conflict of Interests Act (COIA); an understanding of the Dillon Rule and other unique attributes of Virginia’s local governments.
• A demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development through membership in the Local Government Attorneys of Virginia, Inc. (LGA) and participation in conferences, seminars, and CLE training events.

Desired Characteristics and Performance Expectations:

• Absolute integrity, ensuring ethical, equitable, honest, fair, and open interactions with members of City Council, the City Manager, City employees and the public.
• Maintain regular and equal communications with City Council; ensure accessibility and approachability; keep the Council informed of legal matters and respond promptly to inquiries.
• Exercise sound independent judgment and render candid advice; refer not only to the law but to other considerations such as moral, economic, social, and political factors that may be relevant to the situation.
• Act as a facilitator; assist City Council and the City Manager to develop creative solutions that reduce potential risks to an acceptable level and help them to achieve their goals; if the law does not allow certain courses of action, suggest possible alternative solutions.
• Provide well-researched, succinct, prudent, and clear advice to facilitate timely decision making by City Council.
• Understand that decision-making responsibility and authority rests with City Council as a whole body; fully advise Council of the potential legal consequences of a decision and respect and support the final decision.
• Demonstrate collaboration and cooperation, proactively build partnerships with the City Manager and City department heads; participate in City Leadership Team meetings.
• Not easily intimidated, yet tactful; able to diffuse tense situations and seek common ground when different perspectives create friction.
• Demonstrate a commitment to open and transparent government; support and protect the City’s reputation.

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.

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.

We are not accepting applications from executive search firms.

This position will remain open until March 31, 2026.