Counseling Attorney - City Of Indianapolis and Marion County : Job Details

The Office of Corporation Counsel (OCC) provides legal services to the City and County through its three main divisions. First, OCC represents the City, County agencies, and City-County employees in litigation, handling a diverse docket that ranges from tort and contract matters to constitutional law. Second, through its counseling division, OCC provides legal advice to City and County agencies, officials, and oversight bodies to ensure that public entities remain compliant with the law and standards of ethical conduct, to safeguard public funds, and to promote the efficient functioning of local government for Marion County taxpayers. OCC's third division is the Office of the City Prosecutor, which is responsible for enforcing City-County ordinances. OCC also oversees the Office of Equal Opportunity, which administers the City's human rights ordinance, protecting against discrimination in employment and other contexts. In exercising these crucial legal functions, OCC cultivates a productive, collaborative, and compliant work environment that prioritizes the needs of our clients and the residents of Indianapolis and Marion County.

The holder of this position will be a front-line attorney with immediate responsibility for handling a wide range of general legal matters on behalf of City-County agencies. The position holder will serve as an assistant corporation counsel within the City's Office of Corporation Counsel.

All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. We value diversity in perspectives and experiences among colleagues and the residents of this city of whom we serve.

The primary responsibility of a Counseling Attorney is to represent and advise the City-County and related agencies in general legal matters. The City-County is involved in a diverse array of matters requiring sound legal advice and guidance, including in the areas of contracts, real estate, employment, land use, tax, environmental law, public safety, legal drafting, and administrative and regulatory matters.

This position will provide immediate experience in all facets of client service and representation. This role representing our public agency clients includes preparing and reviewing contracts, leases, and other transactional documents; representing City-County clients at Board and Commission meetings; researching and answering general legal questions and providing advisory opinions; and drafting ordinances, reviewing legislation, and handling other legislative matters. Front-line attorneys benefit from the assistance of more experienced Counseling attorneys and supervisors in many cases, but should expect to have immediate responsibility for handling a diverse and challenging workload.

The Counseling attorney position also involves the following additional responsibilities:

• Keeping clients, including senior agency staff and elected officials, fully informed on matters affecting their agencies.
• Advising clients and colleagues in the Office of Corporation Counsel on legal compliance and litigation risk avoidance.
• Preparing advisory opinions and memos on general legal matters at the request of the Corporation Counsel or client agencies.
• Representing City-County agencies in Board or Commission meetings or similar settings.
• Providing advice on litigation strategy and settlement negotiations in conjunction with the Litigation section.
• Keeping abreast of relevant legal developments at the state and federal levels.
• Performing other duties as assigned by the Chief Counsel, Deputy Chief Counsel, or the Corporation Counsel.

Strong independent judgment. Guidance from more senior attorneys will be available, but successful Counseling attorneys must have the good judgment to handle responsibilities independently and seek assistance when necessary.

Analytical ability and intellectual curiosity. This position involves a wide variety of legal issues and fact patterns. Attorneys are encouraged to develop areas of expertise over time, but must be able to rapidly digest new information, integrate it into existing knowledge, and utilize legal research tools effectively. They will also need to determine alternative legal and administrative approaches to problem-solving.

Proficiency at legal writing and communication. Counseling attorneys must be skilled in informal communication with clients and colleagues, as well as in preparing formal documents such as contracts, leases, ordinances, resolutions, and advisory opinions.

Oral communication skills. This includes providing advice in meetings and conferences, explaining complex legal issues clearly, and adapting tone and messaging to different audiences and settings.

Zealous advocacy. Given the importance of the legal matters handled, attorneys must approach their work with the seriousness and attention it deserves, recognizing that their client is ultimately the public.

Time management skills. Success requires efficiency, strong prioritization, and the ability to manage a substantial caseload effectively.

Ethics and professionalism. As public servants, attorneys are expected to uphold the highest standards of professional ethics and responsible advocacy.

Minimum Job Requirements and Qualifications

• Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school
• Valid license to practice law in Indiana
• Proficiency in legal research tools, including Westlaw
• At least one year's experience practicing law as a licensed attorney (may include judicial clerkship)

Preferred Job Requirements and Qualifications

• Experience in areas such as contracts, real estate, employment, land use, tax, environmental law, public safety, legal drafting, or administrative and regulatory matters, or relevant governmental practice experience.
• Knowledge or experience with local government and administrative processes.
• Experience with advising, drafting, researching, or counseling clients in a legal context.