Assistant Township Attorney in MONTCLAIR, New Jersey at TOWNSHIP OF MONTCLAIR

ASSISTANT TOWNSHIP ATTORNEYDepartment: Law DepartmentReports To: Township AttorneyEmployment Status: Part-TimeHours: Up to 28 hours per weekHealth Benefits/Pension: Not ProvidedAnticipated Effective Date: 2027Position SummaryThe Township of Montclair is seeking a qualified attorney to serve as Assistant Township Attorney within its Law Department. The successful candidate will assist the Township Attorney in providing legal advice, counsel, and representation to the Mayor and Council Township Manager, and Township departments.This position offers exposure to a broad range of municipal legal matters, including contract and legislative matters, civil litigation, labor and employment law, public safety, land use, and general municipal operations.Work is performed under the general direction of the Township Attorney and in coordination with the Township Manager.Essential Duties and Responsibilities: The duties listed below are intended to illustrate the general nature and scope of the work and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities.• Provide oral and written legal opinions and guidance on matters affecting the Township.• Attend Mayor and Council meetings, staff meetings, and other Township agency meetings as assigned.• Review proposed ordinances and resolutions for legal form and sufficiency and review agenda items submitted for Governing Body consideration.• Prepare, review, and approve deeds, contracts, legal documents, and other instruments prior to execution by or on behalf of the Township.• Coordinate with outside legal counsel retained by the Township, as necessary.• Assist with appeals involving orders, decisions, or judgments affecting the Township's interests.• Advise Township departments regarding changes in applicable laws and regulations that may affect municipal operations.• Provide legal guidance to commissions, advisory boards, and other Township entities as needed.• Attend meetings with members of the public and respond to questions concerning pending Township matters, as appropriate.• Provide day-to-day legal guidance on municipal operations, personnel matters, public safety, planning and zoning, taxation, utilities, purchasing, and other areas of municipal law.Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: The ideal candidate will possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:• Knowledge of and ability to interpret federal and New Jersey statutes, municipal ordinances, regulations, and applicable case law, including matters involving torts, civil rights, labor, and employment law.• Knowledge of the New Jersey Rules of Civil Procedure and Rules of Evidence.• Knowledge of the New Jersey Local Public Contracts Law, N.J.S.A. 40A:11-1 et seq.• Familiarity with N.J.A.C. Title 4A and applicable civil service regulations.• Knowledge of the New Jersey Tort Claims Act.• Knowledge and experience in drafting and reviewing municipal ordinances, resolutions, contracts, and other legal instruments.• Ability to gather, analyze, and evaluate facts and supporting documentation.• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills.• Ability to interpret and apply applicable laws, rules, and regulations to specific municipal matters.• Ability to research and prepare summaries of court decisions, legal precedents, opinions, citations, and other relevant legal materials.• Ability to draft proposed rules, regulations, legal opinions, correspondence, and reports.• Ability to prepare materials for legal briefs, hearings, administrative proceedings, and reviews.• Ability to advise Township departments on labor and employment matters, personnel procedures, the implementation of employment policies, and collective bargaining agreements.• Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers, court personnel, judges, government agencies, elected officials, and members of the public.• Ability to present factual findings and articulate legal opinions in judicial and administrative proceedings.• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, as circumstances require.• Ability to understand and apply applicable evidentiary standards, legal procedures, and regulatory requirements.• Proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and communicating in English sufficient to perform the essential functions of the position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be acceptable forms of communication.Minimum Requirements and Preferred Experience:• Graduation from an accredited law school.• Admission to practice law in the State of New Jersey and maintenance of an active license in good standing.• A minimum of three (3) years of professional legal experience.Preferred Qualifications:• Prior trial court experience.• Experience handling general employment matters and litigation involving the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD), Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, and Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).• Experience drafting and reviewing contracts, Requests for Qualifications (RFQs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), municipal resolutions, ordinances, and bid specifications.• Experience in municipal, public-sector, or local government law is preferred.Important Notice: Pursuant to New Jersey Court Rule 1:20-20(a), attorneys who have been disbarred, resigned with prejudice, transferred to disability-inactive status, or are under suspension from the practice of law in this or any other jurisdiction are prohibited from being employed as attorneys in the State of New Jersey.SALARY-HOURLY : $39.53-$67.75 commensurate with experience per Township ordinance.