The Associate Corporation Counsel (Land Use and Licensing) is a senior-level legal position responsible for providing legal representation and counsel to the City under the direction of the Corporation Counsel. This position focuses primarily on matters involving zoning, land use, planning, licensing, and municipal governance. This position advises elected and appointed officials, boards and commissions, and municipal departments on a broad range of regulatory and administrative matters, with a primary focus on land use and development and licensing matters, and may also represent the municipality in administrative proceedings, litigation support, ordinance drafting, and enforcement actions.
This list may not include all tasks and/or knowledge which may be expected of the employee, nor does it cover all specific duties which may be required. Other duties may be assigned.

Zoning and Planning:

• Provide legal advice and guidance regarding zoning, subdivision, planning, land use, development, code enforcement, and municipal licensing matters.
• Serve as legal counsel to municipal boards and commissions, including but not limited to the Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, Historic Preservation Commission, Liquor Commission, and similar bodies.
• Review and draft ordinances, resolutions, development agreements, findings of fact, staff memoranda, policies, and related legal documents.
• Advise municipal staff and officials on statutory compliance, procedural requirements, due process, open meetings public records, ethics, and administrative law matters.
• Assist with the review of zoning applications, variances, special use permits, annexations, plats, site plans, redevelopment proposals, and licensing applications.
• Represent the municipality in administrative hearings, enforcement actions, and litigation matters related to land use, licensing, and municipal regulation.
• Conduct legal research and prepare written opinions and recommendations for municipal officials and departments.
• Coordinate with outside counsel, consultants, developers, engineers, and other stakeholders as necessary.
• Monitor developments in municipal, zoning, and land use law and advise staff and officials regarding legal and policy implications.

Boards, Commissions, and Administrative Counsel Responsibilities:

• Serve as legal counsel to municipal boards, commissions, and administrative bodies, including the City’s Liquor Commission, Human Rights Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, Planning Commission, and other City boards and commissions as assigned.
• Advise boards and commissions regarding statutory authority, procedural requirements, due process, evidentiary standards, ethics, open meetings, public records compliance, and administrative decision-making.
• Attend regular and special meetings and hearings of boards and commissions, including occasional evening meetings as required.
• Prepare or review resolutions, findings of fact, orders, decisions, policies, and related legal documents arising from board and commission proceedings.
• Provide legal guidance concerning liquor licensing, disciplinary proceedings, local civil rights and anti-discrimination matters, and quasi-judicial hearings.
• Represent the municipality in administrative appeals and related litigation involving actions or decisions of municipal boards and commissions.

Licensing Code Administration and Enforcement:

• Work collaboratively with the City Clerk and municipal departments in the administration, interpretation, drafting, amendment, and enforcement of the municipal licensing code and related ordinances.
• Provide legal advice regarding business licensing requirements, license eligibility, renewals, suspensions, revocations, enforcement actions, and regulatory compliance.
• Draft and review ordinances, amendments, policies, applications, notices, and procedures relating to municipal licensing and regulatory programs.
• Assist with the investigation and enforcement of licensing violations and represent the municipality in administrative hearings and enforcement proceedings.
• Advise staff and officials regarding interpretation and application of municipal code provisions governing licensed businesses and regulated activities.
• Coordinate with law enforcement, code enforcement, finance, and administrative departments regarding licensing compliance and enforcement matters.

Public Policy & Advocacy:

• Advise on the legal implications of proposed public policies and initiatives.
• Collaborate with other City departments, governmental agencies, and community organizations on legal and policy issues.

General Skill Levels:

• Considerable knowledge of the principles and procedures of civil, municipal, and/or business law.
• Considerable knowledge of the principal methods, materials and practices of legal research and investigation.
• Considerable knowledge of judicial procedure and rules of evidence.
• Considerable knowledge of local ordinances, state and federal laws and constitutional provisions affecting municipal operations and thorough knowledge of City operations, policies and procedures, or a demonstrated ability to acquire this knowledge.
• Knowledge of current computer and/or electronic systems, techniques and requirements being utilized for specific applications in the department.
• Ability to analyze, appraise and organize facts, evidence, and precedents and to present such material effectively in writing and verbally.
• Ability to present and argue cases in administrative and court settings with skill in public speaking.
• Ability to manage functions, resolve conflict and work harmoniously with department heads, officials, employees, outside professionals and the general public.
• Ability to function with minimal direction and oversight, with a high degree of self-motivation.
• Ability to handle confidential material on a routine basis in an atmosphere of loyalty and trust.
• Ability to adapt to changing situations and priorities.
• Ability to maintain clerical records consistent with department procedures and retention schedule.

Education/Experience:

• Required:Graduation from a recognized school of law with municipal law experience is required.
• Preferred: Experience in land use, licensing, and/or administrative procedures is strongly desired.
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience that would provide the above knowledge, abilities and skills may also be acceptable.

Certificate or Licenses:

• Required:Admission to the Bar of the State of Illinois required.

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

• Work is performed in an office environment.
• Work may require travel between work sites in town and occasionally to other locations for meetings.

Full Salary Range: $106,691 - $160,036