City Attorney – City of Coldwater, MI

Coldwater, MI, (13,829) is conducting a national search for a City Attorney with strong communication, public law, and contractual skills. The ideal candidate will be a proven and articulate local government attorney who will be adept at explaining Michigan state, local government law, and municipal utility law. The City of Coldwater is a fast growing, dynamic, safe, and highly livable community that enjoys farsighted and stable leadership under the Council/Manager plan. Coldwater is only twenty minutes from the ever-popular Pokagon State Park and nearby Trine University. Coldwater Lake is renown throughout the Midwest as a boating mecca and is surrounded by dozens of similar lakes and streams. Coldwater is a perfect place to raise a family and enjoy an excellent quality of life.

The City Attorney is appointed by the City Council and provides legal advice and representation to the City government, its departments, and boards. The City Attorney attends meetings with the City Manager, Mayor, Utility Director, key staff, and with the public. The City Attorney position requires a high level of expertise in municipal law, as well as strong analytical, communication and negotiation skills. This individual is responsible for providing legal counsel on a wide range of matters, including contracts, utility easements, real estate, ordinances, policies, regulations, and prosecutions of municipal ordinances, including the Michigan Motor Vehicle Code and the Michigan Building code. The City Attorney assists the Coldwater Board of Public Utilities (CBPU) in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts, agreements, and other water, wastewater, electric and telecom utility matters. City prosecution work ranges from preparing the original charging documents to negotiating/documenting the final resolutions. Labor relation matters are contracted out. The City Attorney supervises one full-time legal assistant. For more information, see Your Government | Coldwater, MI

Candidate Requirements: 

• Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school
• At least five (5) to seven (7) years of experience practicing municipal law, preferably working in a municipal government setting or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job
• Membership in the Michigan State Bar, or demonstrated ability to do so, within the probationary period. No bar examination is required *
• Strong knowledge of City Charter and all City ordinances and demonstrated knowledge of federal, Michigan, and other laws and regulations relevant to municipal government operations, including the Freedom of Information Act and the Open Meetings Act
• Experience collaborating with intergovernmental officials, as well as hiring, supervising, and delegating to outside counsel and internal staff  
• Strong analytical, communication, and negotiation skills
• Excellent legal research and writing skills
• Skill in negotiating agreements that accommodate conflicting interests and viewpoints
• Ability to simultaneously manage multiple tasks and priorities and to work effectively under pressure
• Ability to be fair and impartial using sound and ethical judgment

Compensation & Benefits 

The annual salary is $125,000 to $175,000 DOQ/E. The City Attorney receives a generous compensation and benefits package, including medical, dental, life insurance, a deferred compensation plan through MERS (10% employer contribution), relocation assistance, and all other City fringe benefit provisions.

Apply Here

Apply online at www.GovHRjobs.com by October 18, 2023. Submit a cover letter, resume, and five professional references. For questions, call 847-380-3240, ext. 114. Candidates’ applications remain confidential until the finalist stage. Save the dates of November 8th, November 14th, and November 20th for interviews. Position open until filled. Anticipated start date:  January 15, 2024.

* The State Bar of Michigan admits candidates without full re-examination yet requires a character and fitness review and Michigan Basics Online Law Training. All candidates licensed in another state will be given equal consideration and will be supported in becoming licensed in Michigan within the probationary period. Initial appointment will be contingent on admission to the State Bar of Michigan.

 See https://www.courts.michigan.gov/administration/committees-boards/board-of-law-examiners/admission-to-the-bar-in-michigan/

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