Township Attorney

TOWNSHIP ATTORNEY Summary: The Township Attorney provides legal advice, guidance and assistance to the Governing Body, Township Manager, Departments, and other agencies of the Township of Montclair and prosecutes and defends actions and proceedings by and against the Township and its Departments and agencies. General Duties: Render opinions, orally or in writing, on any question of law on request of Governing Body, Township Manager, or departments; Attend all meetings of the Governing Body, staff meetings, and other meetings of Township agencies; Prepare all ordinances and resolutions and advise as to their form and sufficiency prior to passage; Approve as to form and content agenda items proposed for inclusion on Governing Body agenda; Review and handle complaints and/or litigation instituted against Township; Negotiate, prepare, review and approve contracts, deeds, documents and instruments prior to execution by or on behalf of the Township; Interact with all outside attorneys retained by or for Township; Conduct appeals from Orders, Decisions or Judgments affecting any interest of Township; Advise Departments of changes in law that may impact operations; Provide guidance to Commissions and Advisory Boards as necessary; Periodically attend meetings with and respond to questions from the public regarding Township issues pending; and perform a multitude of miscellaneous related tasks that arise on a day-to-day basis ranging from directly handling legal issues to providing advice and guidance concerning operations, personnel, public safety, planning and zoning, tax, utilities, purchasing, etc. Requirements: The successful candidate will have a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited college or university and must be a member in good standing of the New Jersey Bar; must have the ability to research, interpret and apply state and federal statutes and regulations; must have the ability to understand the complexities and uses of pertinent and evidentiary laws, rules and regulations; and must have the ability to initiate and maintain clear communication with other government agencies and representatives. Qualified candidates will have a minimum of five (5) years of experience in municipal law with direct experience in Local Public Contracts Law, Local Housing