CITY OF GLENDALE, ARIZONA
Glendale is a dynamic city located in the northwestern part of the Phoenix metropolitan area (also known as the "Valley of the Sun"). Glendale is known for its historic downtown, antique shopping, excellent educational and medical institutions, beautiful neighborhoods and a diversified economic base. Glendale has a population of more than 230,000 residents and is a great place to live and raise a family. Glendale is home to some of the best public elementary, middle and high schools in Arizona. Residents have access to award winning libraries and institutions of higher education. Luke Air Force Base, the largest pilot training base in the world is Glendale’s largest employer. A strong economy, attractive residential developments, exciting commercial and business growth and abundant civic pride combined with outstanding city services --- Glendale, Arizona has all of the amenities necessary for ensuring a quality lifestyle in the Southwest! The City of Glendale operates under a Council-Manager form of government. Legislative policy is set by a seven-member City Council and administered by the Council-appointed City Manager. The City Attorney is directly appointed by and works for the City Council. The Annual Operating Budget for the City of Glendale is $268 million and the Capital Improvements Budget is $287 million. The City has 1875 full-time employees. The City of Glendale is seeking a highly professional and experienced individual to become its City Attorney. The successful candidate must be experienced in all facets of the legal field at the local government level. The City is looking for a person who is familiar with Arizona statutes and prosecution processes. The successful candidate must be familiar with and understand the legal issues relating to military bases and Arizona land use laws. An understanding of organized labor laws, actual practice of municipal law in Arizona, and experience in a community that houses complex professional sports franchises is a plus. The ideal candidate has knowledge of Arizona land use law, water, annexation, eminent domain/condemnation law; transportation/transit issues; personnel, personal injury, construction, housing, planning, elections and constitutional requirements. He/she must be able to identify and respond to community and City Council issues, concerns and needs; analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals; build a collaborative team and hold staff accountable for results. The City Attorney is a working attorney that leads a small legal office consisting of 18 employees and includes the City Attorney, three civil attorneys, and the prosecuting staff. The Legal Department’s annual operating budget is approximately $1.5 million. Essential functions of the City Attorney position include representing the City of Glendale in litigation matters and at meetings of City boards and commissions and providing advice and legal interpretation; preparing legal opinions for City Council, the City Clerk’s Office and for City Management. Education and professional development requirements include an LLB or Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an accredited school of law; evidence of continued professional development through participation in municipal legal associations at the local, state and national level and completion of seminars and training programs to stay abreast of changes in the legal field. The position requires a license to practice law in Arizona and membership in the Arizona Bar Association. The position also requires seven to eight years of broad-based experience in municipal law, including three years of progressively responsible supervisory or management experience and experience in effectively executing public policy. Special requirements include possession of or the ability to obtain a valid Arizona driver’s license and residency in Glendale if the candidate currently lives outside of the metropolitan area. The salary range for the successful candidate for the position of City Attorney for the City of Glendale is up to the mid $100's per annum, depending upon experience and qualifications, plus an automobile allowance and a competitive fringe benefit package. Confidential resumes should be sent to James L. Mercer, President, The Mercer Group, Inc., 551 W. Cordova Road, #726, Santa Fe, NM 87501. VOICE: (505) 466-9500; FAX: (505) 466-1274. E-Mail: mercer@mindspring.com. The City of Glendale is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Application Process for City Attorney has been extended. The position is Open Until Filled.