City Solicitor

• Successful completion of requirements for a 4-year degree from accredited undergraduate college or university resulting in a BA or BS degree.
• Successful completion of a 3-year program in an accredited law school resulting in a JD degree.
• Five years of experience practicing law in a municipal environment.

The Solicitor for the City of Bangor, serves as administrative head of the City’s Legal Department, and provides legal advice and expertise to the City Manager, City Council, other City departments, and Boards and Commissions.

Essential Functions

This list is meant to be an overview and should not be considered all-inclusive.

• Drafts ordinances, orders, resolves, contracts, letters, real estate transfer agreements, and legal documents; files petitions and claims and recommends action to policy-making Boards and Commissions.
• Answers legally related citizen inquiries and complaints both orally and in writing; conducts legal research and makes recommendations, including for legal cases pending with the City.
• Directs and supervises legal staff, department activities and oversees the proper preparation and maintenance of legal documents.
• Provides legal advice to City Manager, City Council, Boards and Commissions and staff regarding a broad range of complex legal circumstances and situations.
• Performs title examinations, and issues title opinions for City real estate purchases, loan arrangements, and other related real estate matters.
• Attends all City Council meetings, and other Board, Commission and Committee meetings, as required.
• Monitors legislative bills and court cases as they may affect the City of Bangor.
• Acts as primary spokesperson for the department through issuance of public statements and interaction with the media.
• Participates in City-wide comprehensive and strategic planning as a member of the City’s overall management team, especially in regard to those elements directly related to the plans and functions of the Department.Handles information requests/complaints from the public; explains departmental and City policies to the public; ensures that public services and effective communication with the public are a priority of the department.
• Prepares annual departmental budget request, submits same to City Manager and presents and defends request to City Council. After adoption, monitors budget expenditures and revenues to make necessary adjustments to ensure established budgets are met or informs City Manager in advance of revenue/expenditure problems to ensure necessary corrective actions.
• Prepares court cases and represents the City and its agencies, including City Manager, City Council, other City departments, Boards and Commissions and City employees during various legal proceedings.
• May be required to coordinate, participate, and sometimes lead, interdepartmental projects and/or teams to accomplish goals or outcomes as directed by City Council.
• Works closely with key organizational leadership to develop strategy, determine effective approaches to complex and sensitive issues, and ensure elected officials receive timely, accurate, transparent, and appropriately contextualized information, guidance, and recommendations to support informed decision-making.
• Provides timely, clear, and well-reasoned explanations, guidance, and direction to elected officials during public meetings, including situations requiring on-the-spot responses to questions or emerging issues.
• Performs related duties as assigned.