Town Attorney

Town of Monument:

The Town of Monument aspires to provide leadership that delivers municipal services responsibly, while working to inspire public confidence to achieve the vision of the future. The Town of Monument is focused on meeting the community’s needs with the utmost integrity, obligation of service, and responsibility by being held accountable and respecting the diversity and values of its constituents.

Position Summary: 

The Town Attorney provides assistance to Town staff on complex legal issues, primarily focusing on application of the Town’s Municipal Code, contract drafting and review, land use and development matters. The Town Attorney is also responsible for providing legal advice and representation to the Town’s elected officials and assisting Department Heads and other Town Staff on various legal issues. The ideal candidate should enjoy challenging legal work, collaboration, and problem-solving.

 

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Life and AD&D
• Voluntary Accident Coverage, Hospitalization Coverage
• Voluntary Critical Illness Coverage
• Legal Shield/ID Shield benefit
• FMLA/Bereavement/Jury Duty Leave
• ADAA & PDA
• Compulsory enrollment in 401(a), employer 2:1 contribution
• Voluntary enrollment in 457(b), employer 2:1 contribution
• Vacation and Sick leave
• 14 observed holidays, 1 additional personal day
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness eligible employer

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The following statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job and do not include other nonessential or peripheral duties that may be required.  The organization retains the right to modify or change the duties or essential functions of the job at any time.

 

Legal Counsel & Representation

• Provide legal counsel to Town officials on municipal law (land use, zoning, code enforcement, labor, legislation).
• Represent the Town in litigation, administrative proceedings, and dispute resolution.
• Advise on and manage real estate transactions and related documents.
• Ensure compliance with Open Meetings Law and public process requirements.
• Respond to Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) requests.

 

Document Review & Drafting

• Draft, review, and approve legal documents including ordinances, resolutions, contracts, leases, deeds, intergovernmental agreements, and policies to ensure legal sufficiency and compliance with applicable laws.
• Develop standardized templates for service contracts, purchase orders, and other recurring legal documents.

 

Land Use & Development

• Advise on land use code, zoning, and permitting interpretation.
• Draft, negotiate, and enforce development and infrastructure agreements.
• Counsel staff and boards on quasi-judicial procedures and decision standards.
• Identify and mitigate land use–related legal risks (takings, exactions, fees, due process).
• Assist with long-range planning and updates to codes and development policies.
• Represent the Town on zoning actions, permits, variances, and code enforcement.

Risk Management & Insurance

• Works with the Town’s insurance carrier to review insurance risks and claims, provide recommendations to Town staff to enhance risk management, and monitor claims handled by insurers and their appointed adjusters and/or attorneys.
• Collaborate with departments to identify and mitigate legal risks, including areas such as employment law, workers’ compensation, and confidentiality issues.

Contract & Outside Counsel Management

• Manage and oversee contracts with outside legal counsel and administrative law judges, ensuring alignment with Town interests and tracking billable hours for contracted entities.
• Negotiate, monitor compliance, and participate in meetings related to grants and intergovernmental agreements.

Communication & Collaboration

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with officials, employees, attorneys, community representatives, and the public.
• Communicate legal matters to the public, press, and other governmental entities as needed.
• Collaborate with Administration, Finance, Human Resources, Planning and Zoning, and other departments to support Town initiatives and resolve legal concerns.

Meetings & Continuing Education

• Attend Town Council meetings, and other public or volunteer board meetings as required.
• Participate in workshops, seminars, and training to stay current on legal developments.
• Regularly review new case laws, statutes, and regulations affecting the Town and advise on compliance and implications.

 

Additional Duties

• Perform legal research and prepare oral and written opinions on complex legal issues.
• Act as an agent in negotiations, mediations, and specified legal or business transactions when authorized.
• Carry out other duties as assigned by the Town Council or Town Manager.

 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

The essential duties listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. The below list is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all knowledge, skills, and abilities that are required.

Knowledge

• Thorough understanding of federal, state, and local laws, as well as Town rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• In-depth knowledge of land use codes, real estate law, zoning regulations, and land use planning principles and processes.
• Broad knowledge of public administration principles, policies, and practices.
• Comprehensive understanding of field-specific knowledge, municipal operations
• Familiarity with Home Rule Charter processes, policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and standards.

Skills

• Proficient in legal research, statutory interpretation, analysis, and drafting (contracts, memos, opinions).
• Strong verbal, written, and public speaking communication skills.
• Effective leadership, team management, and cross-department collaboration.
• Skilled in problem-solving, decision-making, and analytical thinking.
• Proficient with technology (including Microsoft 365) to manage records, streamline operations, and maintain confidentiality.
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills, including de-escalation in sensitive situations.
• Able to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Abilities

• Demonstrate integrity, discretion, and sound professional judgment.
• Effectively advocate and present legal arguments in support of Town interests.
• Manage departmental operations and a high-volume workload with strong organization and attention to detail.
• Analyze complex legal issues, apply critical thinking, and implement practical solutions.
• Work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Adapt to shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Conduct thorough legal research and maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Maintain ability to travel locally/regional and meet employment requirements (background check, drug screening).

Qualifications:

 Education/Experience:

• Juris doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Colorado State bar license in good standing with no disciplinary actions or sanctions.
• Admission to practice before all Colorado State courts and the United States District Court of the District of Colorado.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of legal experience as an attorney in private practice or in the public sector.
• Five (5) years of experience in land use, subdivision and zoning, real estate law, and contracts.
• Three (3) years of experience supervising others and managing department operations.
• Two (2) years minimum experience in municipal law.
• Prior experience as a local government attorney is highly desired.

• No substitution of experience for education is permitted.

 

Licenses/Certifications:

• Valid Colorado bar license in good standing.
• Valid Colorado motor vehicle driver’s license with an acceptable motor vehicle record.
• Licenses and certifications must be kept current and in compliance with continuing education requirements as a condition of employment.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, sit, and walk, use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate objects, and occasionally stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. Occasionally carry, pull, push, or lift up to 20 pounds. Physically able to operate various computers and office equipment successfully to fulfill this position's essential functions.

Able to consistently see with near and far acuity, depth perception, color vision, and field vision.

Ability to hear, understand, and distinguish speech and communicate clearly and effectively; understand and be understood; be able to consistently engage in ordinary conversations.

Work Environment:

Work is performed in both office settings and field environments requiring occasional travel. Working environment may involve the use of communication through computers and telephones and could involve frequent interruptions. Work requires attendance at evening and/or weekend meetings, public events and conferences, as the Town Attorney frequently attends evening meetings, public events, and conferences

 

*The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.