Salary: $102,000.00 - $135,000.00 Annually
Location : 280 Grove Street, Jersey City, NJ
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 158
Department: Law
Opening Date: 10/01/2026
Position Division: Transactional
Description Department: Law
Division: Transactional
Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt
Union: Management
Job Type: Full-Time
Salary: $102,000.00 - $135,000.00 Annually. Based on qualifications and experience. Competitive Jersey City retirement and health benefits package available, including pension, dental, medical, prescription, FSA (flexible spending account), life insurance, and more.
DescriptionThe Law Department of the City of Jersey City seeks a qualified Attorney to fill an Assistant Corporation Counsel position within the Transactional Group. The Assistant Corporation Counsel will be responsible for assisting the Corporation Counsel, First Assistant Corporation Counsel, and the supervisor of the Transactional Group with drafting and negotiating contracts, municipal procurement under the Local Public Contracts Law, real estate transactions including negotiating purchase and sale agreements and drafting any corresponding resolution and/or ordinance, and more.
Examples of Duties Job Duties:- Drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and advising on contracts, agreements, memoranda of understanding, licenses, leases, grants, and other transactional documents involving the City.
- Advising City departments and officials regarding procurement, contracting, public bidding, professional services, concessions, land acquisitions & sales, and other municipal transactions.
- Reviewing and advising on requests for government records under the Open Public Records Act (OPRA) and other public-access laws that present legal issues, including determining the applicability of statutory exemptions and privileges, assisting with the preparation of legally appropriate responses, and litigating matters regarding OPRA before the Government Records Council (GRC) and other forums.
- Drafting, reviewing and negotiating affordable housing agreements, and otherwise advising the Divisions of the Department of Housing and Economic Development on issues that arise in connection with affordable housing.
- Counseling City departments on the interpretation and application of municipal ordinances, state statutes and regulations, City policies, and other legal requirements affecting municipal operations.
- Other duties as assigned.
QualificationsRequired Educational Background: Juris Doctorate Degree from a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association. Admission to the New Jersey Bar.
Preferred Experience: Three or more years in the practice of law.
Supplemental InformationEssential Skills:- Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to draft, review, interpret, and negotiate contracts and other legal documents with accuracy and attention to detail.
- Ability to analyze statutes, regulations, ordinances, policies, and case law and provide clear, practical legal advice.
- Sound legal judgment and the ability to identify and evaluate legal risk and reduce legal evaluations to actionable items for decision makers.
- Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to explain complex legal issues to non-lawyers.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience practicing state or local government, transactional, or commercial law.
- Experience drafting, reviewing, or negotiating government contracts, professional service agreements, leases, licenses, purchase & sale agreements, easements, memoranda of understanding, grants, or similar agreements.
- Familiarity with New Jersey municipal law and governmental operations.
- Familiarity with New Jersey public procurement and contracting requirements, including the Local Public Contracts Law.
- Familiarity with the New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA), common-law right of access, and applicable privileges and exemptions.
Scheduled Telework- Maximum: 1 scheduled telework day per week.
- Must follow a pre-approved schedule in the Telework Application and Agreement.
- Employees keep their normal work hours while teleworking.
Unscheduled Telework- Employees with approved telework agreements may request 1 additional unscheduled telework day per week, subject to Department Director approval and operational needs.
You must eventually pass and qualify for this Civil Service title.To apply for this job with the City of Jersey City, please fill out our Employment Application.
Please note that this role is subject to the residency requirements set forth by NJ First Act.The City of Jersey City offers a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health insurance, dental, vision, vacation, holidays, sick time, pension, life insurance, professional development assistance, employee assistance program, and other benefits.
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