Resumes will be accepted until the position is filled.
The City of Franklin, located in the southwest corner of Milwaukee County, with a population of approximately 36,500, is seeking an energetic and self-motivated City Attorney.
The City Attorney plays a pivotal role in our city, being responsible for a diverse range of tasks and managing all legal affairs on behalf of the City. As legal counsel, the City Attorney advises and represents all municipal officials, officers, and departments of the City. Essential duties include drafting and scrutinizing ordinances, resolutions, policies, procedures, and contracts to ensure strict alignment with relevant state, federal, and local regulations. The role prioritizes expertise in municipal law, civil code enforcement, quality of life concerns, land use and development, zoning regulations, labor relations, claims management, debt collection, contract examination, and legislative interpretation. View full job description.
Qualifications include:
- Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree from an accredited law school.
- Active member of the WI State Bar Association in good standing.
- Minimum five (5) years of experience providing municipal or related legal services for a city, county, or similar government or organization required.
- Litigation experience preferred but not required.
- Previous experience as a City Attorney or Assistant City Attorney in Wisconsin is beneficial but not required.
- Direct counsel experience with tax incremental financing and development agreement negotiating and drafting is strongly preferred.
- Strong communication, independent judgment, and municipal law expertise are required.
Duties include: View full Job Description
- Provide legal counsel and written opinions to the Mayor, Common Council, Department Heads, and Committees on municipal operations, including compliance with ordinances, statutes, case law, and regulations.
- Draft legal documents, including resolutions, ordinances, contracts, and litigation materials.
- Represents the City in administrative proceedings, including prosecution and defense.
- Evaluates and negotiates third-party claims against the City.
- Administers labor and employment legal matters and enforces health and safety codes.
- Provides legal representation in mediation, arbitration, and court proceedings.
- Offers training on legislation and recommends policy changes for legal compliance.
- Coordinates risk management activities with the Director of Administration.
- Attends meetings to advise on legal implications and responds to stakeholder inquiries.
Normal hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Full-time position includes regular night meetings:
- Common Council (1st & 3rd Tuesdays)
- Plan Commission (1st & 3rd Thursdays)
- Committee of the Whole (infrequent, typically 1st Mondays)
- Board of Review (seasonal)
This is an exempt position, so scheduling is flexible to accommodate attendance at evening meetings.
Salary Range: $115,000–$137,657, depending on qualifications.
Benefits include: WI Retirement System pension plan, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as generous paid time off, including vacation, personal days, holidays, and sick leave.
Resumes will be accepted until the position is filled, and may be emailed to Dana Zahn, Human Resources Manager.