Assistant Corporation Counsel Jobs

• Position Type:
  Professionals/Attorney
  
• Date Posted:
  9/16/2026
  
• Location:
  Town Hall
  
• Date Available:
  TBD
  
• Closing Date:
  10/09/2026

The Town of West Hartford

Announces an Open Competitive Examination

For the Position of

ASSISTANT CORPORATION COUNSEL

(unclassified, non-union position)

APPLICATIONS WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED ELECTRONICALLY

Application Deadline: Salary Range:

October 9, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. $135,000 to $155,000

Job Purpose:

Under administrative direction of the Deputy Corporation Counsel, provides professional legal assistance to the Town Council, Town Manager, and municipal departments, boards, commissions and agencies on matters affecting the interests of West Hartford. Researches and prepares advice and opinions for the municipality in matters requiring interpretation of state or federal laws, Town Charter, ordinances, administrative regulations, contracts or other legal instruments.

Essential Job Functions:

Advise the Town Manager and municipal departments with respect to legal matters in a variety of areas including, but not limited to, municipal law, real estate law, land use and zoning matters, labor and employment law, health and building code enforcement, commercial real estate transactions, lease and license agreements, contracts and construction law.

• Provide counsel to the Board of Education regarding employee matters, policy revisions, updates to forms and waivers, and provide legal opinions on matters involving student privacy, public meetings and statutory authority.

• Prepare, draft, review and may negotiate a variety of contracts, including but not limited to, professional services contracts, vendor contracts, construction contracts, and service provider agreements.

• Serve as counsel to the municipality in property transfers, federal and state grant awards and redevelopment and construction projects, including affordable housing projects.

• Perform complex legal research and prepare legal opinions for municipal departments, commissions, boards and the Town Council.

• Assist outside counsel in the preparation of court documents in connection with suits, trials, appeals, and other legal procedures involving the municipality.

• Review and evaluate legal claims and suits against the municipality for settlement purposes.

• Attend settlement and status conferences related to pending litigation and administrative proceedings involving the municipality.

• Serve as counsel to the municipality in administrative proceedings before the Freedom of Information Commission, Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, Department of Public Health and Department of Transportation.

• Prepare and draft ordinances, resolutions, contracts, deeds and other legal documents.

• Advise boards and commissions with respect to the legal requirements for public meetings and public hearings and the legal issues presented by the matters before the boards and commissions.

• Conduct training sessions for municipal boards, commissions and staff.

• Manage assignments for law clerk and administrative staff.

• Provide other related duties as necessary.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of judicial procedures and rules of evidence.

• Knowledge of the principles, methods and practices of legal research.

• Knowledge of state and federal laws and constitutional provisions affecting municipal operations.

• Ability to draft pleadings, briefs, memoranda of law.

• Ability to research complex issues and to render sound opinions.

• Ability to apply judicial decisions to the interpretation of statutes, charter provisions, ordinances, and contract provisions.

• Ability to communicate effectively and persuasively.

• Ability to work with limited supervision and to exercise sound judgment.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with office associates, other employees of the municipality and municipal elected and appointed officials.

Minimum Qualifications:

Graduation from an ABA accredited school of law and admitted to the practice of law in the State of Connecticut; five (5) years' experience as an attorney, preferably in municipal law; or any combination of training and experience deemed equivalent by the Corporation Counsel.

Special Requirements:

Must devote full time to the duties of the office and shall not otherwise engage in the practice of law.

Fringe Benefits:

Health, dental, and vision insurance; life and long-term disability insurance; flexible spending account; deferred compensation plan with 3% employer match; hybrid pension plan; vacation, holiday, and sick paid time off.

Work Environment:

Work is performed primarily in a business office setting with opportunity to work remotely one day per week, subject to approval of the Deputy Corporation Counsel. Works independently with minimum of supervision. Position requires an ability to move throughout town facilities and travel to off-site locations for meetings, hearings, and court appearances. Must be able to work under stress from demanding deadlines and changing priorities and conditions. Manages and coordinates multiple priorities adhering to established time frames and performance standards. Frequent interactions with people who may, at times, be agitated. Attends to tasks/functions for more than sixty (60) minutes at a time. Attendance and participation required at least twice per month at meetings outside the normal business workday.

Method of Selection:

The evaluation of education and professional experience will determine qualified candidates for further consideration. Finalists will be required to submit professional references. Potential employment is contingent upon pre-employment checks.

Application Process:

The application for employment can be accessed from the Town of West Hartford website at Job Openings - Town of West Hartford and select this posting for application instructions. Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter.

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

It is the policy of the Town of West Hartford that discrimination in any way on the basis race, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity/expression, marital status, citizenship, veteran status, military/veteran status, political belief, criminal record, disability or any other protected status in accordance with the requirements and any exceptions under applicable state or federal law toward employees is strictly prohibited and will be not be tolerated.

The above description is intended as illustration of the various types of work that may be performed and are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. It is intended as a guide for personnel actions and must not be taken as a complete itemization of all facets of any job. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

The Town of West Hartford provides reasonable accommodations to persons with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you need an accommodation on the application or testing process, please contact the Human Resources Department at 860-561-7488 or email Alan Horner.

Individuals who do not have access to a computer or need assistance completing an online application may visit the Noah Webster Library or its branches for access and assistance.

CPT September 16, 2026