About the Morales Administration
The Morales Administration is working to build A Providence for All—a city government that delivers effective, accessible, and responsive services to every resident. Its priorities include making Providence a city where families can afford to live and feel safe. They also include supporting public schools and young people, taking a community-centered approach to public safety grounded in prevention, compassion, and accountability, and keeping public spaces open to everyone. We are building a city government that listens to neighbors, shows up in every neighborhood, and works openly with the residents it serves. Every city employee contributes to this mission. We welcome people committed to public service, treating others with dignity and respect, and helping make our city work better for everyone.
About the Office
The mission of the City Solicitor's Office is to provide a collaborative legal environment that is accessible, visible, well respected, efficient and innovative, and that protects and advances the interests of the City of Providence. The Law Department advises the Mayor's Office, the City Council, boards and commissions, and City departments on legal issues related to their work for the City. The Morales Administration is working to build a city government that is open, accountable, and committed to every neighbor, and it relies on sound, timely legal counsel to do so.
About the Role
Pursuant to Article VI, Section 603 of the Providence Home Rule Charter, the City Solicitor is appointed by the Mayor, subject to City Council approval, and serves as the head of the Department of Law and chief legal advisor to the City, its departments, boards, commissions, and officials. Reporting to the Mayor of Providence, the City Solicitor ensures that the City's legal interests are represented in accordance with applicable laws, the Home Rule Charter, and professional standards governing the practice of law.
The City Solicitor performs highly responsible management functions of a complex and technical nature requiring the exercise of significant judgment and initiative to ensure that all municipal actions conform to law and professional standards. The Solicitor works independently within established policies and procedures, assumes direct accountability for Law Department results, and provides supervision to attorneys and support staff.
This role will help advance the administration's priorities, including:
- Provide sound, timely legal counsel that helps the City pursue its priorities lawfully and effectively
- Lead affirmative litigation on behalf of Providence residents, holding landlords, polluters, and corporations accountable when they violate the law.
- Provide legal guidance on City policies that protect immigrant neighbors and help ensure all residents can access City services without fear.
- Support transparency, oversight, and accountability in public safety, including legal review of the City's technology contracts and data privacy practices.
- Work collaboratively with the City Council, labor and civic organizations, and state partners on the City's legislative and policy initiatives.
- Keep the Law Department accessible, responsive, and efficient so every City department can deliver effective services to residents.
This description outlines the general nature and principal responsibilities of the position and is not intended to be exhaustive. Duties and assignments may evolve consistent with applicable laws, the Providence Home Rule Charter, City ordinances, personnel regulations, collective bargaining agreements, and the lawful direction of the Mayor.
Core responsibilities include:
- Serve as chief legal advisor of and attorney for the City and all departments, boards, commissions, bureaus, and officers in matters relating to their official powers and duties.
- Appoint a deputy and such number of assistant city solicitors as may be authorized by the City Council.
- Staff, or delegate staff responsibility for, all meetings of the Providence City Council.
- Assist in the development of all municipal legislative and policy initiatives.
- Collect, prepare, and present legal papers and reports.
- Prepare annual budget submissions.
- Draft executive orders, rules, and regulations for the Mayor or for any agency of the City.
- Confer with and advise municipal officials on legal matters; establish and maintain effective, collaborative working relationships with the City Council, civic and labor organizations, the Rhode Island General Assembly, and the Governor's Office.
- Serve as, or designate responsibility for, lead negotiator on behalf of the City.
- Coordinate with the Department of People and Culture on labor negotiations and related employment matters.
- Serve as the municipal representative to relevant boards and committees on a local and statewide basis, providing input and soliciting information and feedback regarding the operation of the Law Department.
- Identify, develop, and pursue affirmative litigation and enforcement actions that protect residents, in coordination with the Mayor and City Council.
- Apply, when instructed by the Mayor or the City Council, in the name of the City to a court of competent jurisdiction for an injunction to restrain misapplication of the funds of the City or the abuse of its corporate powers or the execution or performance of any contract which was made on behalf of the City in contravention of law or which was procured by fraud or corruption.
- Apply, when instructed by the Mayor or the City Council, or upon the Solicitor's own initiative, for suitable process to stop any activity prohibited by the Home Rule Charter, or to compel the performance of any officer or employee of the City who fails to perform any duty, discharge any responsibility, or make any disclosure required by the terms of the Charter or by law.
- Lead and manage the Department's attorneys and staff, and administer the office functions of the Law Department.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school, or equivalent legal education satisfying Rhode Island's attorney admission requirements.
- Must be an attorney authorized to practice law in Rhode Island, in good standing, a member of the Rhode Island Bar Association, and have practiced law in the State of Rhode Island for at least five (5) years, as required by Article VI, Section 603 of the Providence Home Rule Charter.
- The City Solicitor shall maintain all required professional credentials and comply with the restrictions on private legal practice and outside compensation established under Section 603(a) of the Providence Home Rule Charter.
- Demonstrated experience leading a legal team and managing an active litigation docket.
- Knowledge of and ability to use office equipment, computers, and appropriate software.
- Excellent oral and written communications skills.
- Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of municipal law
- Thorough knowledge of governmental structure and operations.
- Ability to work closely with the Mayor and Mayor's Office leadership to turn policy goals into effective legal strategies.
- Ability to develop and maintain satisfactory relationships with City and State officials, civic and labor organizations; skills to exercise considerable judgment, innovation, and discretion in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships across all levels of the municipality and with external groups.
- Ability to interact and present information in a clear and concise manner.
- Ability to safeguard confidential information including pending lawsuits, bid proposals, employee personnel records, collective bargaining, and sensitive financial information.
- Ability to develop comprehensive reports and proposals; ability to conduct independent legal research and to analyze and interpret results; and, ability to plan, organize, and manage multiple projects.
- Must be able to perform all essential functions of the job.
Reports to: Mayor of Providence
Employment Status:Full-Time
Labor Status: Non-Union
FLSA Status:Exempt - Professional
Rate of Pay:A30 – A33, $149,746 - $197,994
Benefits: Please see description of benefits here: https://www.providenceri.gov/hr/hr-benefits-active-ee/
Equal Opportunity in Employment: The Morales Administration is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. Even if you do not meet all of the requirements listed above, we encourage you to apply if you believe you have the skills, experience, and expertise to thrive in this role. The City of Providence is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage candidates of all backgrounds.