SENIOR ASSISTANT CITY SOLICITOR/LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT ATTORNEY (UNCLASSIFIED)
Salary
$91,090.34 - $177,824.86 Annually
Location
Centennial II, Human Resources Department, 805 Central Avenue, Suite 200, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202, OH
Job Type
Full-time Unclassified
Job Number
26-00167 (U)
Department
Law
Opening Date
08/04/2026
Closing Date
8/26/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
General Statement of Duties
The City of Cincinnati Solicitor's Office is seeking an experienced labor and employment (L&E) attorney to join the Labor & Employment Division. The Labor & Employment Division is responsible for managing the City's defense-oriented litigation and assessing legal issues and providing solution-oriented guidance regarding potential City liability in multiple contexts. The Labor and Employment attorney will be responsible for providing legal advice and representation related to L&E matters, including all aspects of litigation, arbitration, administrative advocacy, collective bargaining, appellate matters, and compliance with labor contracts and applicable state and federal law. The successful candidate will act as a resource and liaison for City of Cincinnati leadership, the Department of Human Resources, and departmental HR liaisons, and will manage special projects and assist other attorneys in the office as assigned.
The L&E attorney will provide and review written opinions and documents, legal research and analysis, and internal and external communications. The successful candidate will work with the City of Cincinnati administration to review policies and practices impacting L&E matters in the City's multiple departments and agencies, helping the City to consistently provide a positive and constructive work environment for over 6,000 City of Cincinnati employees. The L&E attorney will review new and proposed legislation impacting the City of Cincinnati workforce and the City's operations and provide related legal guidance to leadership in the Solicitor's Office and the City Administration.
The ideal candidate will have at least five years of L&E legal experience, preferably with a public employer or similar corporate entity. The ideal candidate will have substantive experience regarding compliance with relevant employment laws, including Title VII, ADA, FMLA, FLSA, EEO, and civil service law. Candidates must possess excellent communication skills, advanced legal analysis, and innovative decision-making skills, and must demonstrate sound judgment and discretion and be able to work independently in performing assigned responsibilities. Excellent drafting, research, communication, project management, and interpersonal skills are required. Successful candidates will have a demonstrated commitment to public service.
Candidates must be currently licensed to practice law in Ohio. The City of Cincinnati is an equal opportunity employer. The salary for the position will be competitive commensurate with experience and skill set.
Work Location:
City Solicitor's Office
801 Plum Street, Room 214
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
Minimum Qualifications (KSAs)
Knowledge of:
Modern and complex principles and practices of public law. Basic methods of public administration.
Legal principles, practices, and procedures of civil, constitutional, and administrative law.
Knowledge of public sector law, including familiarity with federal and state L&E laws and regulations.
Experience with collective bargaining laws, contract negotiation, and compliance requirements.
Methods and techniques of effective legal research.
Organization, duties, powers, limitations, and authority of City government.
Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations and their past applications. Awarenessoftheorganization,duties,powers,authority,policies,andproceduresofboththeCity Solicitors office in general and the Litigation Division.
Advanced legal writing skills.
Ethical standards as applied to the City Solicitor's Office and all public employees in Ohio.
Ability to:
Work collaboratively and congenially within the office and with a diverse constituency.
Prepare clear, concise, and effective legal position papers and opinions.
Negotiate, draft, review, and execute agreements, including MOUs, settlement agreements, or other documents related to L&E matters.
Organize, interpret, and apply legal principles and knowledge of complex legal problems.
Provide concise and well-reasoned recommendations on legal issues and questions from internal clients in situations in which laws, regulations, and legal precedent may be unclear.
Communicate substantive legal issues to non-lawyers in a concise and effective manner, in written and verbal contexts.
Manage case preparation and presentation of City cases in court.
Practice effective time management.
Establish and maintain effective, collaborative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Research legal issues through various computer programs and applications.
Stay engaged in continued professional development through appropriate internal and external trainings.
Interact with elected officials, City administration, community stakeholders, and the general public.
Required Education and Experience
Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited academic institution.
Currently licensed to practice law in the State of Ohio.
Desirable qualifications:
Experience working within or closely with a governmental organization or other complex organization.
Please attach your resume and letter of interest to your application.
MILITARY EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE EVALUATION
Military education and experience may be substituted for college level course work at the lower and upper division baccalaureate and graduate levels and apprenticeship training at the vocational certificate level on a case by case basis based on the American Council on Education (ACE) Military Guide recommendations.
Working and Physical Conditions
Specific:
Investigate L&E claims against the City and potential municipal liability in multiple contexts; respond to L&E claims in defense of the municipal corporation and its officers and employees in court or other tribunals; interact regularly with City decision makers, elected officials, and community stakeholders to implement strategic initiatives; draft complex legal opinions and provide timely guidance to City clients.
General:
Collaborate with and support attorneys and staff within the division.
Research legal questions and evaluate the impact on City policies and procedures.
Provide legal guidance and written legal opinions to City departments and other City clients.
Appear in court and administrative proceedings to represent the Citys interests as required.
Coordinate office activities with those of other departments, outside agencies, and organizations; provide necessary assistance to the City Solicitor; prepare and present reports and other office correspondence.
Review legal publications to keep abreast of current legal issues and cases; attend seminars to keep abreast of new laws.
Prepare various legal memoranda and correspondence.
Respond to citizen inquiries as assigned.
Represent the City Solicitor's Office at a variety of City boards and commissions; attend and participate in professional groups andcommittees including private mediation programs.
Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
Environmental Conditions: Work in an office setting plus occasional remote work; driving to court hearings or other off-site meetings; exposure to computer screens; need to work closely with others.
Physical Conditions: Duties require maintaining physical condition necessary for standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time.
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Applications for City positions are considered public records under Ohio's Public Records Act. As a public record, applications maintained by the City shall be made available to any person requesting to view them.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Reasonable accommodation for qualified people with disabilities. To help us achieve the City's goal to recruit qualified persons with disabilities, please self-identify at the time of application and at employment interviews. Help the City help you!
All offers extended to candidates are contingent upon successful completion of a physical evaluation/drug screen and background check. An applicant with a positive drug test result may not be considered for any position with the City of
Cincinnati for a period of one year. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position. An individual assessment of an applicants prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.
Our on-line application system is provided by NeoGov. If you have problems while applying online, please contact the Help Desk between 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM Pacific Time Monday - Friday at 1-855-524-5627.
For inquiries, please contact Lisa Kunz, Chief of Staff, Law Department, Room 214, City Hall, 801 Plum Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202, Lisa.Kunz@cincinnati-oh.gov
The below information is solely intended as a summary of the benefits available and is subject to change. Not all benefits listed are available for every position. Benefits can vary depending on applicable labor agreements and/or salary plan. For specific questions, contact the HR Contact indicated on the Job Posting.
The City of Cincinnati offers its employees competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefit package designed to actively attract and retain quality employees to add additional value to the City of Cincinnatis workforce. A summary of these benefits for full-time employment is listed below. This is a general listing of benefits for all employees and is not intended to be a comprehensive listing for all bargaining units.
The City offers a variety of training programs, ranging from job-specific skills such as computer and equipment instruction, to helping supervisors improve their management techniques.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The City of Cincinnati is dedicated to providing equal employment without regard to race, gender, age, color, religion, disability status, marital status, sexual orientation or transgendered status, or ethnic, national or Appalachian origin, or on the basis of any other category protected under federal, state and local laws.
Holidays
The City of Cincinnati has 11 paid holidays annually that include:
New Years Day
Martin Luther King Day
Presidents Day
Memorial Day
Juneteenth
Independence Day
Labor Day
Veterans Day
Thanksgiving Day
Day after Thanksgiving
Christmas
Health Insurance
The City of Cincinnati 80/20 offers 3 medical plans to all full time City of Cincinnati employees and eligible dependents: the 80/20 PPO medical plan, the HDHP medical plan with an HSA contribution, and a Health Reimbursement Arrangement for those enrolled on another non-city eligible group plan.
Eligible dependents include:
Legal Spouse or Equal Partner
Child (natural child, adopted child, and/or child who the group has determined is covered under a "Qualified Medical Child Support Order")
Step-child
Child for whom the employee or employees spouse/equal partner is a legal guardian
Basic Life Insurance
A $50,000 Basic Life Insurance policy is paid for by the City for certain eligible employees. Full time employees not eligible for the City-paid basic life insurance policy are generally provided a similar benefit through their union group.
Supplemental Life, Long Term Disability, Accident & Critical Illness Insurance
Most full time City employees are eligible to participate in a supplemental life insurance program, a long term disability plan, and accident and critical illness insurance programs at their own expense. Premiums are determined by age, amount of coverage, and various additional factors.
Flexible Benefits Plans
Healthcare Flex Spending Account
City employees can participate in the Healthcare Flex Spending Account that can be used to pay out-of-pocket medical, prescription, dental, and vision care expenses for employees and family members.
Dependent Care Flex Spending Account
City employees can participate in a Dependent Care Flex Spending Account that can be used to pay work-related dependent care expenses. Participants can set aside money each year through pre-tax payroll deductions to pay for these expenses.
Transportation Expense Reimbursement Account
City employees can participate in a Transportation Expense Reimbursement Account (TERA) that can be used to reimburse expenses related to traveling to and from work. Participants can set-up a pre-tax payroll deduction up to an IRS regulated amount.
Healthy Lifestyles Program
City employees can voluntarily participate in a wellness incentive program that encourages and rewards employees and their spouses/equal partners for making positive choices for better health. The City of Cincinnati will contribute up to $300/year to a Health Reimbursement Account for each the employee and their spouse/equal partner for meeting specified program goals. These dollars can be used to offset qualified out-of-pocket medical expenses.
Integrated Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)
This is a voluntary program that serves as an alternative healthcare option to traditional medical plans. If you have alternate group health coverage available to you through a spouse, equal partner, another job, or a non-city retirement plan, you may be eligible for this plan which reimburses you for the difference in premiums between the plans and your covered out of pocket expenses on the other plan.
Retirement Plan
The City provides a defined benefit pension plan for part-time and full-time employees. New hires and re-hired employees are required to participate in the City of Cincinnatis Retirement System (CRS), regardless of previous participation in an Ohio State pension system or any another state or federal pension system. CRS is funded by employer and employee contributions, and investment returns from plan assets. CRS provides retirement and health care benefits subject to eligibility requirements. The following groups are excluded from participation in CRS: Mayor and Members of City Council; Sworn Police & Fire; Police Recruits; and Rehired Ohio Police & Fire Retirees.
Deferred Compensation
As an Ohio government employer, the City offers employees the ability to participate in a 457(b) tax-deferred retirement savings plan. The City makes an annual match to your 457(b) of up to $750, or as otherwise specified in applicable regulations and union contracts.
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By completing this supplemental evaluation you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate. Any information you provide may be reviewed by the Human Resources staff and hiring department(s). Any misstatements or falsification of information may eliminate you from consideration or may result in dismissal. "See resume" is not an acceptable answer to the questions. The Human Resources staff will verify that you meet the minimum qualifications as outlined in the job posting, based on the information provided in your application and in these answers. Please indicate you have read and agree with this information.
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Do you possess a license to practice law in Ohio?
03
Do you understand notifications regarding this position will be sent via email, therefore, it is your responsibility to check your personal email, Government Jobs mailbox, SPAM, JUNK, and CLUTTER FOLDERS for any and all communication sent regarding this position ?
04
Please check the box below to indicate you understand your resume and letter of interest must be attached to your application.
05
I understand I am responsible for maintaining the accuracy of my contact information, including my street address, email address, and telephone numbers. My failure to maintain accurate contact information may result in me not receiving information regarding this job announcement and/or may result in me not receiving further consideration for this employment opportunity. To update this information, visit www.governmentjobs.com, click on the "career seekers" link, and follow the prompts. For technical difficulties, contact NEOGOV support at 855-524-5627.
Required Question
Employer City of Cincinnati
Address 805 Central Avenue Suite 200
Cincinnati, Ohio, 45202
Phone 513-352-2400
Website http://agency.governmentjobs.com/cincinnati/default.cfm
| Location | Cincinnati, OH |
| Salary | $91,090.34–$177,824.86 Per Year |