Les Merkley
Jeffersonville,IN
Summary
Legal professional equipped with comprehensive experience in corporate law and governance. Proven track record in handling complex legal matters, ensuring compliance, and providing strategic counsel. Known for fostering team collaboration and achieving impactful results, adaptable to dynamic legal landscapes.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Corporation Counsel and Director of Legal Affairs
City of Jeffersonville, Indiana
Jeffersonville, Indiana
04.2013 - Current
- Supervise and manage legal department consisting of a full-time paralegal and four part-time attorneys
- Coordinate all civil litigation in state and federal court including appeals
- Collaborate with Mayor and other officials in the daily implementation of public policy to promote the administration’s vision for the City
- Partner with Human Resources to ensure compliance with state and federal employment laws, including FMLA, OSHA, and other related policies.
- Facilitate the annual budget process by providing strategic support to the finance department and the Controller to ensure compliance with State Board of Accounts and Department of Local Government and Finance guidelines
- Develop employee policy and procedure manual to reflect best practices and legal updates
- Design and implement procurement policy that adheres to state and federal law
- Counseled the Planning Department on the preparation and implementation of the new zoning and development code and the City’s land-use comprehensive plan
- Involved in all legal aspects of public works projects, including the bidding process
- Negotiated consent decree with the U.S. Department of Justice to comply with Clean Water Act
- Provide on-going risk analysis and assessment to Mayor and 14 different city departments
- Draft ordinances and resolutions for City Council and other boards and commissions
- Represent the City in both state and federal court
- Prosecute local ordinance violations
- Advise Mayor, City Council, various boards and city departments on potential risks and liability
- Conduct internal investigations to assist Human Resources in managing employee disciplinary actions while upholding workplace standards
- Draft and review all agreements and contracts in compliance of law and internal controls
- Prepare extensive real estate documents and commercial development agreements between City and private entities for commercial development
- Advance economic development projects by leveraging Indiana’s existing laws to provide tax and other incentives, fostering the growth of established businesses and attracting new enterprises to the region.
- Serve as local bond counsel on complex public financing of public improvements and public-private partnerships
Senior Associate
Waters Tyler Hoffman & Scott
New Albany, Indiana
07.2008 - 12.2011
Attorney/Owner
Merkley Law Office
Jeffersonville, Indiana
06.1997 - 06.2008
Deputy Public Defender
Clark County, Indiana
Clark County, Indiana
01.2001 - 12.2004
Education
Doctor of Jurisprudence -
Cooley Law School
Lansing, Michigan05.1997
Bachelor of Arts - undefined
Indiana University
New Albany, Indiana05.1991
Skills
- Legal Advice
- Document Drafting
- Contract Drafting/Negotiation
- Contract Law
- Municipal Law
- Labor/Employment Law
- Real Estate Law
- Civil Litigation
- Internal investigations
- Real estate transactions
- Legal research
- Legal writing
Websites
Affiliations
- American Bar Association
- Indiana State Bar Association
- Clark County Bar Association
- Indiana Municipal Lawyers Association
- Sherman Minton Inns of Court (Past)
ADMISSIONS
- State of Indiana (Bar # 19851-10)
- U.S. District Court (Southern and Northern Districts of Indiana)
BOARDS
- Jeffersonville High School Boys’ Soccer Boosters (President)
- Indiana University SE Alumni (Past)
- Clark County Family Health Center (Past)
- Jeffersonville City Councilperson (Past)
Timeline
Corporation Counsel and Director of Legal Affairs
City of Jeffersonville, Indiana
04.2013 - Current
Senior Associate
Waters Tyler Hoffman & Scott
07.2008 - 12.2011
Deputy Public Defender
Clark County, Indiana
01.2001 - 12.2004
Attorney/Owner
Merkley Law Office
06.1997 - 06.2008
Bachelor of Arts - undefined
Indiana University
Doctor of Jurisprudence -
Cooley Law School