Assistant City Attorney II

About the role

Under general direction, is responsible for performing legal research, investigating claims, complaints, and lawsuits made against and/or on behalf of the City and prosecuting violators of City ordinances. Also responsible for interacting with and advising departments regarding claims, complaints and lawsuits made against and/or on behalf of the City.

Responsibilities

• Research and draft legal documents including City ordinances, criminal complaints, resolutions, deeds, contracts, etc., for compliance with all applicable laws.
• Research and prepare legal documents in relation to criminal and civil litigation and administrative hearings, including but not limited to discovery, discovery responses, motions, appellate briefs, and all pleadings.
• Attend hearings in state and municipal court and administrative tribunals.
• Review and advise departments on application of law and the personnel policy as to discipline and other employee relations matters.
• Prepare and submit written reports to the City Attorney on proposed legislation, progress reports, legal opinions, current lawsuits and potential lawsuits.
• Conduct legal research regarding the consequences of various municipal government functions and prepare opinions for review by the City Attorney.
• Specialize in contracts, civil service, code enforcement, criminal law, employment relations, or litigation cases, particularly contracts, health/environmental, workers' compensation, tort/claims, and/or civil rights laws.
• Communicate legal options to management level staff in the City.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Juris Doctorate.
• 5+ years of City government (political subdivision) experience.
• Requires a License from the Texas State Bar.

Preferences

• Experience in practicing employment law and/or Civil Service law.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of applicable municipal, State, and Federal laws.
• Knowledge of criminal law principles.
• Knowledge of State and municipal ordinance prosecution principles.
• Knowledge of court methods and procedures.
• Knowledge of legal theory.
• Knowledge of legal terminology.
• Knowledge of parliamentary procedures.
• Knowledge of trial techniques and procedures.
• Knowledge of rules of evidence.
• Skilled in preparing written opinions.
• Skilled in writing briefs.
• Skilled in strategically applying legal rules in court.
• Skilled in prosecuting cases in courts.
• Skilled in writing legal documents.
• Skilled in preparing depositions.
• Skilled in analyzing legal documents and instruments.
• Skilled in maintaining sensitive and confidential information.
• Skilled in prioritizing, organizing, and managing multiple projects.
• Skilled in operating a computer and related software applications.
• Skilled in communicating effectively with a variety of individuals.

Working Conditions

Frequent reaching, sitting, talking, seeing, hearing, and manual dexterity. Occasional lifting and carrying up to 10 pounds. Work is typically performed in a standard office environment. Occasional exposure to criminal suspects and prison inmates.

Conditions of Employment

• Must pass pre-employment drug test.
• Must pass criminal history check.
• Must pass motor vehicle records check.