MUNICIPAL PROSECUTION ATTORNEY

About the role

The City of Houston Legal Department seeks an energetic, motivated, and focused entry-level attorney to prosecute Class C misdemeanor cases in the City of Houston Municipal Courts.

Responsibilities

• Performing citizen intake and direct filing of charges
• Researching and analyzing ordinances, statutes, case law, administrative opinions, rules of procedure and evidence and drafting legal memoranda
• Interacting extensively with the public, defense attorneys, judges, court personnel, police officers and inspectors
• Conducting, reviewing, and preparing discovery
• Representing the City of Houston and State of Texas in civil and administrative proceedings such as dangerous dog, animal cruelty and tow hearings
• Researching, analyzing, and drafting criminal complaints
• Performing legal research and preparing formal and informal legal opinions regarding criminal and municipal law
• Counseling the city's departments about city ordinances and state statutes
• Assisting the City Attorney and others with special projects such as drafting City Attorney Legal Opinions and City Ordinances
• Must be able to work flexible schedules including days, nights, and some weekends

Requirements

• Requires a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an American Bar Association accredited law school
• For Assistant City Attorney I: No experience required
• For Senior Assistant City Attorney III: Minimum of 18 years of experience practicing law
• License to practice law in Texas must be kept current as a condition of employment

Qualifications

• Minimum education: Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an American Bar Association accredited law school
• License to practice law in Texas must be kept current as a condition of employment
• License for Assistant City Attorney I: Must, or within 6 months of the first day of employment with the City of Houston, become an active member in good standing of the Texas State Bar and be eligible for admission to Federal court

Skills

• Familiarity with municipal or public law
• Experience in a trial-based law school clinic
• Experience in mock trial, trial advocacy, or moot court in law school
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent analytical skills
• Excellent research capabilities
• Above average academic achievement
• Practical experience with recent developments in Texas criminal statutes
• Proficiency with Office 365 Suite, including Word, Outlook, Excel, TEAMS, One Drive, Share Point, as well as Westlaw Edge and the use of other technology in the contemporary practice of law

Pay

Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate’s qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification. Pay Grade: Varies

Schedule

Must be able to work flexible schedules including days, nights, and some weekends

Benefits

No specific benefits mentioned

Pay

No specific pay details provided

Benefits

No specific benefits mentioned

Application

Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during posting opening and closing dates shown. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov . To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call (832) 393-0350. Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process. All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information.

General Information

All applicants will be expected to provide a writing sample, transcripts, and letter(s) of recommendation. All applicants must upload a current resume in addition to completing the application.

Safety Impact Position

No

Selection / Skills Tests Required

All applicants will be expected to provide a writing sample, transcripts, and letter(s) of recommendation. All applicants must upload a current resume in addition to completing the application.

General Information

All applicants will be expected to provide a writing sample, transcripts, and letter(s) of recommendation. All applicants must upload a current resume in addition to completing the application.

EEO Statement

The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.