PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT ATTORNEY

Section: Real Estate – Legal Department, Office of the City Attorney for the City of Houston (OCA)

Location: 900 Bagby, Houston, TX

About the Role

The Office of the City Attorney provides municipal legal services to the City, its elected and appointed officials, and its employees. Guided by principles of quality, partnership, integrity, dignity, diversity, innovation, and imagination, the OCA comprises approximately 100 attorneys across 10 practice sections handling litigation, transactions, and counseling on matters including economic development, constitutional law, elections, ethics, and municipal governance. This role focuses on planning and development legal matters, particularly in the absence of zoning.

Responsibilities

• Research and advise City departments on planning and development matters, including extraterritorial jurisdiction, annexations, replat applications, property variances, special minimum lot size designations, and general platting and planning issues.
• Serve as counsel to the Planning Commission, Houston Archeological and Historic Commission, Tower Commission, and Houston Airport Board of Adjustment at various meetings.
• Draft and train clients on relevant City policies, procedures, and City Code amendments.
• Assist the City Attorney and others with special projects, such as drafting legal opinions.
• Collaborate with litigation teams on disputes involving City planning and development policies.

Requirements

• Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Active member in good standing of the Texas State Bar; eligible for admission to Federal court.
• Minimum of four years of legal practice experience.
• Basic computer skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office suite.
• License to practice law in Texas must remain current as a condition of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of experience in planning and development practice, preferably within a Texas governmental entity.
• Exceptional drafting, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Above-average academic performance.
• Initiative to identify and resolve legal and business issues.
• Experience working with federal, state, and local agencies.
• Membership in a professional planning and development organization.
• Proficiency with Office 365 and technology in legal practice.
• Willingness to work extended hours as needed.
• Preference for eligible veteran applicants meeting the qualifications.

Working Conditions

This position operates in a standard office environment with no major physical discomforts. Discretion is allowed regarding walking or standing.

Pay

Pay Grade: 27. Salary will be determined based on candidate qualifications and pay rates of other employees in the classification.

Schedule

Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (subject to change).