Description

Advises City staff and elected and appointed City Officials in all areas of municipal law. Assists Department Heads to see that all laws and ordinances are faithfully performed. Negotiates, drafts, and reviews contracts, real estate documents, agreements. Drafts legislation, code provisions, regulations, ordinance, amendments, resolutions, and guidelines or policies. Researches and interprets relevant laws, rulings, and regulations for City Officials and staff. Drafts pleadings, motions and settlement agreements for matters in litigation. Represents the City before the Civil Service Commission and in arbitration. Represents the City in employee suspension appeals. Attends public meetings of City Council, boards and commissions and advises and addresses members in executive sessions or public forums. Prosecutes on behalf of and defends the City legal proceedings and advocates for the City in a wide variety of settings, including negotiations, dispute resolutions, mediations, trial, hearings, and administrative process. Timely and appropriately responds to inquiries from the general public and media about public information and municipal regulations and procedures. Handles recoveries and collection of debts and fees owed the City. Follows matters threatening health, safety, and welfare of citizens and local neighborhoods, drafts ordinances to address such concerns, and prosecutes in municipal court for related violations. Represents the City in courts and administrative hearings if necessary, including preparation of legal briefs, development of strategy, arguments and testimony for pretrial, trial, and appellate matters and/or hearings (claims, lawsuits, mediations, arbitrations, settlements, expunctions, etc.) and legal counsel for proceedings before various other agencies or boards including TCEQ, EPA, FCC, Civil Service, Building and Standards, Planning and Human Resources (employee discipline & appeals, etc.). Supports preparations of emergency disaster plans procedures and forms, attends planning meetings, and may be called to serve in the emergency operations center in a state of emergency. Communicates official plans, policies and procedures to City staff. Compiles data, statistics or other information related to legal work done. Must have and maintain, without interruption, all necessary licenses, certifications, clearances, and/or job requirements. Works the assigned schedule and complies with City timekeeping and attendance policy. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

J.D. Degree from an accredited school of law. Must have 5-8 years of experience. Valid Class 'C' Texas Driver's License. Member in good standing of the State Bar of Texas. PREFERRED: Experience relevant to the needs of the Office of the City Attorney.