Description
GENERAL PURPOSE
Performs a variety of complex, high level administrative, technical, and professional work, conducts civil lawsuits, prepares, and reviews legal documents, advises city officials as to legal rights, obligations, practices, and other phases of applicable local, state, and federal law.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Has no direct supervisory responsibility.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
CORE COMPETENCIES:
Serves as primary legal counsel for various city departments. Gathers, interprets, and prepares data for studies, reports and recommendations; coordinates activities with other departments and agencies as needed.
Makes presentations to councils, boards, commissions, civic groups and the general public.
Communicates official plans, policies and procedures to staff and the general public.
Issues written and oral instructions and opinions.
Prepares a variety of studies, reports and related information for decision-making purposes.
Primary legal counsel to various city boards and commissions; advises commissioners of relevant legal trends; issues legal opinions; must attend all assigned committee meetings.
Drafts ordinances, resolutions, contracts, agreements, deeds, leases, franchises, etc.; reviews documents prepared by other agencies or parties.
Advises department and division heads of changes to state or Federal laws.
Conducts research, interviews clients, and witnesses and handles other details in preparation for trial.
Prepares legal briefs, develops strategy, arguments and testimony in preparation for presentation of case.
Files briefs with court.
Interprets laws, rulings, and regulations for city officials and staff.
Conducts training addressing liability and risk management issues.
Confers with colleagues with specialty in area of law to establish and verify basis for legal proceedings; serves as a liaison between outside legal counsel and city officials on specialized legal issues.
Advises other city departments and divisions as needed.
Required minimum qualifications
Education and Experience:
1. Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree in law; and
2. One (1) year of experience as a practicing attorney.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
1. Considerable knowledge of state statutes relating to municipal affairs; considerable knowledge of laws relating to the purchase of goods and services, contracting, labor, employment, land use, zoning, subdivisions, environment and traffic; working knowledge of modern policies and practices of municipal law and public administration.
2. Skill in preparing briefs and other legal documents; skill in operating the listed tools and equipment.
3. Ability to prepare and analyze comprehensive legal documents; ability to carry out assigned projects to their completion; ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, city officials, the court system, and the general public; ability to efficiently and effectively administer a municipal legal department.
4. Maintains regular and punctual attendance.
Special Requirements
A license to practice law in the state; member in good standing of the State Bar Association, valid Texas State Driver's License within 60 days from the date of hire.
Tools and Equipment Used
Requires frequent use of personal computer, including word processing, spreadsheet programs and internet use including computer legal research systems, calculator, telephone, copy machine, recorder, motor vehicle, and fax machine.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet.
Selection Guidelines
Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests may be required.
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
