Description
The Assistant City Attorney provides legal counsel and representation to the City organization to support effective governance, compliance, and decision-making. This position ensures that City operations, policies, and actions adhere to applicable laws and regulations by conducting legal research, preparing legal documents, advising City departments, and representing the City in administrative, regulatory, and judicial matters. The role also supports the City Attorney in complex legal issues and may serve in their place when required.
The following list highlights the main responsibilities of this position. While it covers the core tasks, it may not include every duty that could be assigned. The employee may be asked to take on other responsibilities as needed to support the team and department.
- Provide legal counsel and research-based guidance to City departments, City boards, and commissions.
- Draft contracts, ordinances, policies, real estate documents, and development or economic incentive agreements.
- Participate in negotiations involving City management and external parties.
- Assist and act on behalf of the City Attorney as required, including representation before City Council.
- Represent the City in regulatory matters with state and federal agencies.
- Meet with governmental agencies, private entities, property owners, and other stakeholders regarding legal issues involving the City.
- Prepare and deliver legal opinions, research summaries, and guidance on municipal legal matters.
- Provide direction to legal support staff by assigning and reviewing work tasks.
- Prosecute Class C misdemeanor cases in Municipal Court if the prosecutor is unavailable.
- Perform other legal and advisory duties to support City operations.
Requirements
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
Five years of legal experience as an attorney.
Licensed to practice law by the Supreme Court of Texas.
Valid Texas Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Five or more years of Texas municipal law experience.
Experience drafting or negotiating governmental agreements and municipal documents.
Experience working with boards, commissions, or governmental agencies.
