Description

Assistant City Attorney III

Purpose: 

Under the direction of the City Attorney, this position provides legal services to and on behalf of the City.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities: 

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Legal Advice: With minimal or no supervision, provides legal advice to senior and executive management, and to elected officials, on primarily complex issues that may have high political or financial impact. May assist other attorneys on more complex assignments.

• Legal Research: With minimal or no supervision, performs research on complex legal issues with moderate political or financial impact. May assist other attorneys on more complex assignments.

• Legal Writing: With minimal or no supervision, prepares legal documents for senior managers on routine or moderately complex matters. May assist other attorneys on more complex assignments.

• Legal Advocacy: With minimal or no supervision, acts as a lead or supporting representative of the City in internal and external legal matters that have significant political/ financial impact. May assist other attorneys on more complex assignments.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised: 

• Supervision: None

• Leadership: Provides some mentoring and training to lower-level attorneys on legal issues and legal skills.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of substantive laws applicable to Texas local governments.

• Knowledge of the City of Austin Charter, Code, and administrative policies and procedures.

• Knowledge of relevant court procedures and rules of evidence.

• Ability to communicate and present analysis and information both orally and in writing in a clear and effective manner.

• Ability to conduct thorough and accurate legal and factual research relevant to the job assignment.

• Ability to analyze and problem solve in a timely fashion on legal issues relevant to the job assignment.

• Proficiency in use of Departmental computer systems and technology.

• Effective law office organizational skills.

• Ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks, schedule interruptions, and shifting time deadlines.

• Ability to conform to Departmental administrative procedures and requirements.

• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Graduation from an American Bar Association accredited school of law.

• Current active membership in good standing of the State Bar of Texas.

• Seven (7) full years of active practice as a licensed attorney.

Licenses and Certifications Required: 

License to practice law issued by the State Bar of Texas.

Preferred Qualifications

• Provide legal advice of a complex nature, to City Council, City staff, and members of City Boards and Commissions.

• Skill in conducting research on legal problems and preparing opinions and legal documents that are clear and concise.

• Strong interpersonal, communication, analytical, and organizational skills.

• Adept at managing and prioritizing multiple transactions and projects.

• Knowledge of municipal codes and state laws or specialized knowledge of an area of law relevant to municipal practice, especially experience with open government, campaign finance, first amendment issues, or ethics.

Notes to Candidate:

This position requires a cover letter and résumé. Please upload your documents for consideration. 

Work Location:

Austin City Hall

301 W. 2nd Street, Austin 78701

Salary: Commensurate

We are seeking energetic, self-motivated individuals licensed to practice law in Texas and in good standing with the Texas State Bar to fill a full-time transactional position in the City Attorney's Office.

The City Attorney's Office provides a wide range of professional legal services related to municipal government operations. Attorneys directly interface with the client, conduct legal research, prepare legal documents, and attend meetings of the governing body.

Come work for a governmental entity that cares about human rights and is at the forefront of current issues. You can help make a difference in the daily lives of people living in the Austin community.

Professional Growth and Development
Achieve your professional goals. The City Attorney's Office offers opportunities to advance within our Attorney and Paralegal career ladder, as well as a wide variety of learning opportunities.

In addition to helping the City operate at its highest potential, working with the City of Austin offers numerous benefits, including medical coverage, paid leave time, a comprehensive retirement plan, training opportunities, and more.

Click HERE for more information.

Open Government / Ethics and Compliance Division Overview:

The Open Government / Ethics and Compliance division provides legal advice and ethics training to City employees, boards and commissions, and elected officials. 

Intended to serve educational purposes, the division does not conduct investigations nor give advice to members of the public.  Depending on the matter, the Auditor's Office or the Human Resources Department handles investigative and disciplinary action.