Department: Administration
Reports to: City Manager
FLSA Status: Exempt
Status: Full-Time
Pay: Depends on qualifications
DESCRIPTIONThe City Attorney serves as the chief legal consultant and advisor for the city and is responsible for providing legal counsel to the city council, manager, boards and commissions, and other employees and staff; directing legal activities; and providing a full range of legal services as needed.
QUALIFICATIONS- Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school.
- Minimum five years of experience in the practice of municipal law, governmental law, or equivalent, including, but not limited to, real estate, construction, employment, land use, procurement, zoning, contracts, civil service, water law, economic development, and litigation.
- Must be a member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES- Thorough knowledge of municipal law, government operations, court procedures, and contract negotiation.
- Thorough knowledge of civil and criminal law principles, pleadings, and litigation practices.
- Knowledge of statutory authority, responsibilities, and legal framework governing home rule municipalities.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and research skills with the ability to manage multiple complex matters simultaneously.
- Ability to draft, review, and negotiate contracts, agreements, settlements, ordinances, resolutions, and other legal documents.
- Ability to interpret legal issues, explain options, and communicate complex legal concepts clearly and effectively.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and respond to legal matters in a timely manner.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees, City departments, consultants, elected officials, regulatory agencies, the media, and the public.
- Ability to prepare legal memoranda, pleadings, briefs, and other legal documents and to represent the City in litigation, administrative proceedings, and related legal matters.
- Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, staff, outside counsel, court personnel, and other stakeholders.
MAJOR DUTIES- Serve as the City's chief legal advisor and provide legal counsel to departments, officials, boards, and commissions on a broad range of municipal and governmental matters.
- Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, agreements, ordinances, resolutions, policies, and other legal instruments supporting City operations and development activities.
- Advise City administration and Council on legal matters, emerging legislation, and issues affecting home rule municipalities.
- Represent and protect the City's interests in litigation, administrative proceedings, hearings, mediations, arbitrations, and other legal matters, including coordination with outside counsel as needed.
- Support municipal court operations, including supervision of court-related legal functions, prosecution of Class C misdemeanors, and coordination with court staff, the judge, and related personnel.
- Assist with public information, records release, and Attorney General proceedings as they relate to legal review and disclosure requirements.
- Provide legal counsel and guidance to city departments on employment, personnel, investigative, regulatory, contractual, operational, and other legal matters.
- Advise departments on employment law, grievance matters, workers' compensation, unemployment, and disciplinary proceedings.
- Attend City Council, board, and commission meetings to provide legal advice and support as needed.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
This position is an essential service position and will require providing services during emergency situations
