Description:

Welcome to the City of Dallas!
  • The City of Dallas is one of the largest employers in the DFW Metroplex.
  • We offer growth opportunities and a chance to make a difference in our community.

What do we offer?
  • A competitive salary, five-year vested pension plan, great benefits package that includes health, vision and dental insurance, pet insurance, tuition reimbursement, qualifying childcare assistance, paid time off and more.
  • Join our diverse workforce and help us in providing excellent service to the residents of Dallas while building a rewarding career.

Job Summary:
This is the entry level attorney position which uses well established legal procedures and precedents to perform a variety of professional legal functions. This position works under supervision to perform legal work requiring specialization in trial, prosecution, criminal law, or other types of legal work. Work is reviewed by higher level attorneys.

Job Description:
Overview:
The Assistant City Attorney I is the entry level attorney position which uses well established legal procedures and precedents to perform a variety of professional legal functions. Performs legal work requiring specialization in trial, prosecution, criminal law, or other types of legal work under supervision.

Essential Functions:
  • Prepares and presents cases in municipal court involving violations such as traffic, zoning, and comparable code violations; interviews police officers, inspectors, city employees, or other witnesses in cases involving the City of Dallas; discusses case strategies, progress, issues, and relevant law with superiors.
  • Assists and supports attorneys of higher rank in preparing cases for trial; performs trial work involving civil or criminal cases; searches for, interprets, and applies laws, court decisions, and other legal authorities on points of law in the preparation of opinions.
  • Negotiates and drafts contracts in order to procure goods and services for the City of Dallas; prepares contracts for construction, engineering, real estate development, ground leases, concessions, franchises, high technology, housing and economic development incentive agreements, and grant agreements
  • Prepares legal opinions, memoranda and data for the guidance of the departments in the city and represents departments in court proceedings; reviews and responds to open record requests as needed.
  • Attends meetings with departmental officials and employees to advise on legal questions and impact of city decisions, policies, proposed actions, and procedures which should be followed; provides education on codes and related regulations.
  • Studies state, federal and general municipal law for information and precedents bearing on city legal issues and works with superiors to resolve issues involving the City of Dallas; assists in real estate related research and lien processing.
  • Performs any and all other work as needed or assigned.

Knowledge and Skills:
  • Knowledge of the principles of civil and criminal law, city ordinances, state laws, established precedents and sources of legal reference.
  • Knowledge of court procedures and rules of evidence.
  • Knowledge of the principles, methods, materials, practices and reference utilized in legal research.
  • Ability to analyze, appraise, and organize facts, evidence and precedents relevant in assigned cases.
  • Knowledge of correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
  • Communicating effectively orally and in writing.
  • Knowledge of customer service and related skills.
  • Ability to use office machines and computer software.
  • Ability to perform under pressure.
  • Ability to prepare routine correspondence and communication.
  • Establishing and maintaining strong and effective relationships.

Experience:
No experience required

Licenses and Certifications:
Texas Bar License

Education:
Juris Doctorate Degree "Law Degree"