Description:
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Job Title: Assistant City Attorney III
Department/Division: Legal
Reports To: City Attorney
Summary: Under general direction, is responsible for performing legal research, drafting legal documents, and investigating claims, complaints, and lawsuits made against and/or on behalf of the City. Also responsible for interacting with and advising departments regarding claims, complaints and lawsuits made against and/or on behalf of the City.
Essential Job Functions:
- Research and draft legal documents including City ordinances, resolutions, deeds, contracts, etc., for compliance with all applicable laws.
- Research and prepare legal documents in relation to civil litigation and administrative hearings, including but not limited to discovery, discovery responses, motions, appellate briefs, and all pleadings.
- Attend hearings in state and federal district court and administrative tribunals.
- Review and advise departments on application of law and the personnel policy as to discipline and other employee relations matters.
- Assist in the investigation of employee disciplines, harassment claims, and sworn internal affairs investigations.
- Prepare and submit written reports to the City Attorney on proposed legislation, progress reports, legal opinions, current lawsuits, and potential lawsuits.
- Conduct initial interviews with claimants and recommend to the City Attorney actions to be taken.
- Conduct legal research regarding the consequences of various municipal government functions and prepare opinions for review by the City Attorney.
- Specialize in contracts, civil service, code enforcement, employment relations, or litigation cases, particularly contracts, health/environmental, workers' compensation, tort/claims, and/or civil rights laws.
- Communicate legal options to management level staff in the City.
- Provide supervision to support staff on projects.
- Other duties as assigned.
Supervisory/Budget Responsibilities:
None.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge of applicable municipal, State, and Federal laws;
- Knowledge of criminal law principles;
- Knowledge of court methods and procedures;
- Knowledge of legal theory;
- Knowledge of legal terminology;
- Knowledge of parliamentary procedures;
- Knowledge of trial techniques and procedures;
- Knowledge of rules of evidence;
- Skilled in preparing written opinions;
- Skilled in writing briefs;
- Skilled in strategically applying legal rules in court;
- Skilled in writing legal documents;
- Skilled in preparing depositions;
- Skilled in analyzing legal documents and instruments;
- Skilled in maintaining sensitive and confidential information;
- Skilled in prioritizing, organizing, and managing multiple projects;
- Skilled in operating a computer and related software applications;
- Skilled in communicating effectively with a variety of individuals;
- Ability to work independently and solicit advice from peers.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Juris Doctorate.
- 8+ years of City government (political subdivision) experience.
- Requires a License from the Texas State Bar.
Preferences:
Experience in advising matters related to employment law and/or Texas Local Government Chapter 143.
Working Conditions:
- Frequent reaching, sitting, talking, seeing, hearing, and manual dexterity.
- Occasional lifting and carrying up to 10 pounds.
- Work is typically performed in a standard office environment.
- Occasional exposure to criminal suspects and prison inmates.
Conditions of Employment:
- Must pass pre-employment drug test.
- Must pass criminal history check.
- Must pass motor vehicle records check.
