Closing Date: 26th April, 2024
Description:
General Summary:This position requires professional legal work in all aspects of prosecuting cases in the Municipal Court, a court of record, and potential representation of the City's interests in state court disputes primarily involving substandard buildings and nuisance properties. This position also requires: legal research, preparation of court documents, trials, appeals, providing advice and legal opinions to City staff, interpretation of traffic codes, criminal statutes, ordinances and enforcement; responding to inquiries relating to Municipal Court procedures and violations of City ordinances, traffic laws and criminal statutes prosecuted in Municipal Court; and providing assistance to the City Attorney.
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Supervision:
General supervision is provided by the City Attorney.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- All behaviors comply with the Code of Conduct & Rules of Behavior outlined in Chapter 8 of the General Government Policies and Procedures Manual.
- Represent the City in all Municipal Court cases. Prepare and prosecute code enforcement, traffic, penal code, and comparable cases in Municipal Court and Justice of the Peace Court, if necessary. Manage cases until dismissed, settled or decided in trial by judge or jury, and on appeal if necessary. May represent the City in state court cases primarily involving substandard buildings and nuisance properties.
- Prepare pleadings and motions, respond to discovery requests and motions filed by other parties, review cases set for pretrial, and interview and prepare witnesses.
- Represent the City: in civil appeals filed in Municipal Court, including dangerous animal and unlawful towing appeals; on appeals of Class C Misdemeanors; and state court appeals.
- Review affidavits, outside complaints and school complaints to determine if all essential elements exist to accept charges.
- Represent the City in administrative hearings as needed.
- Respond to and advise police and other enforcement personnel on applicable laws, policies and procedures and other legal matters.
- Respond to inquiries regarding open records, coordinate with other departments and evaluate open records requirements.
- Participate in interdepartmental meetings; assist in drafting ordinances and amendments, resolutions, policies and other legal instruments.
- Attend meetings and public hearings and render legal advice to the City Council, Staff, Boards and Commissions.
- Conduct legal research, analyze and prepare formal legal opinions as directed by the City Attorney.
- Adhere to assigned work schedule as outlined in City and department attendance policies and procedures.
Other Duties and Responsibilities:
- Study legislation and case law affecting prosecutions and Municipal Court operations; stay abreast of new laws, case law and legal trends impacting same.
- Attend CLE seminars.
- Perform other administrative and legal duties as assigned.
- Hours worked may exceed a traditional 40 hour work week and include evening meetings and working on weekends as necessary.
Minimum Job Requirements:
Education:
Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
Experience:
- Prosecutorial or criminal defense experience in Texas courts of one or more years with progressive responsibilities and “first chair” trial experience is preferred.
- Judicial clerkships may also be considered.
- Candidates with less experience, or civil trial law experience, may be considered with applications demonstrating familiarity with municipal law or trial law, excellent research, writing and critical thinking skills (writing sample must be available upon request), and ability to prioritize multiple tasks and duties.
- Familiarity with Tyler Technologies or the Incode court management software is preferred, or alternate experience demonstrating proficiency with case management software.
Licenses and Certificates:
- Membership in the State Bar of Texas.
- Possession of or ability to obtain license for practice before U.S. District Court.
- Possession of a valid driver's license.
Physical Requirements / Work Environment
- This position does not require a physical for employment.
