Closing Date: 12th June, 2023
Description:
Purpose: Provide legal services to local government clients through our Austin based law firm.
Location: Work will predominately be performed in the El Paso office and at individual client locations located throughout the southwest State of Texas.
Essential Functions:
- Advising local government clientele (staff and elected officials).
- Drafting orders, ordinances, resolutions, policies and procedures.
- Writing and reviewing contracts, leases, easements and deeds.
- Researching matters of state and federal law, including statutes, administrative regulations, and case law, and preparing legal memoranda.
- Advocating clients’ interests before administrative and judicial bodies.
- Prosecuting in municipal courts.
Areas of Emphasis:
The associate will practice in the field of Municipal Law to include the following areas of law: budget & fiscal management; economic development; elections & voting rights; ethics & professionalism; land use & development; law enforcement & municipal court; legislative consulting & advocacy; open meetings & open records; personnel & employment matters; procurement & construction projects; real estate transactions; utilities & telecommunications; water, wastewater & the environment.
Requirements:
- At least 2 years practicing law in Texas.
- Licensed to practice law in Texas (in good standing).
- Strong research and writing skills.
- Exceptional oral communication skills, including ability to speak effectively in small groups, before large audiences at public meetings, and in the courtroom.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and Lexis or Westlaw.
- Must be able to travel overnight Monday–Thursday as needed
- Opportunity to be Hybrid- 50% El Paso & 50% elsewhere in Texas
Preferences:
- Demonstrated experience in Municipal Law.
- Background in State or Local Government Law.
- Familiarity with Administrative Law.
- Independent and self-motivating.
- Organized, dependable and steady.
- Capable of transitioning between numerous clients on multiple subjects daily.
- Innovative and resourceful problem-solver.
- Excellent communicator (oral and written).
- Committed to public interest / government-related law.
- Suited for private practice, including ability to generate billable hours.
Required Physical Capabilities:
- Read job-related documents and publications.
- Participate in verbal conversations and meetings over virtually and in person (including large and small groups).
- Sit for 3-8 hours per day (up to an hour or more at a time).
- Lift and hold 25 pounds (such as books, binders, and files).
- Operate a passenger motor vehicle.
Required Documentation:
- Current Texas Driver’s License with acceptable driving record, and the ability to drive long distances unaccompanied during daylight and nighttime hours.
- Current Social Security Card.
- Current Texas Bar Card.
Hiring Authority & Supervisor: Alan J. Bojorquez, Manager / Principal
Compensation: Based on qualifications. Associates producing stellar work product and meeting billable hour requirements will be eligible for raises and bonuses. This is a professional position and is exempt from eligibility for overtime under the FLSA.
Hours:
- Associates are required to attend client meetings on certain evenings (e.g., board of directors, county commissioners, city council, planning & zoning, board of adjustment, etc.).
- Occasionally required to work on weekends and holidays.
Benefits: Paid premiums for individual group health insurance, paid sick leave, vacation, and holidays. Upon meeting qualifying hours, eligible for up to 4% matching fully vested 401(k). State attorney tax, annual bar dues, mandatory continuing legal education (MCLE), and selected professional memberships are paid for by the Firm.
Introductory Period: All employees at the firm must successfully complete a 90-day Introductory Period prior to receipt of any benefits. This period is used for evaluation to determine if the employee is appropriate for the firm. Satisfaction of the 90-day period neither creates an employment contract, nor alters the at-will employment status.
