Description

Job Summary:

As appointed by the City Council and pursuant to Article V of the City Charter, the City Attorney serves as the chief legal officer for the City, providing professional legal counsel and representation to the City Council, City Manager, and all City departments, boards, and commissions. Negotiates, prepares, and approves legal documents including contracts, ordinances, and resolutions. Represents the City in various courts or administrative proceedings and/or coordinates the representation of the City by outside counsel.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

This information is intended to be descriptive of the key responsibilities of the position. The following examples do not identify all duties performed by any single incumbent:

•     Provides legal advice and counsel to the City Council, City Manager, and department directors on all matters affecting the City.
•     Attends and advises during City Council meetings, workshops, and other official proceedings.
•     Drafts, reviews, and approves ordinances, resolutions, contracts, agreements, policies, and other legal instruments.
•     Represents the City in civil litigation, administrative hearings, and negotiations; manage and coordinate outside legal counsel when necessary.
•     Advises on land use, zoning, development, public works, procurement, employment law, open records, and ethics compliance.
•     Ensures compliance with the Texas Open Meetings Act, Public Information Act, and other relevant statutes and regulations.
•     Provides training to elected officials and staff on legal topics affecting municipal operations.
•     Maintains current knowledge of legislative changes, court decisions, and emerging trends in municipal and administrative law.
•     Performs other duties as may be assigned.

Requirements

Education, Certification and Experience Required:

• Possession of a Juris Doctorate degree from a recognized law school.
• Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
• Five to seven years of experience in municipal law, as a City Attorney or Assistant City Attorney, preferably within the State of Texas, or legal advisor to a Texas municipality.
• Civil Service experience preferred 
• Possession of a valid Texas Class C driver’s license.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

•        Knowledge of principles of personnel management, including supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
•        Knowledge of local, State and Federal policies, procedures, laws and regulations.
•        Skill in the use of computers and related equipment, hardware and software including specific knowledge in the use of MS Office Suite.
•        Familiarity with the operations of a full-service city.
•        Excellent interpersonal skills, strong leadership skills, and high motivational skills.
•        Ability to develop trusting relationships with City Council, City staff, and citizens of the community.
•        Ability to interpret and apply local, State and Federal policies, procedures, laws and regulations.
•        Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course and scope of work, including City and other government officials, community groups, and the general public.
•        Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
•        Ability to prepare and present clear and concise reports and presentations.
•        Ability to maintain regular and predictable attendance.

Special Requirements: 

Attends meetings before and after hours as may be required.

Physical Demands and Environmental Factors: 

Duties are generally performed in an office setting. Some light work requiring occasionally lifting up to twenty (20) pounds to move objects. Must be able to sit for long periods of time. Work may also require stooping, kneeling, crouching, bending, standing, walking, pushing, and pulling.