Assistant City Attorney III

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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.