Assistant City Attorney

Assistant City Attorney – Municipal Court Prosecutor

Under the direction of the City Attorney, the Assistant City Attorney – Municipal Court Prosecutor conducts legal research, prepares and argues motions, drafts pleadings, briefs, and other court documents, and manages witnesses for trials and hearings. The role prosecutes all criminal and civil matters filed in Municipal Court, including ordinance violations, truancy cases, and criminal cases referred by local law enforcement and health agencies. It also handles civil litigation in Small Claims/Justice Courts and related appeals in County or District Courts.

This position provides leadership and supervision to contract prosecutors and prosecution support staff, prosecutes the most complex cases, and serves as the division lead when coordinating with Municipal Court administration and judges.

Essential Functions

• Lead, supervise, and evaluate contract prosecutors and prosecution administrative staff, including scheduling and performance reviews.

• Perform final legal and factual reviews of cases referred by police, local law and health enforcement departments, TISD, and court administration.

• Serve as the prosecution division's primary resource for law enforcement agencies, offering guidance on enforcement actions filed in Municipal Court.

• Lead and manage all phases of criminal, quasi-criminal, and civil litigation, including appeals, advanced case strategy, motion practice, evidentiary issues, jury trials, and multi-party proceedings.

• Handle extensive caseloads from filing through adjudication, including drafting complaints, conducting discovery, managing trial preparation, conducting jury selection, and presenting evidence.

• Provide high-level legal analysis and counsel on statutes, regulations, municipal codes, and attorney general opinions; anticipate legal issues and advise on implications for City operations.

• Conduct sophisticated legal research and advise departments on impacts of legislative and judicial changes.

• Mentor and oversee prosecutors and junior attorneys, ensuring consistent, high-quality prosecution standards and professional development.

• Deliver training for prosecutors, court staff, and enforcement departments on advanced litigation methods, legal updates, evidentiary practices, and code enforcement.

• Lead development and refinement of ordinances, policies, and enforcement processes that advance local justice and community quality of life.

• Coordinate complex investigative and prosecution matters with internal departments and external agencies.

• Maintain expert knowledge through ongoing professional development and share updates with City leadership.

• Utilize advanced legal technology, research tools, and case management systems.

• Perform additional assignments with professionalism and sound legal judgment.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

• Comprehensive knowledge of Texas criminal and civil law, constitutional law, rules of procedure and evidence, and municipal prosecution.

• Advanced trial skills in strategy, motions, jury selection, witness examination, and evidence presentation.

• Strong analytical, research, negotiation, and case evaluation abilities.

• Ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly and manage high-demand priorities.

• Skilled in maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information.

• Strong organizational and multi-tasking abilities; commitment to fairness, professionalism, and public service.

Minimum Qualifications

Required

Must have a bachelor's degree and a Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school. Minimum of three years' experience in substantial criminal and civil litigation. Must be a licensed attorney in good standing with the Texas Bar Association and remain active by meeting all Texas Bar annual requirements. Valid Texas state driver's license with a clear driving record/ability to obtain within 90days.

Preferred

• Some trial experience from law school or affiliated internship program.
• Some municipal law experience gained from law school or affiliated internship program.

City Of Tyler Policy

It is the policy of the City to recruit, employ and to provide compensation, promotion, and other conditions of employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, genetic information or status as a Vietnam era or special disabled veteran, recently separated veteran, and other protected veteran. The City affirms that employment decisions shall be made only on the basis of a person's ability to perform the essential functions of the job. This position does require presence in the office to perform the essential functions of the job. The City shall continually review its employment practices and personnel procedures and take positive steps to assure that equality of employment opportunity in the City of Tyler, Texas is a fact as well as an ideal. The City of Tyler will accept two years of relevant experience in place of each year of college required in the job description. Four years of relevant experience will be considered in place of an Associate's Degree, and eight years of relevant experience will be considered in place of a Bachelor's Degree. Any experience required in the Minimum qualifications is in addition to years of experience substituted for a degree. The City of Tyler supports a policy of a drug and alcohol free workplace. All candidates are subject to pre-employment testing, which may include, but is not limited to, Drug and Alcohol Screenings, Work Fitness Evaluation, Criminal Background Check, and Consumer Report/Credit Check. No person under eighteen (18) years of age will be employed in any regular full-time position. Persons under eighteen (18) years of age may be employed in temporary or regular part-time positions, if they furnish the City with a minor's release (Form 2-2) and are approved by the City Manager. No person under eighteen (18) years of age will be employed in any position requiring the operation of a City motorized vehicle.