Assistant City Attorney



Assistant City Attorney

Salary

Depends on Qualifications

Location

Waco, TX

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

2021 -01706

Department

LEGAL

Division

Legal

Opening Date

08/16/2021

Summary

Under basic supervision, provides legal representation, advice and services to the City Council, boards and commissions, City departments and City staff.

Primary Duties

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
 

  • Provides legal advice and counsel to City officials, boards and commissions, and City staff.
  • Drafts resolutions, ordinances and proposed legislation.
  • Negotiates, drafts, and reviews contracts.
  • Performs legal research and monitors changes in state and federal regulations, standards and legislation governing municipalities.
  • Represents the City in civil and criminal matters before judicial and quasi-judicial bodies, state and federal agencies, mediators and arbitrators, including acting as a prosecutor in municipal court.
  • Writes memos, briefs, legal opinions and bulletins.
  • Makes professional presentations before staff, boards and commissions, and the City Council; trains city employees in legal matters.
  • Recognizes, assesses and analyzes potential liability and complex legal issues and keeps the City Attorney, City Management and staff informed of the same.
  • Formulates strategy and effective solutions for legal issues and to minimize risk and safeguard the City’s operations.
  • Exercises independent judgment within broad policy guidelines.
  • Assists with civil and criminal proceedings and work product from contracted legal professionals.  
  • Maintains the integrity, professionalism, values and goals of the City by assuring that all rules and regulations are followed, and that accountability and public trust are preserved.
  • Supports the relationship between the City of Waco and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information.
  • Performs other related and assigned duties as required. 
  • Driving is an essential.
Knowledge:
  • City policies and procedures.
  • State and federal laws affecting Texas municipalities, including the Texas Local Government Code.
  • Texas criminal and civil statutes, rules, case law, administrative orders, policies and procedures, and applicable Federal rules and regulations.
  • Legal precedents and court decisions impacting municipal government.
  • Legal research methods, techniques, sources, databases, and other research tools.
  • Principles and protocols for the evidentiary gathering of information, documents, financial records, and other data that may be used in court and legal hearings.
  • City protocols and strategies of prosecution, negotiation, and litigation.
  • Duties, powers, authorities, and limitations of a City Attorney.
  • Principles and practices of legal, ethical, and professional rules of conduct.
Skills:
  • Analyzing legal, administrative, and operational data and issues, interpreting laws and regulations, evaluating alternatives, and developing strategies for effective resolution of issues.
  • Development, refinement, and presentation of legal strategies.
  • Representing the City in legal hearings and negotiations.
  • Effectively assessing, interpreting, and applying criminal and civil laws to information, evidence, and other data compiled.
  • Explaining City policies and procedures while exercising the highest degree of confidentiality.
  • Exercising judgment and discretion, negotiating agreements, and mediating difficult situations.
  • Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with employees, officials, city departments and staff and other government agencies and the general public. 
  • Operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of business software.
  • Communicating effectively verbally and in writing. 

Qualifications

Required:

  • Juris Doctor Degree from an American Bar Association Accredited law school.
  • Must be licensed to practice law by the State Bar of Texas and remain active with all Texas Bar annual requirements.
  • Must be able to become licensed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas.
  • Must possess a valid Texas Driver’s License. 
Preferred:
  • Two years’ experience in the practice of law preferred; municipal legal practice and courtroom experience is preferred.

Physical Demands

Sedentary Work:

  • Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time.

EEO Statement
The City of Waco is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing fair and equal treatment of all applicants for employment without regard to race, gender, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all.

The City of Waco offers a complete benefits package for eligibile employees including; health, dental, vision, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Flexible Spending Accounts, life insurance, long term and short term disability, retirement, deferred compensation plans, holidays, vacation, sick leave, credit union and savings bonds.  

To learn more about the benefits offered, visit our Benefits page.  

01
Do you have a Juris Doctor Degree from an American Bar Association Accredited law school?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

Agency
City of Waco
Address
PO Box 2570

Waco, Texas, 76702
Phone
2547505740