Assistant City Attorney V - Law

Job Description:

Assistant City Attorney V - Law

Description

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. Our guiding principles-Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchor our approach in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austin residents. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Diverse and Inclusive Workplace: Work in an environment where every voice is valued, and Innovation thrives.
  
• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments designed to foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

Under the direction of the City Attorney, this position provides legal services to and on behalf of the City.

Job Description:

Purpose:

Under the direction of the City Attorney, this position provides legal services to and on behalf of the City.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Legal Advice: With minimal or no supervision, provides the most advanced level legal advice to elected officials and senior and executive management on the City’s most complex legal/political issues. May assist other attorneys on other assignments.
  
• Legal Research: With minimal or no supervision, performs research on the City’s most complex legal issues and on issues with the highest level of political or financial impact. May assist other attorneys on other assignments.
  
• Legal Writing: With minimal or no supervision, prepares legal documents on the City’s most complex legal matters. May assist other attorneys on other assignments.
  
• Legal Advocacy: Regularly acts as a lead representative of the City in the most complex internal and external legal matters, including matters that have significant political/ financial impact. May assist other attorneys on other assignments.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

• Supervision: May supervise other attorneys or staff on an acting or interim basis.
  
• Leadership:
  
  • Provides regular, extensive mentoring and training to lower level attorneys on legal issues and legal skills.
    
  • Leads project teams and cross-Divisional work teams.
    
• Handles special assignments requiring a high level of legal skill and political acumen.
  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Must be capable of performing the essential duties, functions, and responsibilities of the job, with or without a reasonable accommodation.
  
• Must possess and be able to demonstrate knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to meet Law Department standards as required for the particular job assignment in the following areas:
  
  • Knowledge of substantive laws applicable to Texas local governments.
    
  • Knowledge of the City of Austin Charter, Code, and administrative policies and procedures.
    
  • Knowledge of relevant court procedures and rules of evidence.
    
  • Ability to communicate and present analysis and information both orally and in writing in a clear and effective manner.
    
  • Ability to conduct thorough and accurate legal and factual research relevant to the job assignment.
    
  • Ability to analyze and problem solve in a timely fashion on legal issues relevant to the job assignment.
    
• Must possess and demonstrate the following work habits and behaviors:
  
  • Proficiency in use of Departmental computer systems and technology.
    
  • Effective law office organizational skills.
    
  • Ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks, schedule interruptions, and shifting time deadlines.
    
  • Ability to conform to Departmental administrative procedures and requirements.
    
  • Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
    

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation from an American Bar Association accredited school of law.
  
• Current active membership in good standing of the State Bar of Texas.
  
• Eighteen (18) full years of active practice as a licensed attorney.
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience litigating in federal and state court in a variety of types of cases including personal injury and civil rights defense, and employment law.
  
• Candidates should emphasize recent first chair experience in conducting depositions, mediations, hearings, and trials.
  
• Experience in general utility matters, rulemaking, and contract transactions.
  

Licenses and Certifications Required:

License to practice law issued by the State Bar of Texas.

Notes to Candidate:

This position requires a cover letter and résumé. Please upload your documents for consideration.

Salary: Commensurate

We are seeking energetic, self-motivated individuals licensed to practice law in Texas and in good standing with the Texas State Bar to fill a full-time transactional position in the City of Austin Law Department.

The Law Department provides a wide range of professional legal services related to municipal government operations. Attorneys directly interface with the client, conduct legal research, prepare legal documents, and attend meetings of the governing body.

Come work for a governmental entity that cares about human rights and is on the forefront of current issues. You can help make a difference in the daily lives of people living in the Austin community.

Professional Growth and Development
Achieve your professional goals. The Law Department offers opportunities to advance within our Attorney and Paralegal career ladder, as well as a wide variety of learning opportunities.

In addition to helping the City operate at its highest potential, working with the City of Austin provides a number of benefits including medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities, and more! Click HERE for more information.

Division Overview:

The Litigation Division defends the City of Austin and its employees in all civil litigation cases in state and federal court. The main types of cases managed by the Litigation Division include civil rights, contract disputes, personal injury, employment, and land use matters. The attorneys also have the opportunity to draft amicus briefs. In addition to the attorneys, paralegals, and legal secretaries, the Litigation Division has two claims investigators who investigate and process approximately 700 claims against the City per year.

The Litigation Division also handles the filing of affirmative litigation on behalf of the City to enforce the law and protect the health and safety of Austin residents. The Litigation Division initiates legal action to recover damages to City property, enforce City Code requirements, condemn property needed for a public purpose, collect delinquent hotel taxes, and protect the environment. The Division also assists Austin Police Department with nuisance abatement cases and assists the Office of Civil Rights with Fair Housing complaints.

An ideal candidate for a position with the Litigation Division would have a background in personal injury law, federal civil rights litigation, or employment law.

When completing the City of Austin employment application:

• Please be sure to detail on the application all previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications. Any final offer will be made based on the information provided in the application.
  
• A detailed, complete employment application is required. It helps us to better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position. Be sure to provide job titles and employment dates for all jobs you wish to be considered.
  
• A resume is required but will not substitute for a complete employment application.
  
• Please do not use the phrase “see resume” or refer to other documents to complete your application.
  
• Do not leave the “Duties and Responsibilities” sections blank.
  
• Please include contact information from previous employers.
  
• Failure to fill in all portions of the application will be considered incomplete applications. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
  

If you are selected for hire:

• Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED, undergraduate, and/or graduate degrees) is required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization or institution. You must also provide proof of your professional licenses or certifications.
  
• If you are in the military or are a military veteran, you will need to provide a copy of the Member 4 page of your DD-214 prior to confirming a start date.
  

Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Closing Date/Time: 2025-11-14