Description

Job Description

Under the supervision of the City Attorney, the Assistant City Attorney I performs technical and professional work to provide effective, high-quality legal representation to the City of McAllen, with an emphasis on legal research and writing.

The City Attorney’s Office safeguards the City’s legal interests and empowers effective governance by delivering timely, high-quality legal services. The City Attorney’s Office advises and represents the mayor and city commission, city management, department heads, and advisory boards across all areas of municipal law, including contracts, legislative advocacy, claims, litigation, procurement, municipal prosecution, civil service, human resources, land use, and real estate.

Requirements

Job Responsibilities

1.    Conduct complex legal research and prepare written and oral legal opinions for City departments, the City Commission, and various boards and commissions with care in examining work for exactness, neatness and conformance to policies and procedures;
2.    Present to councils, boards, commissions, civic groups and the public and attend City Commission, advisory boards, and other meetings as assigned.
3.    Represent the City in civil litigation, including but not limited to:
a.    conduct initial assessment of claims and investigation;
b.    draft pleadings, conduct written discovery, take and defend depositions, explore settlement options, and perform pre-trial and trial tasks;
c.    evaluate facts and develop strategies and argument in preparation for presentation of cases;
d.    coordinate with outside counsel to monitor and ensure timely progression of cases in the city’s best interest.
4.    Represent the State as Prosecuting Attorney in Municipal Court as the need arises.
5.    Interpret laws, administrative decisions, executive orders, rulings and regulations to ensure compliance with, and enforcement of, laws and ordinances.
6.    Provide regular, comprehensive reports on updates to State and Federal law affecting city operations.
7.    Draft and review ordinances, resolutions, contracts, agreements, deeds, leases, franchises and other legal instruments.
8.    Research the Texas Public Information Act (Open Records), review responsive documents, provide legal analysis and advice and draft correspondence to the Texas Attorney General in response to public information requests.
9.    Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Minimum Requirements

1.    This position requires a Juris' Doctorate degree in law from an accredited law school with a valid license to practice in the State of Texas.
2.    This position does not require previous work experience.
3.    This position requires a current, valid Texas Class C Driver’s License.
4.    High ethical standards.
5.    Ability to meet and maintain state-mandated continuing legal education requirements.
6.    Knowledge of state statutes relating to municipal affairs, laws relating to the purchase of goods and services, contracting, labor, employment, land use, criminal law and working knowledge of modern policies and practices of municipal law and public administration.
7.    Skill in preparing briefs, motions, pleadings, memoranda, ordinances, resolutions and other legal documents.
8.    Ability to prepare and analyze comprehensive legal documents and to carry out assigned projects to completion.
9.    The ability to maintain effective working relationships with employees, City officials, consultants, the court system and general public.
10.    Strong spelling and grammar skills.
11.    Proficiency in conducting legal research.
12.    Excellent writing and oral communication skills.

Physical Requirements

Physical Demands

Employee generally works in an office setting free from environmental hazards.

Additional Information

1.    This is a safety sensitive position subject to random drug and alcohol testing.
2.    This position does not have supervisory responsibilities over others.
3.    This position requires proficiency in Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office, WestLaw and the ability to learn to effectively use job-specific software, including but not limited to: InCode, CivicPlus, and MyCase.

Disclaimer

This job description summarizes essential job functions and minimum job requirements for entry level work and typical duties illustrative of the type of work customarily assigned and performed in this position. However, this job description does not represent every aspect of the job nor does it guarantee permanent employment, as all positions with the City of McAllen are employment at will positions. Job descriptions are subject to periodic updates and modifications. The City reserves the right to change work assignments and other aspects of a job. The City of McAllen is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and does not tolerate unlawful discrimination or harassment based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age or any other protected status under applicable federal, state or local laws.