Assistant City Attorney I - III Land Use and Real Estate

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 legal advice to senior and executive management, and to elected officials, on primarily complex issues that may have high political or financial impact. May assist other attorneys on more complex assignments.
• Legal Research: With minimal or no supervision, performs research on complex legal issues with moderate political or financial impact. May assist other attorneys on more complex assignments.
• Legal Writing: With minimal or no supervision, prepares legal documents for senior managers on routine or moderately complex matters. May assist other attorneys on more complex assignments.
• Legal Advocacy: With minimal or no supervision, acts as a lead or supporting representative of the City in internal and external legal matters that have significant political/ financial impact. May assist other attorneys on more complex assignments.

 

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised: 

Assistant City Attorney I - II

• None

 

Assistant City Attorney III

• Supervision: None
• Leadership: Provides some mentoring and training to lower-level attorneys on legal issues and legal skills.

 

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.

• 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.
• 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: 

Assistant City Attorney I

• Graduation from an American Bar Association accredited school of law.
• Current active membership in good standing of the State Bar of Texas

Assistant City Attorney II

• Graduation from an American Bar Association accredited school of law.
• Current active membership in good standing of the State Bar of Texas.
• Three (3) full years of active practice as a licensed attorney.

Assistant City Attorney III

• Graduation from an American Bar Association accredited school of law.
• Current active membership in good standing of the State Bar of Texas.
• Seven (7) full years of active practice as a licensed attorney.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in land use, zoning, real estate, construction, development, or single- and multi-family affordable housing developments.
• Experience drafting and negotiating contracts or formation, operation, and dissolution documents of various business entities including non-profit corporations.
• Experience advising governmental entities or non-profit corporations.

Licenses and Certifications Required: 

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

 

Notes to Candidate:

Division Overview:

The Land Use and Real Estate Division provides advice and counsel to City departments on issues related to land use, housing, real estate, parks, and permitting and development. The attorneys in the division works closely with the Office of Real Estate Services, Animal Services Office, and Planning, Housing, Watershed Protection, Parks and Development Services Departments. The attorneys in the division also provide legal support to the Planning Commission, Zoning and Platting Commission, Board of Adjustment, Building and Standards Commission, and the Historic Landmark Commission.

Work Location:

We value a healthy work-life balance and currently offer a 40-hour work week with flexible work hours and a hybrid schedule of three days remote and two days on-site in accordance with the City’s policy and subject to supervisor approval. On-site work is primarily located at Austin City Hall, 301 W. 2nd Street, Austin 78701, or other location as designated by a supervisor.

 

Benefits:

Working with the City of Austin offers numerous benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid leave time, a comprehensive retirement plan, training opportunities, and more. Click HERE for more information.

 

Professional Growth and Development:

The City Attorney's Office offers opportunities to advance within our Attorney career ladder, as well as a wide variety of learning opportunities.