Assistant City Attorney II

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. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. 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.

• Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are 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 that 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 general oversight, provides legal advice primarily to mid-level and senior-level City management on routine and some complex issues with primarily low political or financial impact.  May assist other attorneys on more complex assignments.

• Legal Research: With minimal supervision, performs research on complex legal issues with low or moderate political or financial impact.  May assist other attorneys on more complex assignments.

• Legal Writing: With minimal supervision, prepares legal documents on routine and moderately complex matters.  May assist other attorneys on more complex assignments.

• Legal Advocacy: Under general supervision, acts as a lead or supporting representative of the City in internal or external legal matters with low or moderate political/ financial impact.  May assist other attorneys on more complex assignments.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

None.

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.

1. Must be capable of performing the essential duties, functions, and responsibilities of the job, with or without a reasonable accommodation.

2. 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.

3. 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.

• Three (3) full years of active practice as a licensed attorney.

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 City Attorney's Office.

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

Work-Life Balance:

Enjoy a balanced lifestyle in a city renowned for its quality of life, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences.

Hybrid Work Environment:

The City of Austin Flexible Work Arrangement Program is designed to empower employees and leaders to establish hybrid work arrangements that promote high levels of performance and engagement. Staff may be eligible to telework up to 60%/week. Work schedules are implemented to meet department requirements and are subject to change based on business needs

In addition to helping the City operate at its highest potential, working with the

City of Austin provides several benefits, including medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities, and more Click HERE for more information.

Division Overview:

The Criminal Prosecution Division is responsible for prosecuting Class C misdemeanors in accordance with state laws and city ordinances. The attorneys in this division represent cases before the City of Austin Municipal Court and manage an average of 60 dockets each week, which include jury trials, bench trials, and pre-trial motion hearings. Each year, prosecutors handle approximately 430,000 cases submitted by various City of Austin departments, including Police, Code Compliance, Development Services, Water, Animal Services, Fire, and Health.

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 an incomplete application. 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 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

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