Assistant City Attorney

The City of Sugar Land is seeking an experienced and proven municipal attorney highly knowledgeable in Texas law to be its next Assistant City Attorney in the City Attorney's Office. 

About the City of Sugar Land

The City of Sugar Land serves over 110,000 residents and is known for its high quality of life and commitment to innovation. Our team is driven by service, collaboration, and a shared goal of making our community even better.

At the City of Sugar Land, we’re building a high-performing, innovative community where employees are empowered to make an impact. You’ll join a collaborative team, enjoy strong benefits from day one, and have real opportunities to grow your career.

We follow our BLAZE values by encouraging bold ideas, fostering a supportive and collaborative team, adapting to change, holding ourselves to high standards, and empowering employees to grow, contribute, and make a meaningful impact.

What We Offer 

• A competitive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance package with coverage starting Day 1
• TMRS pension with 2:1 city match; 457(b) options
• Paid holidays, vacation, and paid parental leave
• Wellness programs, mental health resources, and an EAP
• Grow your career with professional development programs, training opportunities, and career advancement through our Gold Standard People Development Division.

What We Pay

The Assistant City Attorney is an exempt position with a starting salary of $87,485 - $100,609 annually.

What You’ll Do as the Assistant City Attorney:

• Provide legal counsel and advice to City Manager, City Council, City boards and commissions, department directors, and employees on legal matters affecting City operations, including statutory and constitutional requirements, elections, open government laws, employment matters, public information, and departmental policies and procedures.
• Draft, review, negotiate contracts and other legal documents to which the City is a party, including agreements for goods, services, construction, utility franchises, economic development incentives, tax abatements, development projects, real estate acquisitions, leases, deeds, and easements. Develop and maintain standard contract forms and negotiate terms with outside attorneys, vendors, property owners, and other representatives.
• Research and analyze statutes, case law, administrative regulations, and other legal authorities to advise City officials and departments, evaluate legal issues, and identify potential risks and liabilities affecting the City.
• Draft and review ordinances, resolutions, and related City Council agenda materials to ensure legal sufficiency and compliance with applicable laws.
• Review and respond to Public Information Act requests and submit opinion requests to the Texas Attorney General’s Office as necessary and provide advice to City Clerk’s Office regarding redactions pursuant to Statutory requirements, and Attorney General Opinions.
• Attend meetings of and provide legal and procedural advice to City boards and commissions as necessary to ensure compliance with applicable laws and protect the interests of the City and its boards and commissions.
• Conduct orientation and provide training for City boards and commissions regarding applicable laws, procedures, ethics, and other legal requirements.
• Assist the Deputy City Attorney with municipal court operations, including prosecuting cases when the Deputy City Attorney is unavailable or when additional prosecutorial support is needed.
• Compile, evaluate, and analyze legal and operational information and prepare reports, recommendations, and other written materials to support City decision-making.
• Monitor proposed and enacted legislation, judicial decisions, regulatory changes, and developments in municipal law and evaluate their potential impact on City operations, policies, procedures, and legal obligations.
• Serve as an essential employee during emergencies and disasters, and perform required duties before, during, and after such events.
• Maintain knowledge of and comply with City and departmental policies, procedures, and applicable requirements.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the City Attorney or designee.

What You Bring:

Formal Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university
• Doctor of Jurisprudence from an accredited school of law recognized by the American Bar Association.
• Must be licensed to practice law by the State Bar of Texas and to be in good standing with the Bar. 

Relatable Work Experience:

• Practiced law for a minimum of five years. 
• Municipal experience preferred. 

Training (License and/or Certification):

• Licensed by the State Bar of Texas and in good standing.
• A valid Texas Driver License with an acceptable driving record is required. 

Additional Information

The citizens of Sugar Land depend on City employees before, during and after an emergency or disaster to provide or restore essential public services for the health, safety and quality of life for our community. In the event of a wide scale emergency that could impact our community, all employees must be ready to assist in managing the crisis and will be considered essential for the continuity of governmental operations.