Assistant City Attorney

An island community rich in history and opportunity, Galveston is the ideal place to live, work and raise a family!

Job Description

SUMMARY:  Under the direction of the City Attorney, assist in providing a variety of legal services including litigation. Work is performed with general discretion, working from broad goals and policies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Represent the City in its Municipal Court of Record in civil and criminal matters;
• Represent the City in matters arising or pertaining to civil service;
• Represent the City in trial before the District or County Courts as either first or second chair in matters of civil litigation to which the City is a party;
• Provide legal counsel to elected and appointed officials, boards, commissions, committees and City departments based on interpretation of federal, state, and city laws constitutions and charters, court decisions, administrative law decisions, and other legal authorities.  Attend meetings of the City Council, boards and commissions, as assigned by the City Attorney;
• Prepare and/or review ordinances, resolutions, and administrative policies;
• Prepare and/or review various city contracts, including construction contracts, real estate transaction documents and other pertinent document creation or review;
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally;
• Ability to handle citizens with diplomacy, fairness, and sound judgment;
• Ability  to conduct computer based legal research utilizing Westlaw, Lexis or other legal research databases;
• Critical thinking to analyze issues and apply appropriate legal principles;
• Understanding and applying city policies and procedures, while exercising the highest degree of confidentiality;
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with all departments of the City.

ADDITIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Requisite experience and training to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Ability to use standard office equipment.
• Experience with Microsoft Office products such as Word, Excel, Powerpoint, as well as Adobe Acrobat.
• Legal research in Westlaw or similar database.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school; admission to the State Bar of Texas, prior to application.

Two  (2) years’ experience with a state or local governmental entity, preferably in the areas listed as essential functions.

Litigation experience in state of federal court including first chair experience in trying civil cases to a jury is a plus.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION:

• Possession of a Texas Driver’s license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed in a standard office environment. May be required to lift and carry items weighing up to 20 pounds.

Compensation Range

DOQ

The City of Galveston is an equal opportunity employer  and will consider only the qualifications of the applicants. The City does not tolerate any form of discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, or physical/mental disability in employment or provision services.