Senior Assistant City Attorney - Litigation

Salary: $95,000.00 - $115,000.00 (Depending on qualifications)

The City of Mesquite seeks an experienced attorney for controversy matters concerning code and zoning enforcement, tort claims, municipal court prosecution, employment and other municipal related litigation. Drafting and providing legal advice and opinions to the City Council, Staff and Boards and Commissions, and attending evening meetings are required as needed. The successful candidate may also appear at and represent the City in internal administrative hearings and assist with other duties as assigned by the City Attorney.

Working remotely one day per week is allowed following successful completion of probation.

SUPERVISION

General supervision is provided by the City Attorney.

 

1. All behaviors comply with the Code of Conduct & Rules of Behavior outlined in Chapter 8 of the General Government Policies and Procedures Manual.
2. Adhere to assigned work schedule as outlined in City and department attendance policies and procedures.
3. Provide legal assistance to City departments regarding all areas of the law with emphasis on code and zoning enforcement, tort claims, employment matters and occasional municipal court prosecution.
4. Case management, trial preparation, trying cases and handling appeals.
5. Monitor outside legal counsel handling City litigation matters and assist as needed; represent the City’s interests before state and federal courts.
6. Provide legal interpretation of Federal and State laws and regulations, local ordinances, codes and policies and court decisions.
7. Assist in drafting ordinances, ordinance amendments, resolutions, policies and contracts as needed.
8. Attend meetings and public hearings and render legal advice to the City Council, Staff, Boards and Commissions. 
9. Research and writing to prepare legal briefs and opinions.

 

1. Stay abreast of new laws, decisions and legal trends impacting municipal matters.
2.  Attend CLE seminars.
3. Supervise Assistant City Attorney(s).
4. Perform other administrative and legal duties as assigned.

Hours worked may exceed a traditional 40-hour work week and include evening meetings and working on weekends as necessary.

EDUCATION

Juris Doctorate or equivalent degree from an accredited law school.

EXPERIENCE

Five years of professional legal experience with progressive responsibility representing governmental entities concerning municipal litigation matters with a focus on code and zoning enforcement, tort claims, municipal court prosecution, employment and municipal related litigation.

Experience as an employee of a local governmental entity or law firm representing municipalities are preferred.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES

Membership in the State Bar of Texas.

Possession of or ability to obtain license for practice before U.S. District Court.   

Possession of a valid driver's license.

WORK SCHEDULE

Normal work schedule is 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and may include some evening meetings and working on weekends as necessary.

This position does not require a physical for employment.

Applicants with disabilities meeting the job requirements and capable of performing the essential functions of the job, either on their own or with reasonable accommodations, are encouraged to apply.