Assistant City Attorney

City of Victoria; Victoria (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Victoria seeks an Assistant City Attorney to serve as primary legal representative for city departments, boards, and commissions. The role includes prosecuting municipal court cases and providing legal opinions, with emphasis on research and collaboration with city staff.

The ideal candidate holds a JD and Texas bar license, possesses strong written and verbal communication, and can coordinate with outside counsel while maintaining city policies and procedures.

Qualifications

• JD required and licensed attorney; strong knowledge of legal practices.
• Experience in municipal/government law preferred.
• Valid Driver License required.
• Knowledge of administrative, management, and legal procedures.
• Proficiency with research methods and computerized legal research.

Responsibilities

• Prosecute municipal court cases, including Class C misdemeanors and city code violations.
• Provide oral and written legal opinions and review contracts and ordinances.
• Prepare and present legal arguments, cases, and evidence in court.
• Collaborate with city departments, enforcement, and legal staff on violations.
• Coordinate with outside counsel and assist with discovery and motions.
• Represent the City in state and federal administrative proceedings.

Skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Legal research

Organization

Problem solving

Education

Juris Doctor

Licensed attorney (Texas)

Tools

Office software

Legal research tools

Job description

Under the direction of the City Attorney, acts as legal counsel for the city, city council, city manager and departments, boards. and commissions of the city. Conducts research, provides data, makes recommendations, and implements solutions to achieve goals and objectives. Legal work is performed with considerable latitude in the use of initiative and independent judgment. Seeks technical guidance on unusual or complex situations. As part of the Assistant City Attorney role, responsibilities include functioning as a municipal court prosecutor. Key duties include:

• Prosecuting cases in municipal court, including Class C misdemeanors and city code violations.
• Handling inquiries and complaints related to municipal court matters.
• Preparing and presenting legal arguments, cases, and evidence in court proceedings.
• Collaborating with city departments, enforcement personnel, and legal staff to address violations effectively.

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. 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:

• Under the direction of the City Attorney, serves as primary legal representative for various city departments, boards, and commissions of the city in legal matters as follows:
  • Renders oral and written legal opinions.
  • Prepares and reviews contracts and legal agreements.
  • Prepares ordinances and resolutions, providing legal review and approval.
  • Prepares real estate documents and identifies problems and solutions in real estate transactions.
  • Reviews state and federal legislation, judicial decisions and administrative decisions affecting municipal operations.
  • Receives questions and complaints from the public and resolves as appropriate.
• Works with City Manager, Council, department representatives, outside attorneys, insurance representatives, and various community groups when obtaining or providing information about city legal matters. Interacts with other departments when coordinating work projects or activities or providing information regarding legal matters and insurance claims.
• Functions as a municipal court prosecutor.
• Prosecutes cases in municipal court as assigned. Answers inquiries and complaints regarding municipal court matters. Performs complaint intake screening for Class C and City Code violations from enforcement personnel.
• Coordinates with outside counsel as necessary. Assists outside counsel by responding to discovery, reviewing briefs and motions, locating documents, and researching municipal issues.
• Develops and maintains good working relationships with city employees, elected and appointed officials, and members of the public.
• Continues professional development by attending seminars and reviewing professional literature.
• Substitutes for City Attorney as assigned.
• Makes recommendations for purchases during the annual budget process. Monitors expenditures during the year.
• Represents the City in state and federal administrative proceedings.
• Performs related duties as required or assigned.

Work is performed in a standard office environment.

• Juris Doctor degree required
• Three (3) years of experience as a licensed attorney for a municipality or in government law preferred
• Valid Driver License
• Licensed by the State Bar of Texas.
• Knowledge of administrative, management, and legal practices, including research methods and procedures.
• Proficiency in using office equipment, software, and conducting computerized legal research, with the ability to analyze problems and implement solutions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to represent the city’s position effectively and prepare clear, concise reports.
• Ability to organize work, set priorities, and interact tactfully with staff, agencies, and the public.
• Understanding of office policies, records retention practices, and program evaluation techniques.