Assistant City Attorney I, II, or III - Utilities and Regulatory

City of Austin; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 103,000 - 132,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Paid leave

Retirement plan

Training opportunities

Job summary

City of Austin seeks an experienced Assistant City Attorney I-III to provide legal services under the City Attorney. The role covers advising senior management and elected officials, researching complex issues, drafting legal documents, and representing the City in various matters.

Position may involve leadership on complex transactions and collaborative work across City departments, utilities, and regulatory matters, with a focus on public service and municipal governance.

Qualifications

• Graduation from ABA-accredited law school and active Texas Bar license.
• Three (3) years of practice for Attorney II; seven (7) years for Attorney III.
• Experience with complex transactional or regulatory matters is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice to senior management and elected officials.
• Perform complex legal research and draft legal documents.
• Represent the City in internal and external matters.
• Lead or support complex assignments with significant impact.

Skills

Texas local government law

City charter/code

Court procedures

Oral & written communication

Legal research

Analytical skills

Tech proficiency

Organizational skills

Multitasking

Interpersonal skills

Education

ABA-accredited law degree

State Bar of Texas license in good standing

Job description

About This Position

This multi-level position provides legal services to and on behalf of the City under the direction of the City Attorney.

Depending on the level, the role may include providing legal advice to senior and executive management, elected officials, and City Departments; conducting complex legal research; preparing legal documents; representing the City in internal and external legal matters; and assisting with or leading complex assignments with significant legal, political, operational, or financial impact.

Job Description

Assistant City Attorney I, II, or III 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 minimal or no supervision, provides legal advice to senior and executive management, and to elected officials, on primarily complex issues that may have high political or financial impact. May assist other attorneys on more complex assignments.
• Legal Research: With minimal or no supervision, performs research on complex legal issues with moderate political or financial impact. May assist other attorneys on more complex assignments.
• Legal Writing: With minimal or no supervision, prepares legal documents for senior managers on routine or moderately complex matters. May assist other attorneys on more complex assignments.
• Legal Advocacy: With minimal or no supervision, acts as a lead or supporting representative of the City in internal and external legal matters that have significant political/ financial impact. May assist other attorneys on more complex assignments.
• Assistant City Attorney I-II Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised: None
• Assistant City Attorney III Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised: Supervision: None Leadership: Provides some mentoring and training to lower-level attorneys on legal issues and legal skills.

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.
• 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.
• 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

• Assistant City Attorney I Graduation from an American Bar Association accredited school of law. Current active membership in good standing of the State Bar of Texas.
• Assistant City Attorney II 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.
• Assistant City Attorney III Graduation from an American Bar Association accredited school of law. Current active membership in good standing of the State Bar of Texas. Seven (7) full years of active practice as a licensed attorney.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with or demonstrated interest in utility-related environmental law issues.
• Experience with or demonstrated interest in technology or privacy law.
• Experience with or demonstrated interest in drafting and negotiating complex transactions, such as IT projects; power, gas, and hedging transactions and trades; and other large purchase and acquisition transactions.
• Experience with or demonstrated interest in utility service offerings and contracts.
• Experience or demonstrated interest in in public contract law and public finance issues.
• Experience in the public or private sector advising clients regarding complex transactions.
• Familiarity with the structure and operation of the ERCOT market.

Licenses and Certifications Required

• License to practice law issued by the State Bar of Texas.

Compensation Range

• The annual hiring range for this position is $102,910.00-$131,700.00
• Assistant City Attorney I: $80,190.00 - $101,400.00
• Assistant City Attorney II: $89,190.00 - $115,100.00
• Assistant City Attorney III: $102,910.00 - $131,700.00

Notes to Candidate

Division Overview: The successful candidate will be assigned to the Utilities and Regulatory division of the Law Department and would be responsible for researching and providing legal advice in one or more of the following areas – City of Austin Utilities- Austin Water, Austin Energy, and Austin Resource Recovery; regulation of certain non-city owned utilities; general complex transactional matters, technology or information security, and compliance.

The work is transactional in nature and may include participation in alternative dispute resolution processes or support to the Litigation Division but does not include litigation.

The attorney will be responsible for providing ongoing support to City staff and management, including negotiating and drafting contracts, conducting research, reviewing and drafting legal memoranda or resolutions, ordinances, City Code amendments, agenda postings, and other legal instruments.

The attorney may also be responsible for preparing and making presentations at City Council meetings, both in public and in executive sessions.

The scope of the assigned duties may vary depending on the business needs of the client.

Work Location

We value a healthy work-life balance and currently offer a 40-hour work week with flexible work hours and a hybrid schedule of three days remote and two days on-site in accordance with the City’s policy and subject to supervisor approval. On-site work is primarily located at Austin City Hall, 301 W. 2nd Street, Austin 78701, or other location as designated by a supervisor.

Benefits

Working with the City of Austin offers numerous benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid leave time, a comprehensive retirement plan, training opportunities, and more.

Professional Growth and Development

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

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 – that anchor our delivery of 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.

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.