Assistant City Attorney IV - Municipal Operations

State Bar of Texas; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 104,000 - 134,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Austin seeks an Assistant City Attorney IV for Municipal Operations to provide advanced legal services to City officials and management on highly complex matters, including procurement, finance, construction, and regulatory compliance.

The position offers a 40-hour work week with a hybrid schedule (three days remote, two on-site) at Austin City Hall, with mentoring responsibilities and opportunities to lead project teams within the Municipal Operations Division.

Qualifications

• Graduation from ABA-accredited law school and admission to practice in Texas.
• Active Texas Bar membership in good standing required.
• At least 12 years of active practice as a licensed attorney.

Responsibilities

• Provide advanced legal advice to elected officials and senior management on highly complex issues with political or financial impact.
• Perform in-depth legal research on complex issues and draft legal documents and memoranda.
• Lead as a representative of the City in internal and external matters and mentor junior attorneys.
• Supervise attorneys or staff on an acting basis as needed.

Skills

Legal advice

Legal research

Legal writing

Legal advocacy

Supervision

Mentoring

Communication skills

Time management

Education

ABA-accredited law school

Active State Bar of Texas

Twelve years of active practice

Tools

Departmental computer systems

Job description

Assistant City Attorney IV - Municipal Operations

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 advanced level legal advice to elected officials and senior and executive management on highly complex issues that may have high political/ financial impact. May assist other attorneys on other assignments.
• Legal Research:With minimal or no supervision, performs research on complex legal issues with a high level of political or financial impact. May assist other attorneys on other assignments.
• Legal Writing:With minimal or no supervision, prepares legal documents on complex legal matters. May assist other attorneys on other assignments.
• Legal Advocacy:With minimal or no supervision, acts as a lead representative of the City in complex internal and external legal matters that have significant political/financial impact. May assist other attorneys on other assignments.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

• Supervision:May supervise other attorneys or staff on an acting or interim basis.
• Leadership: Provides substantial mentoring and training to lower-level attorneys on legal issues and legal skills. May lead project teams or cross-Divisional work teams.

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:

• Graduation from an American Bar Association accredited school of law.
• Current active membership in good standing of the State Bar of Texas.
• Twelve (12) full years of active practice as a licensed attorney.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

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

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in construction law, infrastructure projects, public works, or related public contracting matters.
• Advising clients on construction matters, construction disputes, and/or alternate methods of project delivery.
• Advising clients on public procurement, bids, and contractor performance issues.
• Drafting and negotiating contracts and updating standard form contracts and agreements based on changes in laws, rules, and regulations.
• Handling pre-litigation disputes, claims, and resolutions.
• Representing clients in alternative dispute resolution procedures, and monitoring and assisting with litigation cases.

Notes to Candidate:

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.

Salary:

$104,300.00 - $134,000.00 annually

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. Click HERE for more information.

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.

Division Overview:

Municipal Operations Division: The attorneys in the Municipal Operations Division provide legal advice to City Council and City staff, and handle complex matters relating to finance matters, procurement, leases and permits, economic growth and development, budget, transportation, public health, and construction. The work is transactional but may include support for the Litigation Division in cases involving their projects and participation in alternative dispute resolution processes. Attorneys advise City Council in writing as well as by presenting at City Council meetings, both in public and in executive sessions. The attorney may be responsible for negotiating and drafting contracts, conducting regulatory research, reviewing, and drafting legal memoranda, resolutions, ordinances, City Code amendments, agenda postings, and other legal instruments.

Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

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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.
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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. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call [phone] or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.