Associate Attorney

The Carlton Law Firm, P.L.L.C.; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The Carlton Law Firm PLLC in Austin, Texas seeks an Associate Attorney to support Emergency Services Districts and water utilities across Texas. You will develop governance and regulatory expertise, work with boards, engineers, and community stakeholders, and become a trusted advisor delivering essential services.

Ideal candidates value public service, communicate clearly, and show attention to detail. Experience in local government or public‑sector law is helpful but not required.

Qualifications

• Public service mindset and commitment to community impact.
• Strong written and verbal communication for diverse stakeholders.
• Attention to detail in governance, compliance, and regulatory matters.

Responsibilities

• Advise special districts on governance, compliance, and regulatory matters.
• Draft and review contracts, resolutions, policies, and filings.
• Guide clients through Open Meetings Act, Public Information Act, procurement laws, and elections.
• Support infrastructure projects and long‑term planning.
• Attend board meetings and provide practical legal counsel.
• Prepare for and participate in administrative hearings before Texas agencies.

Skills

Public service mindset

Clear communication

Detail-oriented

Curiosity about communities

Job description

Associate Attorney – The Carlton Law Firm PLLC (Austin, Texas)

Serve Texas Communities. Build a Purpose‑Driven Legal Career.

The Carlton Law Firm PLLC is seeking a motivated Associate Attorney to join our Austin‑based practice supporting Emergency Services Districts (ESDs) and water and wastewater districts across Texas. This is a unique opportunity to build a meaningful career in public‑sector law, working directly with the local governmental entities that provide fire protection, EMS, clean water, wastewater treatment, and essential infrastructure for growing communities.

As part of our team, you will develop deep expertise in governance, compliance, public meetings, procurement, regulatory matters, and long‑term infrastructure planning. You will work closely with boards, public officials, engineers, operators, and community stakeholders—becoming a trusted advisor to clients who rely on your guidance to deliver critical services.

What You’ll Do

• Advise special districts on governance, compliance, and operational matters
• Draft and review contracts, resolutions, policies, and regulatory filings
• Guide clients through the Texas Open Meetings Act, Public Information Act, procurement laws, and elections
• Support infrastructure projects, financing, and long‑term planning
• Attend board meetings and provide steady, practical legal counsel
• Prepare for and participate in administrative hearings before the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

Who You Are

• A mission‑driven attorney who values public service
• A clear, confident communicator who can explain complex issues to non‑lawyers
• Detail‑oriented, organized, and reliable under pressure
• Curious about how communities function and how essential services are delivered
• Interested in building long‑term client relationships and developing specialized expertise

Experience in local government, administrative law, or public‑sector work is helpful but not required. We welcome candidates with strong analytical skills, integrity, and a commitment to learning.

Why Join Us

• Meaningful work that directly impacts Texas communities
• Opportunities for long‑term professional growth in a specialized area of law
• A practice built on quality, integrity, efficiency, and responsiveness