City Attorney

CITY OF GALVESTON; Galveston (TX); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Galveston seeks a City Attorney to serve as the chief legal officer, advising the Mayor, City Council, and management on governance, policy, and risk management. This executive role oversees the City Attorney’s Office and directs a broad municipal practice.

The ideal candidate holds a JD, at least ten years of municipal experience, admissions to the Texas Bar and Southern District, and residency in Galveston within 90 days of hire; strong leadership and litigation management skills

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• At least ten years of experience as a municipal lawyer.
• Licensed by the State Bar of Texas and admitted to the Southern District of Texas.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the City Attorney’s Office and provide strategic legal counsel to elected officials, the City Manager, and department heads.
• Draft and review ordinances, resolutions, contracts, and policies shaping City operations.
• Manage litigation, land use and zoning matters, labor relations, and economic development initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws and advise on regulatory changes affecting the City.

Skills

Municipal law

Civil litigation

Land use

Labor relations

Economic development

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

The City of Galveston is recruiting for a new City Attorney to join their wonderful coastal community with a population of just over 50,000 residents. Located on the upper Texas Gulf Coast just 50 miles southeast of Houston. Galveston Island is a major regional destination, attracting more than 7 million visitors annually and stretches 32 miles long and 2.5 miles wide.

Appointed by the Mayor & City Council, the new City Attorney will serve as their chief legal officer and trusted advisor, providing strategic legal guidance that advances the City’s mission, protects its interests, and supports transparent, effective governance. This highly visible executive leader oversees all legal affairs of the City, serving as legal counsel to elected officials, the City Manager, department leaders, boards, commissions, and committees. The City Attorney ensures that municipal operations, policy decisions, and legislative actions are carried out in full compliance with federal, state, and local laws while supporting the City's long-term strategic objectives.

As the head of the City Attorney’s Office, this position directs a comprehensive municipal law practice encompassing litigation management, land use and zoning, civil code enforcement, labor and employment matters, public procurement, contract administration, legislative affairs, risk management, and economic development initiatives. The City Attorney is responsible for drafting and reviewing ordinances, resolutions, contracts, policies, and other legal instruments that shape City operations and public policy. This leader also provides sound legal counsel on complex and often high-profile issues, helping City leaders navigate emerging legal challenges, regulatory changes, and matters of significant public interest. The City Attorney will oversee 5 FTEs to include a Sr. Assistant City Attorney, Assistant City Attorney (3) and an Executive Assistant, along with managing an annual operating budget of approximately $1,128,850.

A successful candidate for this role will be collaborative, adaptable, and decisive, with the ability to navigate sensitive and high-profile matters with tact, diplomacy, and discretion. Experience in municipal law, civil litigation, land use, dispute resolution, labor relations, and economic development initiatives, including HOT taxes, TIRZs and MUDs, is required.

Candidates shall have a Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree from an accredited law School AND ten years’ experience as a municipal lawyer, licensed by the State Bar of Texas and the Southern District of Texas at time of employment, as well as a member, in good standing, of the Texas Bar Association. As required by Galveston’s City Charter, the City Attorney shall reside and be domiciled in the City no later than ninety (90) days after the effective date of hire and shall continue to reside and be domiciled in the City while serving as City Attorney.