City Attorney

City of Galveston; United States; On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Galveston seeks a qualified City Attorney to serve as the legal advisor to all officials and departments. The role involves drafting and reviewing ordinances, resolutions, policies, and contracts to ensure compliance with state and federal laws.

Responsibilities include representing the City in litigation, coordinating with outside counsel, and advising City leadership on legal issues. Requires JD and Texas bar licensure, with extensive municipal law experience.

Qualifications

• JD required with Texas bar license.
• Experience in municipal law and city governance.
• Experience with land use, labor relations, and civil service law.

Responsibilities

• Drafts and reviews ordinances, resolutions, policies, and contracts for City Council review.
• Represents the City in legal actions including mediation, arbitration, and hearings.
• Coordinates with outside counsel regarding litigation on behalf of the City.
• Informs and advises City Council, City Manager, and staff on legal issues.
• Attends City Council and committee meetings to provide legal guidance.
• Assists in research and writing of legal opinions and city policy analysis.

Skills

Municipal law

Civil litigation

Legal research

Administrative law

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

An island community rich in history and opportunity, Galveston is the ideal place to live, work and raise a family!

SUMMARY

Under the direction of the City Council, the City Attorney is the legal advisor and attorney for all officials, officers, and departments of the City and represents the City in all litigation and proceedings, including the prosecution of cases before the Municipal Court. Work involves drafting and reviewing ordinances, resolutions, policies and procedures, and contracts prior to consideration by the City Council to ensure compliance with state, federal, and local laws. Emphasis is placed on municipal law, civil code enforcement, land use, zoning, labor relations, and legislative interpretation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. 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:

• Directs the City Attorney's Office and prepares department budget.
• Represents the City in legal actions including mediation, arbitration, and administrative hearings.
• Coordinates with outside counsel regarding litigation on behalf of the City.
• Informs and advises City Council, City Manager, Department Heads, staff and a various boards, committees and commissions regarding legal issues.
• Researches and prepares oral and written legal opinions for City Council, City Manager, Department Heads, staff, committees commissions and boards.
• Attends City Council and committee meetings.
• Prepares, city ordinances, resolutions, contracts, and other legal documents involving the City.
• Performs related work as required by City Council.
• Supports the relationship between the City of Galveston and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.
• Employees may at any time be required to work in order to provide for the safety and well‑being of the general public, including the delivery and restoration of vital services, in the event of an emergency.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Effective communication and legal research. Self-Motivated requiring no supervision. Assumes responsibility and completes assigned task promptly and professionally. Experience in municipal law, land use, labor relations, civil service, administrative, and state and federal laws.
• Knowledge of civil litigation and administrative hearings.
• Knowledge of municipal, state, federal, and constitutional law affecting municipal government.
• Knowledge of Civil Service and collective bargaining.
• Ability to analyze and prepare a variety of legal documents.
• Ability to conduct a research and write legal opinions.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to maintain working relationships with municipal officials and the general public.
• Business and personal computers, and spreadsheet software applications.
• Managing situations requiring diplomacy, fairness, firmness and sound judgment.
• Building effective work teams and providing efficient customer service.
• Managing staff; delegating tasks and authority and providing coaching to improve staff performance.
• Understanding and applying City policies and procedures, and applicable federal and state regulations.
• Explaining City policies and procedures.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with all levels within the City.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree from an accredited law School; Licensed by the State Bar of Texas and the Southern District of Texas; AND ten years’ experience as a municipal lawyer, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION

Possession of a valid Texas driver’s license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed primarily in a standard office environment. Must be able to operate a variety of automated office machines including computers, typewriters, calculators, copiers, facsimiles machines. Must be able to move around in an office environment.

Compensation Range DOQ

The City of Galveston is an equal opportunity employer and will consider only the qualifications of the applicants.

The City does not tolerate any form of discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, or physical/mental disability in employment or provision services.

Galveston Island is a coastal barrier island located along the Gulf Coast of Texas. Galveston's convenient coastal location along with its close proximity to Houston, has contributed to the city becoming the economic engine it is today - including being the employment center of Galveston County. The City of Galveston has a population of approximately 50,000 and is home to key industries in medicine, education and maritime.

KYLIE WILSON Principal HR Consultant Email: [e-mail] Website www.cpshr.us/search