MUNICIPAL PROSECUTION ATTORNEY

City of Houston; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Houston Legal Department seeks an energetic entry-level attorney to prosecute Class C misdemeanor cases under City Ordinances and Texas law before Houston Municipal Courts. The position may be filled as Assistant City Attorney I or Senior Assistant City Attorney III.

Candidates must hold a JD from an ABA-accredited law school, be a Texas Bar member in good standing, and be prepared for varied schedules including days, nights, and some weekends; strong written and oral advocacy,

Qualifications

• Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Active member in good standing of the Texas State Bar and eligible for admission to federal court.
• License to practice in Texas must remain current.
• Strong oral and written communication, analytical, and research skills.
• Familiarity with municipal or public law preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct citizen intakes and direct filing of charges.
• Research and analyze ordinances, statutes, case law, administrative opinions, procedural rules, and evidence; draft legal memoranda.
• Interact with the public, defense attorneys, judges, court personnel, police, and inspectors.
• Prepare and review discovery documents.
• Represent the City and the State in civil and administrative proceedings (e.g., dangerous dog, animal cruelty, tow hearings).
• Draft criminal complaints and legal opinions on criminal and municipal law.
• Advise city departments on ordinances and state statutes.
• Assist with special projects such as drafting legal opinions and ordinances.
• Work flexible schedules, including days, nights, and occasional weekends.

Skills

Oral and written communication

Research skills

Analytical thinking

Public interaction

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) ABA-accredited

Tools

Westlaw Edge

Office 365

Job description

Position Overview

The City of Houston Legal Department is seeking an energetic, motivated, and focused entry-level attorney to prosecute Class C misdemeanor cases arising under City Ordinances and other Texas laws before the Houston Municipal Courts. The position may be filled under the Assistant City Attorney I or Senior Assistant City Attorney III classifications.

About The Department

The Office of the City Attorney (OCA) provides high-quality municipal legal services to the City, its officials, and employees. Guided by principles of quality & service, partnership & teamwork, integrity & candor, dignity & diversity, and innovation & imagination, the OCA handles a broad range of matters including litigation, transactions, employment, ethics, and legislative drafting.

Essential Job Functions

• Conduct citizen intakes and direct filing of charges.
• Research and analyze ordinances, statutes, case law, administrative opinions, procedural rules, and evidence; draft legal memoranda.
• Interact extensively with the public, defense attorneys, judges, court personnel, police, and inspectors.
• Prepare and review discovery documents.
• Represent the City and the State in civil and administrative proceedings (e.g., dangerous dog, animal cruelty, tow hearings).
• Draft criminal complaints and legal opinions on criminal and municipal law.
• Advise city departments on ordinances and state statutes.
• Assist with special projects such as drafting legal opinions and ordinances.
• Work flexible schedules, including days, nights, and occasional weekends.

Working Conditions

The position is performed in a normal office environment with ample comfort and discretion for walking or standing as needed.

Minimum Requirements

Minimum Education

Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an ABA-accredited law school.

Minimum Experience

Assistant City Attorney I: No prior experience required. Senior Assistant City Attorney III: Minimum 18 years of practical legal experience.

License Requirement

Must be an active member in good standing of the Texas State Bar and eligible for admission to federal court. The license to practice in Texas must remain current.

Preferences

• Familiarity with municipal or public law.
• Comfort engaging with a diverse clientele.
• Experience in trial-based law school clinics or moot court.
• Excellent oral and written communication, analytical, and research skills.
• Above-average academic achievement.
• Knowledge of recent developments in Texas criminal statutes.
• Proficiency with Office 365 Suite, Westlaw Edge, and other legal technology.

Selection / Skills Tests Required

All applicants must submit a writing sample, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a current resume.

Salary Information

Pay will vary based on qualifications and comparable employee rates.

Equal Opportunity Employment

The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment on the basis of any legally protected status.