SENIOR ATTORNEY – PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT (REAL ESTATE)

City of Houston; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Houston's Legal Department seeks a planning and development attorney to handle matters related to Houston planning and development rules, especially in the absence of zoning. The role requires strong drafting and advisory capabilities within a municipal setting.

Reporting to the Legal Department, you will manage complex real estate transactions, participate in commissions, and contribute to diverse litigation and advisory work.

Qualifications

• Requires Doctor of Jurisprudence from an ABA-accredited college of law.
• Active Texas State Bar membership and eligibility for Federal court admission.
• Minimum 8 years of legal experience for Senior Assistant City Attorney I; 13 years for II.
• Preference for planning and development experience, especially in government.
• Excellent drafting, analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage high-level, complex real estate transactions and related matters, including land sales, acquisitions, eminent domain, leases, and title work.
• Handle planning and development issues, including land development regulations, historic preservation, tax increment reinvestment zones, and economic development agreements.
• Attend commission meetings to provide legal advice and guidance.
• Conduct Ethics Workshops annually for multiple commissions (Planning, Archeological, Historic Preservation, Tower, and related boards).

Skills

Legal drafting

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Planning & development experience

Education

Doctor of Jurisprudence

Job description

Position Overview

Applications accepted from: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED

Section: Real Estate

Reporting Location: 900 BAGBY
Workdays & Hours: MONDAY - FRIDAY 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM* *Subject to Change

Legal Department

The Office of the City Attorney for the City of Houston (the “OCA”) provides municipal legal services to the City, it selected and appointed officials, and its employees while adhering to the following guiding principles:

• Quality & Service - Achieving high customer satisfaction as judged by our clients.
• Partnership & Teamwork - Working cooperatively internally and with our clients to achieve the City’s goals.
• Integrity & Candor - Placing honesty and ethical behavior first.
• Dignity & Diversity - Promoting each person's value.
• Innovation & Imagination - Seeking novel and creative approaches to achieving the City’s objectives.

Position Overview

Applications accepted from: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED

Job Classification: SA

CA I - SACA I I

Department: Legal

Section: Real Estate

Reporting Location: 900 BAGBY
Workdays & Hours: MONDAY - FRIDAY 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM* *Subject to Change

Legal Department

The Office of the City Attorney for the City of Houston (the “OCA”) provides municipal legal services to the City, it selected and appointed officials, and its employees while adhering to the following guiding principles:

• Quality & Service - Achieving high customer satisfaction as judged by our clients.
• Partnership & Teamwork - Working cooperatively internally and with our clients to achieve the City’s goals.
• Integrity & Candor - Placing honesty and ethical behavior first.
• Dignity & Diversity - Promoting each person's value.
• Innovation & Imagination - Seeking novel and creative approaches to achieving the City’s objectives.

Composed of approximately 100 of Houston’s finest attorneys working in 10 legal practice sections, the OCA handles personal injury, commercial and civil rights litigation, major commercial and real estate transactions, and a diverse array of human resources, labor, and employment matters, while also counseling the municipal corporation on economic development, constitutional, election matters, ethics, and quality of life matters, and preparing City ordinances governing Houston and its citizens. Every member of the OCA must be committed to “Service Through Law.”

Essential Job Functions

The City of Houston seeks a solution-focused planning and development attorney to handle matters related to Houston planning and development rules and needs especially in the absence of zoning.

Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To

• Manage high-level, complex real estate transactions and services related to land sales and acquisitions, eminent domain proceedings, leases, abandonments, encroachments, rights of entry, abstract/title research and related matters.
• Handle legal matters related to planning and development issues including land development regulations, historic preservation, tax increment reinvestment zones created by the City, and economic development agreements negotiated by the City.
• Attend commission meetings to provide legal advice.
• Conduct Ethics Workshop once a year for the following commissions:
  • Planning Commission
  • Houston Archeological and Historical Commission
  • Historic Preservation Appeals Board
  • Tower Commission
  • Any other legal services that is typical to the department

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position is physically comfortable; the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc. There are no major sources of discomfort in a normal office environment.

Educational

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Requires a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an American Bar Association accredited college of law.

Experience

For Senior Assistant City Attorney I

Minimum of 8 years of experience practicing law.

For Senior Assistant City Attorney II

Minimum of 13 years of experience practicing law.

License

Must be an active member in good standing of the Texas State Bar and eligible for admission to Federal court. License to practice law in Texas must be kept current as a condition of employment.

PREFERENCES

Preference Will Be Given To Applicants With

• A minimum of 2 years of experience in planning and development practice, preferably in a governmental entity in Texas
• Exceptional drafting skills
• Excellent analytical and organizational skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Above-average academic performance
• Willingness to take the initiative to identify and solve business and legal issues
• Experience working with federal, state, and local agencies
• Member of at least one professional planning and development organization
• Proficiency with Office 365 and the use of technology in the practice of law
• Willingness to work extended hours as needed to accommodate work demands

**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.**

GENERAL INFORMATION

SELECTION/SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED: None

However, the Department may administer a skill assessment evaluation.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION: No

If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.

Salary Information

Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in the appropriate classification.

Pay Grade: TBD

Salary Range: Salary will be determined depending on qualifications.

EOE – Equal Employment Opportunity

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 based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.