Assistant City Attorney I (City Attorney's Office - Non Civil Service)

City of Dallas • Dallas, TX

19d

About The Position

The Assistant City Attorney I is the entry level attorney position which uses well established legal procedures and precedents to perform a variety of professional legal functions. Performs legal work requiring specialization in trial, prosecution, criminal law, or other types of legal work under supervision.

Requirements

• Knowledge of the principles of civil and criminal law, city ordinances, state laws, established precedents and sources of legal reference.
• Knowledge of court procedures and rules of evidence.
• Knowledge of the principles, methods, materials, practices and reference utilized in legal research.
• Ability to analyze, appraise, and organize facts, evidence and precedents relevant in assigned cases.
• Knowledge of correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Communicating effectively orally and in writing.
• Knowledge of customer service and related skills.
• Ability to use office machines and computer software.
• Ability to perform under pressure.
• Ability to prepare routine correspondence and communication.
• Establishing and maintaining strong and effective relationships.
• Texas Bar License
• Juris Doctorate Degree "Law Degree"

Responsibilities

• Prepares and presents cases in municipal court involving violations such as traffic, zoning, and comparable code violations; interviews police officers, inspectors, city employees, or other witnesses in cases involving the City of Dallas; discusses case strategies, progress, issues, and relevant law with superiors.
• Assists and supports attorneys of higher rank in preparing cases for trial; performs trial work involving civil or criminal cases; searches for, interprets, and applies laws, court decisions, and other legal authorities on points of law in the preparation of opinions.
• Negotiates and drafts contracts in order to procure goods and services for the City of Dallas; prepares contracts for construction, engineering, real estate development, ground leases, concessions, franchises, high technology, housing and economic development incentive agreements, and grant agreements.
• Prepares legal opinions, memoranda and data for the guidance of the departments in the city and represents departments in court proceedings; reviews and responds to open record requests as needed.
• Attends meetings with departmental officials and employees to advise on legal questions and impact of city decisions, policies, proposed actions, and procedures which should be followed; provides education on codes and related regulations.
• Studies state, federal and general municipal law for information and precedents bearing on city legal issues and works with superiors to resolve issues involving the City of Dallas; assists in real estate related research and lien processing.
• Performs any and all other work as needed or assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree