Assistant City Attorney III - Municipal Operations

City of Austin•Austin, TX

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the direction of the City Attorney, this position provides legal services to and on behalf of the City of Austin. The City of Austin is a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities, grounded in principles of Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee. The City emphasizes making a difference, valuing innovation, competitive benefits, retirement security, sustainable transportation, wellness, career growth, and modern workspaces. The Municipal Operations Division, where this role is situated, provides legal advice to City Council and City staff, handling complex matters relating to finance, procurement, leases and permits, economic growth and development, budget, transportation, public health, and construction. The work is transactional but may include support for the Litigation Division in cases involving their projects and participation in alternative dispute resolution processes. Attorneys advise City Council in writing as well as by presenting at City Council meetings, both in public and in executive sessions. The attorney may be responsible for negotiating and drafting contracts, conducting regulatory research, reviewing, and drafting legal memoranda, resolutions, ordinances, City Code amendments, agenda postings, and other legal instruments.

Requirements

Graduation from an American Bar Association accredited school of law.
Current active membership in good standing of the State Bar of Texas.
Seven (7) full years of active practice as a licensed attorney.
License to practice law issued by the State Bar of Texas.
Knowledge of substantive laws applicable to Texas local governments.
Knowledge of the City of Austin Charter, Code, and administrative policies and procedures.
Knowledge of relevant court procedures and rules of evidence.
Ability to communicate and present analysis and information both orally and in writing in a clear and effective manner.
Ability to conduct thorough and accurate legal and factual research relevant to the job assignment.
Ability to analyze and problem solve in a timely fashion on legal issues relevant to the job assignment.
Proficiency in use of Departmental computer systems and technology.
Effective law office organizational skills.
Ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks, schedule interruptions, and shifting time deadlines.
Ability to conform to Departmental administrative procedures and requirements.
Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.

Nice To Haves

Experience in airport law, including airport governance, operations, capital projects, and regulatory compliance.
Knowledge of relevant aviation law, federal grants, and transportation regulations.
Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex contracts, ordinances, resolutions, policies, and agreements.
Ability to represent the airport in complex negotiations and stakeholder meetings with multiple parties.
Handling pre-litigation disputes, claims, and resolutions, and monitoring and assisting with litigation cases.
Experience with commercial real estate transactions (leases, permits, concessions).
Experience with procurement and public contracting (including FAA-compliant processes).
Experience with land use, environmental review (NEPA/CEQA), sustainability, and aviation noise issues.
Experience with design and construction contracts for airport infrastructure.
Experience with public finance, grants, and intergovernmental agreements.
Experience with ground transportation and operational policies.
Experience with compliance with FAA regulations, ADA, Title VI, DBE programs, and security requirements.

Responsibilities

With minimal or no supervision, provides legal advice to senior and executive management, and to elected officials, on primarily complex issues that may have high political or financial impact.
May assist other attorneys on more complex assignments.
With minimal or no supervision, performs research on complex legal issues with moderate political or financial impact.
With minimal or no supervision, prepares legal documents for senior managers on routine or moderately complex matters.
With minimal or no supervision, acts as a lead or supporting representative of the City in internal and external legal matters that have significant political/ financial impact.
Provides some mentoring and training to lower-level attorneys on legal issues and legal skills.