Assistant City Attorney IV - Municipal Operations

City of Austin•Austin, TX

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The City of Austin is seeking an Assistant City Attorney IV for its Municipal Operations Division. This role involves providing advanced legal services to and on behalf of the City, under the direction of the City Attorney. The Municipal Operations Division offers legal advice to City Council and staff on complex matters including finance, procurement, leases, economic growth, budget, transportation, public health, and construction. The work is primarily transactional but may involve supporting the Litigation Division and participating in alternative dispute resolution. Attorneys in this role will advise City Council, negotiate and draft contracts, conduct regulatory research, and prepare various legal documents such as memoranda, resolutions, ordinances, and City Code amendments. The City of Austin emphasizes values like Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity, and offers a purposeful career with competitive benefits and opportunities for professional growth in a dynamic and innovative environment.

Requirements

Graduation from an American Bar Association accredited school of law.
Current active membership in good standing of the State Bar of Texas.
Twelve (12) full years of active practice as a licensed attorney.
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.
License to practice law issued by the State Bar of Texas.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with bond counsel in all phases of municipal bond transactions, including general obligation bonds, revenue bonds, refundings, lease-purchase financings, and tax increment financings.
Experience reviewing bond documents, resolutions, official statements, continuing disclosure agreements, and closing documents.
Experience advising clients on federal tax law issues related to tax-exempt and taxable municipal bonds, including private business use and post-issuance compliance.
Experience advising clients on complex finance and real estate transactions.
Experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex contracts, ordinances, resolutions, policies, and agreements.
Experience in representing the City in complex negotiations and stakeholder meetings with multiple parties.
Experience with handling pre-litigation disputes, claims, and resolutions, and monitoring and assisting with litigation cases.

Responsibilities

Provide advanced level legal advice to elected officials and senior and executive management on highly complex issues that may have high political/financial impact, with minimal or no supervision.
Assist other attorneys on other assignments.
Perform research on complex legal issues with a high level of political or financial impact, with minimal or no supervision.
Prepare legal documents on complex legal matters, with minimal or no supervision.
Act as a lead representative of the City in complex internal and external legal matters that have significant political/financial impact, with minimal or no supervision.
Supervise other attorneys or staff on an acting or interim basis.
Provide substantial mentoring and training to lower-level attorneys on legal issues and legal skills.
Lead project teams or cross-Divisional work teams.
Negotiate and draft contracts.
Conduct regulatory research.
Review and draft legal memoranda, resolutions, ordinances, City Code amendments, agenda postings, and other legal instruments.

Benefits

Generous leave
Work-life balance programs
Extensive benefits
Retirement Security (City of Austin Employees' Retirement System)
Sustainable Transportation Options (public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure)
Wellness programs
On-site fitness centers
Mental health support
Professional development opportunities
Leadership opportunities
Medical coverage
Dental coverage
Vision coverage
Paid leave time
Comprehensive retirement plan
Training opportunities
Opportunities to advance within our Attorney career ladder
Wide variety of learning opportunities