Assistant City Attorney IV - Municipal Operations

City of Austin•Austin, TX

12h•Hybrid

About The Position

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 offers a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values its employees. The City provides a comprehensive compensation package, retirement security, sustainable transportation options, wellness programs, career growth, and modern workspaces. This position, Assistant City Attorney IV - Municipal Operations, provides advanced legal services to and on behalf of the City under the direction of the City Attorney. The Municipal Operations Division attorneys provide legal advice to City Council and City staff, handling complex matters related to finance, procurement, leases, permits, economic growth and development, budget, transportation, public health, and construction. The work is primarily transactional but may involve supporting the Litigation Division and participating in alternative dispute resolution processes. Attorneys advise City Council through written communications and presentations at public and executive sessions, and are 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

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.
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.
License to practice law issued by the State Bar of Texas.

Nice To Haves

Experience in construction law, infrastructure projects, public works, or related public contracting matters.
Advising clients on construction matters, construction disputes, and/or alternate methods of project delivery.
Advising clients on public procurement, bids, and contractor performance issues.
Drafting and negotiating contracts, and updating standard form contracts and agreements based on changes in laws, rules, and regulations.
Handling pre-litigation disputes, claims, and resolutions.
Representing clients in alternative dispute resolution procedures, 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.
Assist other attorneys on other assignments.
Perform research on complex legal issues with a high level of political or financial impact.
Prepare legal documents on complex legal matters.
Act as a lead representative of the City in complex internal and external legal matters that have significant political/financial impact.
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.
Provide legal advice to City Council and City staff.
Handle complex matters relating to finance matters, procurement, leases and permits, economic growth and development, budget, transportation, public health, and construction.
Support for the Litigation Division in cases involving their projects.
Participate in alternative dispute resolution processes.
Advise City Council in writing as well as by presenting at City Council meetings, both in public and in executive sessions.
Negotiate and draft contracts.
Conduct regulatory research.
Review and draft legal memoranda, resolutions, ordinances, City Code amendments, agenda postings, and other legal instruments.

Benefits

Comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
Retirement Security with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
Sustainable Transportation Options with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
Wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
Professional development and leadership opportunities.
Modern Workspaces in innovative and sustainable environments.
Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Paid leave time.
Comprehensive retirement plan.
Training opportunities.
Opportunities to advance within the Attorney career ladder.
Wide variety of learning opportunities.