Assistant City Attorney IV - Municipal Operations

City of Austin•Austin, TX

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the direction of the City Attorney, the Assistant City Attorney IV provides legal services to and on behalf of the City. The role provides advanced legal advice to elected officials and senior and executive management on highly complex issues, conducts complex legal research, prepares legal documents, and represents the City in complex internal and external legal matters with significant political or financial impact. The position may also lead or assist with assignments that have substantial legal, political, operational, or financial implications. The position is in the Municipal Operations Division, which advises City Council and City staff on matters including finance, procurement, leases and permits, economic growth and development, budget, transportation, public health, and construction. The work is primarily transactional and may include supporting the Litigation Division and participating in alternative dispute resolution. The attorney may advise City Council in writing and at public or executive-session meetings, negotiate and draft contracts, conduct regulatory research, and prepare legal memoranda, resolutions, ordinances, City Code amendments, agenda postings, and other legal instruments. The role may include interim supervision of attorneys or staff, substantial mentoring and training of lower-level attorneys, and leadership of project or cross-Divisional teams. The position is not governed by the City's non-sworn Municipal Civil Service rules. The position has a 40-hour work week with flexible work hours and a hybrid schedule of three remote days and two on-site days, subject to City policy and supervisor approval. On-site work is primarily at Austin City Hall or another location designated by a supervisor.

Requirements

Graduation from an American Bar Association-accredited school of law.
Current active membership in good standing of the State Bar of Texas.
Twelve 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 clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to conduct thorough and accurate legal and factual research relevant to job assignments.
Ability to analyze and solve legal problems in a timely fashion.
Proficiency in 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 follow departmental administrative procedures and requirements.
Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with 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.
Experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex contracts, ordinances, resolutions, policies, and agreements.
Ability to represent an airport in complex negotiations and stakeholder meetings involving multiple parties.

Responsibilities

Provide advanced legal advice, with minimal or no supervision, to elected officials and senior and executive management on highly complex issues with potentially significant political or financial impact.
Conduct research, with minimal or no supervision, on complex legal issues with significant political or financial impact.
Prepare legal documents, with minimal or no supervision, concerning complex legal matters.
Act as a lead representative of the City in complex internal and external legal matters with significant political or financial impact.
Negotiate and draft contracts and other legal instruments, and conduct regulatory research.
Review and draft legal memoranda, resolutions, ordinances, City Code amendments, and agenda postings.
Advise City Council in writing and by presenting at City Council meetings, including public meetings and executive sessions.
Support the Litigation Division on cases involving Municipal Operations projects and participate in alternative dispute resolution processes as needed.
May supervise other attorneys or staff on an acting or interim basis.
Mentor and train lower-level attorneys on legal issues and legal skills, and may lead project teams or cross-Divisional work teams.