Assistant City Attorney IV - Municipal Operations Division

City of Austin • Austin, TX

8d • Onsite

About The Position

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. 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. Under the direction of the City Attorney, this position provides legal services to and on behalf of the City. The attorneys in the Municipal Operations Division provide legal advice to City Council and City staff and handle complex matters relating to finance matters, 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.
• 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 drafting and negotiating real estate transactions such as acquisitions for public projects, purchase and sale agreements, leases, license agreements, easements, and restrictive covenants.
• Experience in drafting and negotiating contracts with multiple parties and in finance transactions.
• Experience advising clients regarding contract disputes and experience in representing clients using dispute resolution processes.
• Experience in the public sector advising clients regarding complex transactions with developers for the development or redevelopment of public lands for economic development purposes, and real estate matters.
• Experience in aviation law or other federal regulatory matters.

Responsibilities

• Legal Advice: With minimal or no supervision, provides advanced level legal advice to elected officials and senior and executive management on highly complex issues that may have high political/ financial impact. May assist other attorneys on other assignments.
• Legal Research: With minimal or no supervision, performs research on complex legal issues with a high level of political or financial impact. May assist other attorneys on other assignments.
• Legal Writing: With minimal or no supervision, prepares legal documents on complex legal matters. May assist other attorneys on other assignments.
• Legal Advocacy: With minimal or no supervision, acts as a lead representative of the City in complex internal and external legal matters that have significant political/financial impact. May assist other attorneys on other assignments.
• Supervision: May supervise other attorneys or staff on an acting or interim basis.
• Leadership: Provides substantial mentoring and training to lower-level attorneys on legal issues and legal skills. May lead project teams or cross-Divisional work teams.

Benefits

• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.

What This Job Offers

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