Assistant City Attorney I - III Land Use and Real Estate

City of Austin•Austin, TX

21d•Hybrid

About The Position

This multi-level position provides legal services to and on behalf of the City under the direction of the City Attorney. Depending on level, the attorney may advise senior and executive management, elected officials, and City departments; conduct complex legal research; prepare legal documents; represent the City in internal and external legal matters; and assist with or lead assignments with significant legal, political, operational, or financial impact. Attorney positions in the Austin City Attorney’s Office are not governed by the City’s non-sworn Municipal Civil Service rules. The Land Use and Real Estate Division advises City departments on land use, housing, real estate, parks, permitting, and development. Division attorneys work with the Office of Real Estate Services, Animal Services Office, and Planning, Housing, Watershed Protection, Parks, and Development Services departments. They also provide legal support to the Planning Commission, Zoning and Platting Commission, Board of Adjustment, Building and Standards Commission, and Historic Landmark Commission. The position offers a 40-hour work week, 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. The role offers opportunities to advance within the attorney career ladder and participate in learning opportunities.

Requirements

Graduation from an American Bar Association-accredited school of law.
Current active membership in good standing of the State Bar of Texas.
Assistant City Attorney II: three full years of active practice as a licensed attorney.
Assistant City Attorney III: seven 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 clearly and effectively, 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 manner.
Proficiency in departmental computer systems and technology.
Effective law office organizational skills and ability to prioritize multiple tasks, interruptions, and shifting deadlines.
Ability to follow departmental administrative procedures and maintain good working relationships with City employees and the public.
License to practice law issued by the State Bar of Texas.

Nice To Haves

Experience in land use, zoning, real estate, construction, development, or single- and multi-family affordable housing developments.
Experience drafting and negotiating contracts or documents related to the formation, operation, and dissolution of business entities, including nonprofit corporations.
Experience advising governmental entities or nonprofit corporations.

Responsibilities

Provide legal advice to senior and executive management and elected officials, including on complex issues with potentially high political or financial impact.
Conduct research on complex legal issues relevant to City assignments.
Prepare legal documents for senior managers on routine or moderately complex matters.
Act as a lead or supporting representative of the City in internal and external legal matters with significant political or financial impact.
Assist other attorneys with more complex assignments.
At the Assistant City Attorney III level, provide some mentoring and training to lower-level attorneys on legal issues and skills.
Provide legal advice and counsel on land use, housing, real estate, parks, permitting, and development matters.
Provide legal support to City departments, commissions, and boards identified in the posting.