Assistant City Attorney - Legal

City of Temple•Temple, TX

About The Position

The Assistant City Attorney provides a wide variety of municipal legal services under the general supervision of the City Attorney. This role advises assigned City departments, boards, and commissions on diverse legal matters and ensures compliance with state and federal laws. Responsibilities include drafting and reviewing ordinances, resolutions, policies, contracts, and other legal instruments. Additionally, the position performs complex legal research and analysis to provide actionable guidance on municipal law issues to City officials and the public. Please note that a cover letter is required with resume submission.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited law school
Two (2) years of experience as a practicing attorney
Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas
Member in good standing of the Texas State Bar Association
Valid driver's license

Nice To Haves

Two (2) years of experience representing governmental entities, preferably with experience in eminent domain, real estate, public works, utilities or other similar area of law

Responsibilities

Reviews, analyzes, interprets, prepares and drafts legal documents
Negotiates revisions, changes, and additions to contractual agreements, such as agreements, leases, resolutions, and/or ordinances
Serves as legal advisor to City Departments, Boards and Commissions as assigned by the City Attorney, and provides professional advice to assigned departments on issues involving city policies, state law, employment, and other pertinent legal issues
Performs complex legal research, analyzes, and prepares formal legal opinions in response to proposals, questions, and issues presented to the City Attorney’s office from the City Council, City Manager, Boards, Commissions, and City Departments
Drafts and reviews various legal documents related to municipal operations including contracts, ordinances, resolutions, releases, agreements, deeds, leases, franchises, and other legal documents as required
Reviews and provides interpretation and opinions relating to legislation, case law, and regulatory requirements directly or indirectly affecting all aspects of municipal interest; keeps abreast of court decisions and legislative changes, and advises City officials regarding the same
Gathers, interprets, and prepares information for studies, reports and recommendations; coordinates departmental activities with other departments and agencies as needed
Maintains working knowledge of modern policies and practice of municipal law and public administration
Maintains knowledge of federal and state laws and court decisions affecting cities, the City Charter, and the City Code of Ordinances; assists departments to ensure all state laws and reporting requirements are followed
Makes presentations to City Council, Boards, Commissions, civic groups, and the general public as assigned
Reviews and responds to subpoenas, assists with litigation preparation, and coordinates with outside counsel in matters related to assigned departments, Boards or Commissions. May be required to attend hearings related to such matters
Demonstrates the ability to efficiently carry out assigned projects to satisfactory completion; ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, city officials, and the general public
Meets continuing legal education requirements set by the State Bar for practicing attorneys and maintains all licensing requirements
Demonstrates basic knowledge and skill in operation of office equipment, computer programs, and software
Follows City policies, procedures, and safety guidelines
Performs other duties as assigned