Assistant City Attorney IV or V - General Counsel

City of Austin•Austin, TX

4d•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 the level, the role provides advanced legal advice to elected officials and senior and executive management; researches complex legal issues; prepares legal documents; and represents the City in complex internal and external legal matters with significant political or financial impact. The position may supervise attorneys or staff on an acting or interim basis, mentor and train lower-level attorneys, and lead project teams or cross-divisional teams. The General Counsel Division advises City departments and operations on employment, labor relations, and civil legal issues. Its work includes risk analysis and mitigation, compliance with employment and labor relations standards, drafting and interpreting policies and other documents, and representing City management in civil service appeals and external administrative claims concerning employment, labor relations, and civil service issues. The position offers 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.
Assistant City Attorney IV: 12 full years of active practice as a licensed attorney.
Assistant City Attorney V: 18 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, orally and in writing.
Ability to conduct thorough and accurate legal and factual research relevant to the assignment.
Ability to analyze and solve legal problems in a timely fashion.
Proficiency in using departmental computer systems and technology.
Effective law office organizational skills.
Ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks, interruptions, and changing deadlines; follow departmental administrative procedures; and maintain good working relationships with City employees and the public.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated experience litigating employment, civil service, labor disputes, or similar matters before courts or independent third-party arbitrators is highly preferred.
Demonstrated knowledge and experience working with public safety agencies to provide general legal counsel, with a focus on labor and employment matters, is desired.

Responsibilities

Provide advanced legal advice to elected officials and senior and executive management on highly complex issues with significant political or financial impact.
Conduct research on complex legal issues with significant 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 with significant political or financial impact.
Mentor and train lower-level attorneys on legal issues and legal skills.
May supervise other attorneys or staff on an acting or interim basis.
May lead project teams or cross-divisional work teams.
Provide counsel on employment, labor relations, and civil legal issues, including risk analysis and mitigation, compliance, and drafting or interpreting policies and other documents.
Represent City management in civil service appeals and external administrative claims involving employment, labor relations, and civil service issues.

Benefits

Medical coverage
Dental coverage
Vision coverage
Paid leave time
Comprehensive retirement plan
Training opportunities
Professional development and learning opportunities
Wellness programs
On-site fitness centers
Mental health support
Sustainable transportation options, including access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure