Assistant City Attorney I, II, or III - Utilities and Regulatory

City of Austin • Austin, TX

12d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Assistant City Attorney I, II, or III provides legal services to and on behalf of the City under the direction of the City Attorney. The position is assigned to the Utilities and Regulatory division of the Law Department and provides research and legal advice in areas that may include City of Austin utilities, regulation of certain non-city-owned utilities, complex transactions, technology or information security, and compliance. The role is transactional in nature and may involve alternative dispute resolution or support to the Litigation Division, but does not include litigation.

The attorney provides ongoing support to City staff and management, including negotiating and drafting contracts; conducting research; and reviewing or drafting legal memoranda, resolutions, ordinances, City Code amendments, agenda postings, and other legal instruments. The attorney may also prepare and deliver presentations at City Council meetings, including public and executive sessions. Assigned duties may vary according to client business needs. Depending on level, the role may advise senior and executive management and elected officials on complex issues, conduct complex 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. Assistant City Attorney III provides some mentoring and training to lower-level attorneys.

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 and a license to practice law issued by the State Bar of Texas.
• For Assistant City Attorney II: three full years of active practice as a licensed attorney.
• For 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 assigned work.
• Ability to analyze and solve legal problems in a timely manner.
• Proficiency using departmental computer systems and technology.
• Effective law office organizational skills.
• Ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks, interruptions, and shifting deadlines.
• Ability to conform to departmental administrative procedures and requirements.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with City employees and the public.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with or demonstrated interest in utility-related environmental law issues.
• Experience with or demonstrated interest in technology or privacy law.
• Experience with or demonstrated interest in drafting and negotiating complex transactions, such as IT projects; power, gas, and hedging transactions and trades; and other large purchase and acquisition transactions.
• Experience with or demonstrated interest in utility service offerings and contracts.
• Experience or demonstrated interest in public contract law and public finance issues.
• Experience in the public or private sector advising clients regarding complex transactions.
• Familiarity with the structure and operation of the ERCOT market.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice to senior and executive management and elected officials, including on complex matters with potentially significant political or financial impact.
• Conduct legal and factual research on complex legal issues.
• Prepare legal documents and legal instruments, including memoranda, resolutions, ordinances, City Code amendments, and agenda postings.
• Represent the City as a lead or supporting representative in internal and external legal matters.
• Provide ongoing legal support to City staff and management.
• Negotiate and draft contracts, including complex transactions.
• Prepare and make presentations at City Council meetings, including public and executive sessions, as needed.
• Participate in alternative dispute resolution processes or support the Litigation Division as needed; the role does not include litigation.
• At the Assistant City Attorney III level, provide some mentoring and training to lower-level attorneys on legal issues and skills.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Paid leave time.
• Comprehensive retirement plan.
• Training opportunities.
• Opportunities to advance within the Attorney career ladder and access to learning opportunities.
• Wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
• Professional development and leadership opportunities.
• Access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.

What This Job Offers

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