Assistant City Attorney

City of Sugar Land • 2700 Town Center Blvd Sugar Land, TX

1d

About The Position

The City of Sugar Land is seeking an experienced municipal attorney with strong knowledge of Texas law to join its City Attorney's Office. The Assistant City Attorney provides legal advice and services to City officials, departments, boards, and commissions; drafts and reviews legal documents and legislation; advises on public information and open-government matters; and supports municipal court operations. The role also involves monitoring legal developments, preparing written materials for City decision-making, and serving as an essential employee during emergencies and disasters.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited school of law recognized by the American Bar Association.
• Licensed to practice law by the State Bar of Texas and in good standing with the Bar.
• At least five years of legal practice experience.
• Valid Texas driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

Nice To Haves

• Municipal law experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal counsel and advice to the City Manager, City Council, boards and commissions, department directors, and employees on legal matters affecting City operations, including statutory and constitutional requirements, elections, open-government laws, employment matters, public information, and departmental policies and procedures.
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts and other legal documents involving the City, including agreements concerning goods, services, construction, utility franchises, economic development incentives, tax abatements, development projects, real estate acquisitions, leases, deeds, and easements.
• Develop and maintain standard contract forms and negotiate terms with outside attorneys, vendors, property owners, and other representatives.
• Research and analyze statutes, case law, administrative regulations, and other legal authorities; advise City officials and departments; evaluate legal issues; and identify potential risks and liabilities.
• Draft and review ordinances, resolutions, and related City Council agenda materials for legal sufficiency and compliance with applicable laws.
• Review and respond to Public Information Act requests, submit opinion requests to the Texas Attorney General's Office as necessary, and advise the City Clerk's Office on redactions under statutory requirements and Attorney General opinions.
• Attend meetings of City boards and commissions and provide legal and procedural advice to ensure compliance with applicable laws and protect the interests of the City and its boards and commissions.
• Conduct orientation and provide training for City boards and commissions on applicable laws, procedures, ethics, and other legal requirements.
• Assist the Deputy City Attorney with municipal court operations, including prosecuting cases when the Deputy City Attorney is unavailable or additional prosecutorial support is needed.
• Compile, evaluate, and analyze legal and operational information and prepare reports, recommendations, and other written materials to support City decision-making.
• Monitor proposed and enacted legislation, judicial decisions, regulatory changes, and developments in municipal law, and evaluate their potential impact on City operations, policies, procedures, and legal obligations.
• Serve as an essential employee during emergencies and disasters and perform required duties before, during, and after such events.
• Maintain knowledge of and comply with City and departmental policies, procedures, and applicable requirements.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the City Attorney or designee.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage starting on the first day.
• TMRS pension with a 2:1 City match.
• 457(b) options.
• Paid holidays and vacation.
• Paid parental leave.
• Wellness programs, mental health resources, and an employee assistance program.
• Professional development programs, training opportunities, and career advancement opportunities.

What This Job Offers

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