Assistant City Attorney I - III Land Use and Real Estate

City of Austin•Austin, TX

22d•$80,190 - $131,700•Hybrid

About The Position

The Assistant City Attorney provides legal services to and on behalf of the City of Austin under the direction of the City Attorney. Depending on level, the position advises senior and executive management, elected officials, and City departments; conducts complex legal research; prepares legal documents; represents the City in internal and external legal matters; and assists with or leads complex assignments with significant legal, political, operational, or financial impact. Assistant City Attorney positions 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 matters. Its attorneys work closely 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 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.
License to practice law issued by 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 issues relevant to job assignments in a timely manner.
Proficiency in the use of departmental computer systems and technology.
Effective law office organizational skills.
Ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks, schedule interruptions, and shifting time deadlines.
Ability to conform to departmental administrative procedures and requirements.
Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with City employees and the public.

Responsibilities

Provide legal advice, with minimal or no supervision, to senior and executive management and elected officials on primarily complex issues that may have high political or financial impact.
Conduct research, with minimal or no supervision, on complex legal issues with moderate political or financial impact.
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 on more complex assignments.
At Assistant City Attorney III level, provide some mentoring and training to lower-level attorneys on legal issues and legal skills.