Attorney

New Braunfels Utilities•New Braunfels, TX

24d

About The Position

The Attorney is responsible for providing legal counsel and support to New Braunfels Utilities (“NBU”). NBU, as an agency of the City of New Braunfels, is subject to a wide range of local, state, and federal rules and regulations. Experience with municipal law, procurement law, public finance, real estate, construction law, regulatory compliance, and/or city ordinances is preferred. The ideal candidate would also possess transactional experience. The Attorney is expected to give practical advice and recommendations to NBU management and staff.

Requirements

Possesses strong critical analysis skills.
Positive energy, enthusiasm, flexibility, and confidence.
Possesses a strong sense of teamwork; ability to work effectively on multidisciplinary teams.
Prioritizes and organizes work effectively to meet deadlines and rapidly changing priorities.
Understands municipal codes and applicable state laws and federal statues; draws distinctions of municipal requirements and application in all situations.
Exercises attention to detail and exhibits a strong work ethic.
Possesses excellent writing and oral communication skills.
Possesses knowledge of legal references and limitations.
Demonstrates proficiency with technology.
Highly developed skills including issue identification, analysis and resolution through supervision, coordination, and use of internal and external staff and counsel.
Self-directed with the ability to work independently.
Ability to quickly assimilate role, responsibilities, and organization culture.
Commitment and adherence to the mission of NBU.
Bachelors and Juris Doctor
Three Years or More preferred
Must submit a legal writing sample
Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas
Excellent writing and oral communication skills
No adverse disciplinary history
Member in good standing of the State Bar of Texas
Valid Texas Driver's License

Nice To Haves

Experience in municipal law or public utilities is helpful

Responsibilities

Maintains the highest level of professional ethics.
Assists the Manager of the Legal Department in managing the legal department.
Provides legal counsel and support to NBU and conducts legal research.
Assists with drafting, reviewing, and negotiating numerous purchasing contracts on a regular basis.
Ensures that NBU operates within the appropriate legal governance framework, and takes responsibility for the identification and management of legal risks across all areas.
Views issues and concerns through NBU's perspective and focuses on the right outcome for NBU at all times.
Identifies key issues and proposes multiple possible solutions or resources needed to reach optimum solution for NBU.
Thinks first from principles rather than being solely guided by pre-established documents, procedures, processes, or historical practices.
Understands and respects NBU's standards, policies, City ordinances, and local, state, and federal regulations; reviews and/or provides legal direction for NBU policies.
Reads and reviews statutes, legal opinions, ordinances, and other documents to maintain knowledge of local, state, and federal legislation and jurisprudence affecting municipal utility operations, programs, and activities.
Investigates claims based upon applicable laws in a timely manner.
Assists with contract and business negotiations; drafts agreements that minimize risks and maximize NBU’s legal rights.
Assists in handling ethics inquiries, conducting ethics investigations, developing department materials, and conducting training.
Assists with legislative matters, including tracking proposed federal and state bills, analyzing proposed legislation, and collaborating with NBU's legislative team.
Assists with overseeing all aspects of litigation, including directing outside counsel, coordinating responses to discovery requests, and contributing to NBU's litigation tracking system.
Provides proactive advice in connection with areas such as purchasing, finance, contracts, real estate, labor and employment issues, litigation, government regulations, and technology agreements and licensing; anticipates issues and estimates risks strategically.
Coordinates and collaborates with outside counsel on legal matters requiring specialized legal expertise, ensuring that delivery, quality and budgetary standards are maintained.
Demonstrates legal and ethical stature, maturity, sound judgment, competence and confidence to operate with credibility at the Board, Executive, and management levels.
Possesses strong organizational, administrative, and time-management skills and excellent follow-up to ensure adherence to deadlines and efficient task completion.
Possesses excellent writing and oral communication skills.
Maintains objectivity while driving appropriate outcomes, manages multiple stakeholder requests, and promotes high business and legal standards.
Develops and utilizes peer group networks and external legal partners, ensures that all such relationships are effective, cost efficient, and fosters constructive outcomes on behalf of NBU.
Examines legal information to determine the advisability of prosecuting or defending lawsuits.
Reviews agendas for public meetings to ensure compliance with the Texas Open Meetings Act for public and executive session meetings.
Attends board meetings to stay informed about NBU.
Attends significant committee meetings, evening meetings, conferences, workshops, and other professional meetings which may require overnight travel.
Uses safe work practices at all times and in all situations.
Oversees the drafting and formalization of NBU resolutions.
Answers questions and provides training regarding the Public Information Act.
Prepares and submits requests for open records letter rulings and Attorney General opinions as needed.