Deputy City Attorney

City of Friendswood • Friendswood, TX

1d

About The Position

The Deputy City Attorney provides legal services to the City under the direction and supervision of the City Attorney. The position handles day-to-day legal matters, routine counseling, contract and document review, and assigned litigation and administrative proceedings in support of the City Attorney. It requires superior writing, computer, organizational, and communication skills, initiative, independent thinking, and the ability to provide exceptional service to internal and external customers.

The Deputy City Attorney provides legal opinions and advice to City officials, staff, boards, and commissions; attends meetings as required; prepares ordinances and resolutions; handles public information requests; reviews legal and business documents; assists with budgets and personnel matters; and prosecutes municipal Class C offenses. The role may require 24-hour availability during emergency conditions.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law in Texas and in good standing.
• Five years of municipal law experience.
• Advanced computer skills and experience with applicable specialized programs, including Westlaw.
• Valid Texas Driver's License and a good driving record.
• CJIS Certification or ability to obtain it within one month of employment.
• Successful completion of FEMA IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, and IS-800, or ability to complete them successfully within the first year of hire.
• Superior writing, organizational, and communication skills; initiative; independent thinking; and ability to provide exceptional service to internal and external customers.

Nice To Haves

• Trial or administrative hearing experience.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

• Provide timely oral and written legal opinions on routine matters and as assigned by the City Attorney.
• Provide legal opinions and advice to the Mayor and City Council, City Manager, City Secretary, department directors, City staff, and boards and commissions.
• Attend board, commission, corporation, and City Council meetings as required; advise on agenda matters and help ensure compliance with applicable laws.
• Prepare assigned ordinances and resolutions and track items for City Council meetings.
• Review public information requests, draft Attorney General briefs, apply redactions based on exceptions and previous determinations, and prepare responses.
• Assist with budget development, monitor expenditures, and administer assigned program areas.
• Prepare and administer the department budget.
• Prepare and review contracts, deeds, leases, easements, insurance documents, bids, proposals, and other instruments to protect the City's interests and assess legality and sufficiency.
• Assist in drafting and reviewing personnel policies and operating procedures; advise supervisors on disciplinary actions; and assist with related documentation.
• Represent the City at Texas Workforce Commission hearings and appeals when assigned.
• Assist in drafting amendments to the City's charter and work with the Charter Review Committee on recommendations to City Council.
• Supervise and conduct prosecution of municipal Class C offenses, including case preparation and court appearances.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

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