Senior Assistant City Attorney - Litigation

City of Mesquite•Mesquite, TX

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

The City of Mesquite seeks an experienced attorney to handle controversy matters involving code and zoning enforcement, tort claims, municipal court prosecution, employment, and other municipal-related litigation. The role includes providing legal advice and opinions to the City Council, staff, and boards and commissions, and attending evening meetings as needed. The attorney may also represent the City in internal administrative hearings and perform other duties assigned by the City Attorney. Following successful completion of probation, working remotely one day per week is allowed. The position provides legal assistance to City departments, manages cases, prepares for and tries cases, handles appeals, and monitors outside counsel handling City litigation. It also involves representing the City's interests before state and federal courts, interpreting laws and regulations, drafting legal documents, advising at meetings and public hearings, and preparing legal briefs and opinions. The position supervises Assistant City Attorney(s).

Requirements

Juris Doctorate or equivalent degree from an accredited law school.
Five years of professional legal experience with progressive responsibility representing governmental entities in municipal litigation matters, focused on code and zoning enforcement, tort claims, municipal court prosecution, employment, and municipal-related litigation.
Membership in the State Bar of Texas.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a license to practice before the U.S. District Court.
Possession of a valid driver's license.

Nice To Haves

Experience as an employee of a local governmental entity or at a law firm representing municipalities.

Responsibilities

Provide legal assistance to City departments, with emphasis on code and zoning enforcement, tort claims, employment matters, and occasional municipal court prosecution.
Manage cases, prepare for and try cases, and handle appeals.
Monitor outside legal counsel handling City litigation matters and assist as needed.
Represent the City's interests before state and federal courts.
Interpret federal and state laws and regulations, local ordinances, codes and policies, and court decisions.
Assist with drafting ordinances, ordinance amendments, resolutions, policies, and contracts.
Attend meetings and public hearings and provide legal advice to the City Council, staff, and boards and commissions.
Research and write legal briefs and opinions.
Stay informed about new laws, decisions, and legal trends affecting municipal matters.
Attend CLE seminars.
Supervise Assistant City Attorney(s).
Perform other administrative and legal duties as assigned.
Attend evening meetings and work weekends as necessary.