Messer Fort | Senior City Attorney

Clear Career Professionals•Frisco, TX

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

North Texas is experiencing rapid growth, and Messer Fort is seeking a Senior City Attorney to play a leading role in its district and development finance practice. This role involves working on public improvement districts, tax increment reinvestment zones, and Chapter 380 agreements for clients primarily in North Texas. The attorney will collaborate directly with the two partners who lead this growing practice, offering an opportunity to build a long-term career within the firm.

Requirements

Juris Doctor and a Texas law license in good standing (required at hire).
Seven or more years of experience in municipal, public, or local government law.
Direct experience representing Texas cities or other political subdivisions, including advising governing bodies.
Demonstrated experience with Texas economic development or public finance tools.
Texas licensure and Texas land use experience.

Nice To Haves

Hands-on experience creating and administering PIDs and TIRZs.
Experience negotiating development agreements with private developers on behalf of a city.
Familiarity with MUD structures and consent negotiations from either side of the table.
Public finance experience, including work alongside bond counsel on assessment-backed or increment-backed debt.
A working understanding of how Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs) operate.
Established Texas practitioner with a service mindset and a collaborative style.

Responsibilities

Creation and administration of Public Improvement Districts (PIDs) under Chapter 372 of the Texas Local Government Code, including petitions, service and assessment plans, assessment ordinances and annual updates, reimbursement and financing agreements, and coordination with bond counsel and financial advisors on PID bond issuances.
Creation and administration of Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones (TIRZs) under Chapter 311 of the Texas Tax Code, including project and financing plans, TIRZ board support, and participation and development agreements.
Negotiation and drafting of Chapter 380 economic development agreements and related incentive structures.
Representing cities in negotiations with developers over district structures, including alternatives to municipal utility districts. This includes negotiating development agreements that provide cities with preferred outcomes.
Performing general city attorney work, such as drafting ordinances and resolutions, reviewing contracts, and providing counsel to city councils and staff. This includes attending council meetings and ensuring compliance with the Texas Open Meetings Act and Public Information Act.