Assistant City Attorney

Job Description

Job Summary
Under general direction of the City Attorney, performs a variety of legal responsibilities for the City of Bryan, including preparing and drafting briefs, pleadings, ordinances, resolutions, contracts, leases, permits, letters, memos and other documents; receives and reviews claims and lawsuits against the City and makes recommendations; provides written and oral legal opinions to departments, employees, and officers of the city; and prepares for and participates in court hearings, arbitrations, and trials on behalf of the city.
Essential Job Functions

• Provides legal support and advice to City staff, elected officials, and various boards and commissions.
• Recognizes, assesses, and analyzes potential liability and complex legal issues and keeps the City Attorney and City staff informed of the same.
• Researches legal issues and prepares legal opinions, memoranda, and correspondence.
• Prepares, drafts, and develops ordinances, resolutions, contracts, leases, easements, deeds, economic development incentive agreements, and other complex legal documents.
• Participates in a variety of meetings to provide legal advice, receive and convey information, and ensure Open Meetings Act compliance.
• Provides representation in general civil litigation and dispute resolution; prepares pleadings, briefs, motions, and other documents as required; assists with outside law firms and attorneys representing the City in litigation and other matters.
• Analyzes court rulings and legislation with regard to their effect on municipal government operations.
• Advises and supports City staff in responding to public inquiries, citizen complaints, and requests for information.
• Provides training to city staff and officials municipal law issues.
• Performs related duties as assigned.
• Responds regularly and promptly to work.

Minimum Qualifications
Required:

• Doctor of Jurisprudence from an accredited law school.
• Must possess five (5) years of practice as an attorney, and at least two (2) years of experience in municipal law or as an attorney in a Texas law firm with a significant public sector client base that includes municipal corporations. Public law experience may be substituted for municipal law experience.

Preferred:

• Experience in real estate, contract review, land use, and economic development.
• Experience in employment law, to include State Civil Service Chapter 143.

Licenses, Certifications & Special Requirements

• Must be licensed to practice law in Texas.
• Must be a member of the Texas State Bar.
• Texas Class C driver’s license with a good driving record as measured by the City’s evaluation system.