Assistant City Attorney

JOB SUMMARY

The Assistant City Attorney provides legal counsel and representation to the City organization to support effective governance, compliance, and decision-making. This position ensures that City operations, policies, and actions adhere to applicable laws and regulations by conducting legal research, preparing legal documents, advising City departments, and representing the City in administrative, regulatory, and judicial matters. The role also supports the City Attorney in complex legal issues and may serve in their place when required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following list highlights the main responsibilities of this position. While it covers the core tasks, it may not include every duty that could be assigned. The employee may be asked to take on other responsibilities as needed to support the team and department.

• Provide legal counsel and research-based guidance to City departments, City boards, and commissions.
• Draft contracts, ordinances, policies, real estate documents, and development or economic incentive agreements.
• Participate in negotiations involving City management and external parties.
• Assist and act on behalf of the City Attorney as required, including representation before City Council.
• Represent the City in regulatory matters with state and federal agencies.
• Meet with governmental agencies, private entities, property owners, and other stakeholders regarding legal issues involving the City.
• Prepare and deliver legal opinions, research summaries, and guidance on municipal legal matters.
• Provide direction to legal support staff by assigning and reviewing work tasks.
• Prosecute Class C misdemeanor cases in Municipal Court if the prosecutor is unavailable.
• Perform other legal and advisory duties to support City operations.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS & PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
• Five years of legal experience as an attorney.
• Licensed to practice law by the Supreme Court of Texas.
• Valid Texas Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Five or more years of Texas municipal law experience.
• Experience drafting or negotiating governmental agreements and municipal documents.
• Experience working with boards, commissions, or governmental agencies.

COMPETENCIES AND ENVIRONMENT

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations, codes, ordinances, and statutes.
• Skill in performing legal research and preparing complex legal documents.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to maintain effective working relationships with City officials, staff, boards, commissions, and the public.
• Ability to work extended hours, including evenings, when required for meetings.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position requires occasional lifting of up to 15 pounds. Work involves constant sitting and visual work, with frequent handling, fine dexterity, hearing, and speaking. Occasional activities include standing, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling, reaching, and operating foot controls. Rare climbing may be required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is primarily performed in a standard office setting with frequent interaction with City staff, boards, commissions, and external parties. The role requires sustained attention to detail, the ability to manage multiple priorities, and availability for evening meetings or extended work hours as needed.

The City of San Marcos offers its employees a broad range of benefits to enhance their personal and occupational lives. We are committed to a total rewards strategy that provides employees with competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and an environment that supports a healthy work/life balance.

View Our Benefits Guide.

BENEFITS
Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage

• United Healthcare
  • Choice Plus PPO Plan
  • Prescription Drug Plan
  • Wellness Initiatives
  • Virtual Doctor Visits 24/7
  • Dental Plan
• Davis Vision Insurance
  • Base Vision Plan
  • Premium Vision Plan
  • Laser Vision Correction discounts

Retirement

• Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS)
• Mission Square Retirement Corporation - optional 457-deferred compensation plan & Roth IRA

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

• Flexible Spending Accounts
• City paid Life and AD&D Insurance
• Voluntary Life, AD&D and Long Term Disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Vacation
• Sick Leave
• Holidays
• Longevity Pay
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Activity Center Membership
• Direct Deposit

The City of San Marcos strives to provide employees with an opportunity for a flexible and positive work/life balance. Employees in eligible positions are offered remote telework options of up to two days per week or 40% of an employee's scheduled work hours. Remote telework eligibility will be determined by department directors to ensure the City provides quality services.

Closing Date/Time: 7/21/2026 11:59 PM Central

City of San Marcos, TX

512-393-8060 Show more