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Job Description
Minimum Qualifications
This position will be filled at one of the following levels depending upon candidate qualifications:
Assistant City Attorney II:
Education and/or Equivalent Experience:- Graduation from an American Bar Association accredited school of law
- Current active membership in good standing of the State Bar of Texas
- Three (3) full years of active practice as a licensed attorney
Licenses and Certifications Required:- License to practice law issued by the State Bar of Texas
Assistant City Attorney III :
Education and/or Equivalent Experience:- Graduation from an American Bar Association accredited school of law.
- Current active membership in good standing of the State Bar of Texas.
- Seven (7) full years of active practice as a licensed attorney.
Licenses and Certifications Required:- License to practice law issued by the State Bar of Texas.
Assistant City Attorney IV:- Graduation from an American Bar Association accredited school of law
- Current active membership in good standing of the State Bar of Texas
- Twelve (12) full years of active practice as a licensed attorney
Licenses and Certifications Required:
License to practice law issued by the State Bar of Texas
Assistant City Attorney V:- Graduation from an American Bar Association accredited school of law
- Current active membership in good standing of the State Bar of Texas
- Eighteen (18) full years of active practice as a licensed attorney
Licenses and Certifications Required:
License to practice law issued by the State Bar of Texas
Notes to Applicants
We are seeking energetic, self-motivated individuals licensed to practice law in Texas and in good standing with the Texas State Bar to fill full-time litigator and transactional positions with the City of Austin Law Department.
The Law Department provides a wide range of professional legal services related to litigation matters and municipal government operations. Attorneys directly interface with the client, conduct legal research, prepare legal documents, appear in court at all levels and attend meetings of the governing body.
Come work for a governmental entity that cares about human rights and is on the forefront of current issues. You can help make a difference in the daily lives of people living in the Austin community.
Professional Growth and Development
Achieve your professional goals. The Law Department offers opportunities to advance within our Attorney and Paralegal career ladder, as well as a wide variety of learning opportunities.
Work-Life Balance
Enjoy a balanced lifestyle in a city renowned for its quality of life, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences.
Hybrid Work Environment:
The City of Austin Flexible Work Arrangement Program is designed to empower employees and leaders to establish hybrid work arrangements that promote high levels of performance and engagement. Staff may be eligible to telework up to 60%/week. Work schedules are implemented to meet department requirements and are subject to change based on business needs.
In addition to helping the City operate at its highest potential, working with the City of Austin provides a number of benefits including medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities, and more! Click HERE for more information.
Division Overviews:
Litigation Division. The Litigation Division defends the City of Austin and its employees in all civil litigation cases in state and federal court. The main types of cases managed by the Litigation Division include civil rights, contract disputes, personal injury, employment, and land use matters. The attorneys also have the opportunity to draft amicus briefs. In addition to the attorneys, paralegals and legal secretaries, the Litigation Division has two claims investigators who investigate and process approximately 700 claims against the City per year.
The Litigation Division also handles filing of affirmative litigation on behalf of the City to enforce the law and protect the health and safety of Austin residents. The Litigation Division initiates legal action to recover damages to City property, enforce City Code requirements, condemn property needed for a public purpose, collect delinquent hotel taxes, and protect the environment. The Division also assists Austin Police Department with nuisance abatement cases and assists the Office of Civil Rights with Fair Housing complaints.
An ideal candidate for a position with the Litigation Division would have a background in personal injury law, federal civil rights litigation, or employment law.
Utilities and Regulatory Division:
The Utilities and Regulatory Division provides legal advice to several City departments, including Austin Energy, Austin Water, Austin Resource Recovery, the Information Security Office, and Communication and Technology Management department. The division handles complex matters relating to utilities, franchises, rates, and technology or cyber security compliance. The work is transactional and may include participation in alternative dispute resolution processes. Attorneys on the Utilities and Regulatory team may prepare and make presentations at City Council meetings, both in public and in executive sessions. The Utilities and Regulatory Division is responsible for negotiating and drafting contracts, conducting regulatory research, reviewing and drafting legal memoranda, resolutions, ordinances, City Code amendments, agenda postings, and other legal instruments.
When completing the City of Austin employment application:
- Please be sure to detail on the application all previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications. Any final offer will be made based on the information provided in the application.
- A detailed, complete employment application is required. It helps us to better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position. Be sure to provide job titles and employment dates for all jobs you wish to be considered.
- A resume is required but will not substitute for a complete employment application.
- Please do not use the phrase “see resume” or refer to other documents to complete your application.
- Do not leave the “Duties and Responsibilities” sections blank.
- Please include contact information from previous employers.
- Failure to fill in all portions of the application will be considered incomplete applications. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
If you are selected for hire:
- Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED , undergraduate, and/or graduate degrees) is required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization or institution. You must also provide proof of your professional licenses or certifications.
- If you are in the military or are a military veteran, you will need to provide a copy of the Member 4 page of your DD-214 prior to confirming a start date.
Commensurate
Hours
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday
Telework opportunities may be available after an initial training period. Work schedules are implemented to meet the requirements of the department and are subject to change based on business needs.
Job Close Date 03/24/2025 Type of Posting External Department Law Regular/Temporary Regular Grant Funded or Pooled Position Not Applicable Category Professional Location City Hall, 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Preferred Qualifications- Experience litigating in federal and state court in a variety of types of cases including personal injury and civil rights defense, and employment law.
- Candidates should emphasize recent first chair experience in conducting depositions, mediations, hearings and trials.
- Experience in general utility matters, rulemaking, and contract transactions.
This position is posted at multiple levels. Please select the appropriate job description. Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
Assistant City Attorney II
Assistant City Attorney III Assistant City Attorney IV Assistant City Attorney V
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
This position is posted at multiple levels. Please select the appropriate job description. Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
Assistant City Attorney II
Assistant City Attorney III Assistant City Attorney IV Assistant City Attorney V
Criminal Background Investigation This position does not require a Criminal Background Investigation EEO/ADA
City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.
The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual’s AIDS , AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.
Information For City Employees: If you are an employee within the department, are in good standing and meet both the minimum and preferred qualifications, then you will receive an initial interview.
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
* The minimum qualifications for this position require: Graduation from an American Bar Association accredited school of law, current active membership in good standing of the State Bar of Texas, three (3) full years of active practice as a licensed attorney. Do you meet these requirements?- Yes
- No
- 0 to 3 years
- 3 to 7 years
- 7 to 12 years
- 12 or more years
(Open Ended Question)
* Do you have experience working for a state or local governmental entity and, if so, please describe your experience. If you do not have this experience, please list N/A.
(Open Ended Question)
* Do you have experience with filing or defending personal injury, including car wreck cases and, if so, please describe your experience. If you do not have this experience, please list N/A.
(Open Ended Question)
* Do you have experience filing or defending an employment lawsuit, and if so, please describe your experience. If you do not have this experience, please list N/A.
(Open Ended Question)
* Do you have first chair jury trial experience in at least two civil trials?- Yes
- No
(Open Ended Question)
* Do you have experience filing or defending a federal section 1983 civil rights lawsuit? If so, please describe your experience. If you do not have this experience, please list N/A.
(Open Ended Question)
* Describe your experience with negotiation of contracts and complex transactions.
(Open Ended Question)
* Do you have experience with governmental regulators, administrative regulations or rules, compliance, or rulemaking?
(Open Ended Question)
* Do you have experience in contested cases, hearings, or ratemaking?
(Open Ended Question)
Optional & Required Documents
Required Documents Cover Letter Resume Optional Documents -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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City of Austin
Show moreThe City of Austin
This vibrant and dynamic city tops many lists for business, entertainment, and quality of life. One of the country’s most popular, high-profile “green” and culturally rich cities, Austin was recently selected the number one Best Place to Live in the U.S. (U.S. News & World Report). In 2016, Forbes named Austin the city most likely to prosper over the next decade on their America’s Cities of the Future list, and the City of Austin ranked in the top ten on the Forbes list of America’s Best Employers for 2017.
Austin continues to lead with its vision of being the Most Livable City in the Country, emerging as a player on the international scene with such events as SXSW, Austin City Limits, Formula 1, and being home to companies such as Apple, Samsung, Dell, and Ascension Seton Healthcare. From the home of state government and the University of Texas to the Live Music Capital of the World and its growth as a film center, Austin has gained worldwide attention as a hub for education, business, health, and sustainability.
The City offers a wide range of events, from music concerts, food festivals, and sports competitions to museum displays, exhibits, and family fun. Austin is also home to a wonderful ballet, world-class museums, one-of-a-kind shopping, and beautiful outdoor spaces. You can just as easily spend your morning paddling the lake as you can strolling through a celebrated history museum.
Located at the edge of the Texas Hill Country—rolling terrain of limestone bluffs, springs, rivers, and lakes—Austin’s temperate climate is ideal for year-round jogging, cycling, hiking on the City’s many trails, or swimming at Barton Springs or one of the area’s many other swimming holes.
There are a number of excellent golf courses in the area as well as recreational opportunities for rowing, kayaking, canoeing, camping, rock climbing, disc golf, mountain biking, fishing, and more. Austin truly has something to offer for everyone.
City Government
The City of Austin is a progressive, full-service municipal organization operating under the Council-Manager form of government. Austin has a 10-1 council system with an at-large Mayor and Council Members that represent ten districts. The Mayor and Council Members may serve in their respective seats for four years with a maximum of two consecutive terms.
The City Council appoints the City Manager who is the chief administrative and executive officer of the City. The City Manager is responsible for guiding and directing day-to-day operations, as well as providing strategic research, recommendations, and management leadership to the City Council on the city budget, programs, policies, and services. The City Manager implements the organization’s administrative responsibilities with a strong team of Assistant City Managers and department executives. Supported by a staff of more than 14,000 and a budget of $4.1 billion, the City Manager and staff deliver a broad range of services to the citizens of Austin.
The City Council and City Manager of Austin are committed to the mission of delivering the highest quality, cost-effective services. Austin is a beacon of sustainability, social equity, and economic opportunity; where diversity and creativity are celebrated; where community needs and values are recognized; where leadership comes from its community members, and where the necessities of life are affordable and accessible to all.
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