-
Job Description
JOB SUMMARY
The city attorney is seeking to improve customer service in the delivery of legal services to the city council and all city departments.
In this endeavor, the legal project manager will:
1) Innovate in the development of strategies for the intake, processing, monitoring and close out of requests for legal services.
2) Develop systems, practices, and policies, with an emphasis on applying new and existing technology and software to ensure legal projects are delivered expeditiously and accurately.
3) Implement systems that enable internal and client tracking of legal projects.
4) implement systems and practices ensuring the confidentiality of client information.
5) Establish practices to improve communications and collaboration with client's representatives.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DECISION MAKING
Provides support to the city attorney and assistant city attorneys on complex legal and operational matters, the outcomes of which may have a high degree of risk for the city.
Develops new systems using technology to manage the intake, processing and closure of requests for legal services.
Develops new operational policies to ensure accountability of attorneys and the department for completing legal assignments in a timely and accurate manner.
Develops departmental policies or practices that enhance communications and collaboration with clients.
Explores the use of new technologies, including artificial intelligence, to streamline the delivery of services, particularly in the development of forms and templates for matters arising on a recurrent basis, e.g., council and board and commission agendas, notices, ordinances and resolutions.
Drafts new policies and procedures associated with such development and implementation of new policies, practices or technologies for delivering legal services.
Serves, along with the city attorney, as the primary liaison with departments and client representatives in regularly evaluating client satisfaction and addressing client concerns with the delivery of legal services.
Coordinates with the city’s IT department to utilize existing city software and new technologies to improve the delivery of legal services.
Conducts legal research for litigation and non-litigation matters.
Manages the transition from paper to predominantly digital filing systems.
Drafts ordinances and resolutions.
Drafts certain contracts and legal forms.
Drafts certain real estate documents such as deeds, easements and purchase agreements.
Drafts certain loan documents such as promissory notes and deeds of trust related to city or federally funded homebuyer assistance programs.
Creates, drafts or assists departments with agenda request forms for matters to be considered by the city council.
Drafts correspondence and emails to client representatives, third parties and members of the public.
Monitors and processes Public Information Act requests for information, including reviewing of documents and drafting requests to the Attorney General for rulings on the release of certain information.
Assists the prosecutor in trial preparation and in developing files for plea dockets.
Assists attorneys in trial preparation and manages deadlines and calendars in litigation matters.
Creates and/or delivers PowerPoint or similar presentations concerning Legal Department operations or recommendations for city departments or representatives.
Analyzes existing processes within the Legal Department to determine deficiencies and develop improvements.
Monitors and assists in completing various reports, and filings to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.
DECISION MAKING:- Must have the ability to evaluate and make recommendations regarding complex legal documents, laws, and regulations.
- Must have the ability to prioritize work based on urgency and importance.
- Must have the ability to assess risks associated with a course of action and make a decision to mitigate.
- Must have the ability to balance the needs of internal departments and clients.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Salary is dependent upon qualifications)- A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university is required.
- A minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience preferably in a legal or municipal government environment.
- Valid Texas Driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
- Strong computer skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, Outlook) and Adobe Acrobat.
- Must have strong organizational and communication skills both oral and written.
- Must have strong presentation skills and knowledgeable in PowerPoint or similar presentation programs.
Preferred:
Municipal government experience preferred.
Knowledgeable in processing Public Information Act requests.
CORE COMPETENCIES AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
CORE COMPETENCIES- Must be able to read and comprehend contracts, legal forms, ordinances and resolutions.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills are required; must be able to maintain positive working relationships with department personnel, outside agencies, and the general public.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
Physical requirements include lifting up to 25 pounds occasionally. Subject to standing, walking, reaching, and fine dexterity occasionally. Sitting frequently; talking and hearing regularly. Close vision and ability to adjust focus constantly.
Working Environment may include exposure to outdoor weather conditions to include heat, cold, or inclement weather occasionally.
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. 2023 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
- Texas MunicipalRetirement System (TMRS)
- Mission Square Retirement Corporation - optional 457-deferred compensation plan & Roth IRA
- 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: 4/4/2025 11:59 PM Central -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
-
-
City of San Marcos, TX
Show moreThe City of San Marcos is dedicated to providing excellent service to our residents and maintaining our high quality of life. Business, industry, education, retail, and government make up the backbone of the San Marcos economy. The City of San Marcos works closely with all of our community partners to help our community become a thriving, job-producing city with opportunities for all.
-