City Attorney's Office-Assistant City Attorney I

Closes On: March 1, 2024 at 11:50 PM CST Location: City Hall, McAllen, TX 78501 Department: City Attorney's Office Job Status: Full-Time Rate of Pay: D.
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- Position Type: Full-Time Status: Open Until Filled Job Description Under supervision of the City Attorney, the Assistant City Attorney assists the City Attorney and Deputy City Attorney in performing technical and professional work as legal advisor to the City with an emphasis on performing prosecutorial duties in the municipal court and in matters of civil litigation.
When requested by the City, the Assistant City Attorney may also perform technical and professional work as legal advisor to the City Commission, City Manager, and department directors on assigned issues of applicable local, State and Federal laws, regulations and Ordinances affecting the City with an emphasis on laws, rules and regulations that pertain to real property, including housing law, commercial and residential property development projects, real estate financing and leasing, land sales, title issues, escrow arrangements, and rights of way.
Benefits include sick leave, vacation, holidays, continuing legal education courses, medical, dental and participation in the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS).
Job Responsibilities 1.
Assist in performing the duties of the City Attorney’s Office 2.
Under the authority and supervision of the City Attorney, represent the State as Prosecuting Attorney for all Municipal Court cases, including but not limited to: a.
Prepare case files, evidence, documents for court proceedings.
b.
Interview victims and witnesses.
c.
Analyze assigned cases and prepare the cases for trial.
d.
Interact with victims, police, and witnesses to make critical decisions to support court proceedings.
e.
Conduct legal research and prepare motions.
f.
Present cases, cross examine witnesses, and make arguments in the court.
g.
Perform administrative tasks in connection with other assigned duties.
3.
Represent the City in civil litigation, including but not limited to: a.
conduct initial assessment of claims and investigation; b.
draft pleadings, conduct written discovery, take and defend depositions, explore settlement options, and perform pre-trial and trial tasks; c.
evaluate facts and develop strategies and argument in preparation for presentation of cases d.
coordinate with outside counsel to monitor and ensure timely progression of cases in the city’s best interest.
4.
Aid the City Attorney in providing professional advice to the City Commission, City Manager and department directors, including but not limited to legal conditions, current and future trends, the issuance of legal opinions, drafting memoranda, and updates to State and Federal law affecting city operations.
5.
Aid in the preparation of oral and written legal opinions and/or legal memoranda at the request of the City Attorney with care in examining work for exactness, neatness and conformance to policies and procedures.
6.
On matters assigned to the assistant City Attorney and at the direction of the City Attorney or Deputy City Attorney, make presentations to councils, boards, commissions, civic groups and the public.
7.
On matters assigned to the assistant City Attorney, assist the City Attorney in developing work procedures, expediting workflow and standardizing procedures to improve efficiency and effectiveness of operations.
8.
Assist department directors to ensure compliance with, and enforcement of, laws and ordinances.
9.
Draft and review ordinances, resolutions, contracts, agreements, deeds, leases, franchises and other legal instruments.
10.
Interpret laws, administrative decisions, executive orders, rulings and regulations for City officials and staff 11.
Perform additional related work activities as assigned including giving legal advice and making presentations to councils, boards, commissions, civic groups and the general public and attending meetings including City Commission meetings, Planning and Zoning Commission and other meetings.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Minimum Requirements - 1.
A Juris Doctorate degree in law from an accredited law school with a valid license to practice in the State of Texas.
2.
One (1) year experience in municipal law and/or three (3) years of related legal work experience.
3.
One (1) year of criminal trial experience 4.
Knowledge of the Texas criminal laws including but not limited to the Texas Rules of Criminal procedure and Penal Code 5.
High ethical standards 6.
A current, valid Texas Class C driver’s license.
7.
Ability to meet and maintain state-mandated continuing legal education requirements.
8.
Knowledge of state statutes relating to municipal affairs, laws relating to the purchase of goods and services, contracting, labor, employment, land use, criminal law and working knowledge of modern polices and practices of municipal law and public administration.
9.
Skill in preparing briefs, motions, pleadings, memoranda, ordinances, resolutions and other legal documents.
10.
Ability to prepare and analyze comprehensive legal documents and to carry out assigned projects to completion.
11.
Ability to maintain effective working relationships with employees, City officials, the court system and general public.
12.
Ability to efficiently and effectively administer a municipal legal department.
13.
Strong spelling and grammar skills 14.
Proficiency in conducting legal research 15.
Excellent writing and oral communication skills Physical Requirements 1.
Employee generally works in an office setting free from environmental hazards.
Additional Information 1.
This is a safety sensitive position subject to random drug and alcohol testing.
2.
This position does not have supervisory responsibilities over others.
3.
This position requires proficiency in Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office, WestLaw and the ability to learn to effectively use job-specific software, including but not limited to: InCode, CivicPlus, and MyCase.
Disclaimer This job description summarizes essential job functions and minimum job requirements for entry level work and typical duties illustrative of the type of work customarily assigned and performed in this position.
However, this job description does not represent every aspect of the job nor does it guarantee permanent employment, as all positions with the City of McAllen are employment at will positions.
Job descriptions are subject to periodic updates and modifications.
The City reserves the right to change work assignments and other aspects of a job.
The City of McAllen is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and does not tolerate unlawful discrimination or harassment based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age or any other protected status under applicable federal, state or local laws.