Assistant City Attorney - Public Works & Real Estate

Ready to Start Your Career with the City of Temple?

Summary
Serves as primary legal advisor for the Public Works Department, which includes the Divisions of Engineering, Solid Waste, Street Services, and Utility Services; for the Property Management and Delivery Department, which includes the Real Estate Services Division responsible for acquiring property interests for the City through negotiation and eminent domain; and for other City departments, Boards and Commissions as assigned; provides a wide variety of municipal legal services under the general supervision of the City Attorney; drafts and reviews ordinances, resolutions, policies, procedures, contracts, and other legal documents; performs legal research and analysis on various municipal law issues, particularly focused on public works, real estate, eminent domain, and utility franchises.

Please note:  For consideration, a resume with a cover letter must be included with the application submission.

***Salary is negotiable depending upon qualifications.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Serves as legal advisor to the Public Works department, Property Management and Delivery department, and other departments, boards and commissions as assigned by the City Attorney 
• Gathers, interprets, and prepares information for studies, reports, and recommendations; coordinates departmental activities with other departments and agencies as needed
• Provides professional advice to assigned departments on issues involving city policies, employment, engineering, economic development, land and right-of-way acquisition, regulatory issues, solid waste compliance, franchises, and other pertinent legal issues
• Maintains working knowledge of modern policies and practice of municipal law and public administration
• Maintains knowledge of federal and state laws and court decisions affecting cities, the City Charter, and the City Code of Ordinances; assists departments to ensure all state laws and reporting requirements are followed
• Performs skilled legal research, complex analysis, and professional writing
• Performs complex legal research, analyzes, and prepares formal legal opinions in response to proposals, questions, and issues presented to the City Attorney’s office from the City Council, City Manager, Boards, Commissions, and City Departments
• Drafts and reviews various legal documents related to municipal operations including contracts, ordinances, resolutions, releases, agreements, deeds, leases, franchises, and other legal documents as required
• Reviews and provides interpretation and opinions relating to legislation, case law, and regulatory requirements directly or indirectly affecting all aspects of municipal interest; keeps abreast of court decisions and legislative changes, particularly those related to Public
• Works and real estate, and advises City officials regarding the same
• Reviews and responds to all subpoenas received by the Public Works Department and other assigned departments; files legal responses and appears in court when necessary
• Makes presentations to the City Council, Boards, Commissions, civic groups, and the general public as assigned
• Assists with litigation preparation and coordinates with outside counsel in matters related to public works, the Property Management and Delivery Department or other assigned departments, Boards or Commissions. May be required to attend hearings related to such matters
• Demonstrates the ability to efficiently carry out assigned projects to satisfactory completion; ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, city officials, and the general public
• Meets continuing legal education requirements set by the State Bar for practicing attorneys and maintains all licensing requirements
• Demonstrates basic knowledge and skill in the operation of office equipment, computer programs, and software
• Follows all city policies, procedures, and safety guidelines
• Performs other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctorate
• One (1) year of experience as a practicing attorney

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the practice of municipal law
• Experience in the practice of real estate, eminent domain, or a related field of law 

Licenses & Certifications

• Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas
• Member in good standing of the State Bar of Texas
• Valid driver's license