Assistant City Attorney I (212), II, (213), or III (214), (A241610-2), City Attorney

SALARY: Negotiable depending on qualifications and experienceESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Assistant City Attorney I

• Serves as prosecutor in misdemeanor cases; appears in Municipal Court for court calendars, and represents the City against individuals charged with misdemeanor offenses; Assists in case development, drafting search/abatement warrants; conducts negotiations with opposing counsel within designated scope of authority; assures that cases are resolved within CAO policy guidelines.
• Assists the City Attorney in civil litigation matters (focusing primarily on the preparation, filing and handling of suits filed on behalf of the City in district court seeking declaratory and injunctive relief for the abatement of public nuisances and the enforcement of building, health, fire, and zoning codes.
• Coordinates with local law enforcement organizations, City departments and outside agencies; develops and conducts training programs for police, fire, and code enforcement.
• Drafts reviews and approves contracts, resolutions, ordinances, public communications and a wide variety of legal documents for City staff and the City Attorney's Office (CAO).
• Reviews and responds to public information/subpoena requests.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the City Attorney.

1. Legal Advice: with general oversight, provides legal advice primarily to mid-level and senior-level City management on routine and some complex issues with primarily low political or financial impact. May assist other attorneys on more complex assignments.
2. Legal Research: with minimal supervision, performs research on complex legal issues with low or moderate political or financial impact. May assist other attorneys on more complex assignments.
3. Legal Writing: with minimal supervision, prepares legal documents on routine and moderately complex matters. May assist other attorneys on more complex assignments.
4. Legal Advocacy: under general supervision, acts as a prosecutor, lead, or supporting representative of the City in internal or external legal matters with low or moderate political/ financial impact. May assist other attorneys on more complex assignments.

Assistant City Attorney II

• Collaborates with City staff and community stakeholders to engage in proactive problem solving for neighborhood quality of life issues.
• Represents the City in administrative hearings.

1. Legal Advice: with general oversight, provides legal advice primarily to mid-level and senior-level City management on routine and some complex issues with primarily low political or financial impact. May assist other attorneys on more complex assignments.
2. Legal Research: with minimal supervision, performs research on complex legal issues with low or moderate political or financial impact. May assist other attorneys on more complex assignments.
3. Legal Writing: with minimal supervision, prepares legal documents on routine and moderately complex matters. May assist other attorneys on more complex assignments.
4. Legal Advocacy: under general supervision, acts as a prosecutor, lead, or supporting representative of the City in internal or external legal matters with low or moderate political/ financial impact. May assist other attorneys on more complex assignments.

Assistant City Attorney III

• Drafts and reviews all forms of legal documents.
• Performs accurate, thorough, and timely legal research and prepares opinions, briefs, pleadings, motions, discovery requests, memorandum, real estate documents, and correspondence on various legal problems for the City.
• Attends Court for the hearing of all trial matters, including motions for summary judgment and any other discovery motions or pre-trial motions.
• Continually reads law publications and attends professional seminars in order to stay abreast of the latest developments in local, state, and federal laws.
• Attends meetings and conferences as required by the requesting department, board, or commission concerning problems or issues; confers by telephone with officials, department heads, and the general public.
• Prepares, drafts, reviews, revises, and approves resolutions, ordinances, contracts, deeds, leases, and other legal documents and instruments for various City departments; reviews such documents and provides opinions as to legal acceptability.
• Perform any other legal duty as directed and assigned by the City Attorney.
  1. Legal Advice: with minimal or no supervision, provides advanced level legal advice to senior and executive management on highly complex issues that may have high political/ financial impact. May assist other attorneys on other assignments. With minimal or no supervision, performs research on complex legal issues with a high level of political or financial impact. May assist other attorneys on other assignments
  2. Legal Research: with minimal supervision, performs research on complex legal issues. May assist other attorneys on more complex assignments.
  3. Legal Writing: with minimal or no supervision, prepares legal documents on complex legal matters. May assist other attorneys on other assignments.
  4. Legal Advocacy: with minimal or no supervision, acts as a lead representative of the City in complex internal and external legal matters. May assist other attorneys on other assignments.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Assistant City Attorney I

• Knowledge of substantive laws applicable to Texas local governments.
• Knowledge of the City of Laredo Charter, Code, and administrative policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of relevant court procedures and rules of evidence.
• Skills in effective law office organization.
• Ability to communicate and present analysis and information both orally and in writing in a clear and effective manner.
• Ability to conduct thorough and accurate legal and factual research relevant to the job assignment.
• Ability to analyze and problem solve timely on legal issues relevant to the job assignment.
• Ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks, schedule interruptions, and shifting time deadlines.
• Ability to conform to Departmental administrative procedures and requirements.
• Ability to form and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
• Ability to demonstrate proficiency in use of departmental computer systems and technology.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing in the English language and orally in the Spanish language.
• Ability to maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of the position.

Assistant City Attorney II

• Knowledge of substantive laws applicable to Texas local governments.
• Knowledge of the City of Laredo Charter, Code, and administrative policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of relevant court procedures and rules of evidence.
• Skills in effective law office organization.
• Ability to communicate and present analysis and information both orally and in writing in a clear and effective manner.
• Ability to conduct thorough and accurate legal and factual research relevant to the job assignment.
• Ability to analyze and problem solve timely on legal issues relevant to the job assignment.
• Ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks, schedule interruptions, and shifting time deadlines.
• Ability to conform to Departmental administrative procedures and requirements.
• Ability to form and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
• Ability to demonstrate proficiency in use of departmental computer systems and technology.
• Ability to analyze and prepare a variety of legal documents.
• Ability to conduct research on legal problems and to prepare legal opinions.
• Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing in the English language and orally in the Spanish language.
• Ability to maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of the position.
• Posses interpersonal communication skills, problem solving, and decision making abilities.

Assistant City Attorney III

• Knowledge of substantive laws applicable to Texas local governments.
• Knowledge of the City of Laredo Charter, Code, and administrative policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of relevant court procedures and rules of evidence.
• Knowledge of established precedents and source of legal reference applicable to City activities.
• Ability to analyze and prepare a variety of legal documents.
• Ability to conduct legal research and to prepare legal opinions.
• Ability to review legal documents for accuracy and completeness.
• Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, City officials, and the general public.
• Ability to demonstrate proficiency in use of departmental computer systems and technology.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing in the English language.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Effort Requirements
Position will have the following exposures

• Office or similar indoor environment, relatively free from unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards.
• Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Work Environment Locations
Position will require the employee to work in the following types of work environments

Never

• Outdoor environment
• Street environment (near moving traffic)
• Construction site
• Confined space
• Vehicles
• Warehouse environment
• Other: ______

Seldom

• Vehicles

Often

• Office or similar indoor environment

Exposures
Position will require the employee to be exposed to the following environmental elements

Never

• Individuals with known violent backgrounds
• Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)
• Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)
• Communicable diseases
• Moving mechanical parts
• Fumes or airborne particles
• Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances
• Loud noises (85+ decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction)
• Other: (Specify:_____)

Seldom

• Individuals who are hostile or irate

Travel
Position will require the employee to travel

Never:

• National travel
• International travel

Seldom

• Local travel
• Regional travel

Required Education and Experience

Assistant City Attorney I
Graduation from an American Bar Association accredited school of law.
-AND-
Current active membership in good standing of the State Bar of Texas.


Assistant City Attorney II
Graduation from an American Bar Association accredited school of law.
-AND-
Current active membership in good standing of the State Bar of Texas.
-AND-
At least two (2) full years of active practice as a licensed attorney.


Assistant City Attorney III
Juris Doctor degree from an American Bar Association accredited school of law.
-AND-
Current active membership in good standing of the State Bar of Texas.
-AND-
At least four (4) full years of active practice in municipal law or equivalent.Required Licenses or Certifications

• All Assistant City Attorney I, II, or III positions require: License to practice law issued by the State Bar of Texas (Must provide license information on application)

• Assistant City Attorney III position require: Eligibility for license in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas.

Valid Texas Driver License. If applicant holds an out-of-state license, a State of Texas Driver License must be obtained within 6 months of employment.


As part of the minimum requirements for all positions with the City of Laredo, a thorough background check and certified school transcripts will be required from all applicants who are offered employment.


Effective February 24, 1997, all selected applicants are required to undergo a drug and alcohol test prior to employment.


Effective January 7, 2008, all persons in safety-sensitive functions/positions, as per City of Laredo Drug and Alcohol Policy definition, shall be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.


A person with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation related to a selection process is requested to contact the Human Resources Department at (956) 791-7480 two days prior to the scheduled interview and/or test if applicable.