City Attorney

JOB SUMMARY

The City Attorney performs highly complex professional level work as legal advisor to the City of Del Rio, Mayor and City Council, City staff and various boards and commissions. The City Attorney must possess the skills and experience necessary to handle most municipal government legal matters, but also seeks assistance of outside council as deemed necessary. The ideal candidate will also be proactive in anticipating issues and opportunities rather than reacting to issues that arise. This position requires a highly experienced professional level attorney who can provide expert assistance and solid legal advice. Performs other related work as required.

Qualifications:

Renders oral and written legal opinions to the Mayor and City Council, City Manager, and Department Directors and other City staff as required. Represents the City as legal counsel in court proceedings, administrative hearings, mediations, arbitrations, general civil matters, and dispute resolutions. Researches, interprets, and applies laws, court decisions, and other legal authority in the preparation of opinions and briefs. Gathers evidence in civil, criminal, and other cases to formulate defense or to initiate legal action. Prepares a variety of legal documents relating to municipal operations including court opinions, contracts, ordinances, resolutions, releases, agreements, deeds, leases, and other legal documents as required. Interprets laws, rulings and regulations for City officials and staff. Determines the potential consequences of a proposed action and presents facts and legal conclusions to the Mayor, City Council and City Management. Coordinates with law firms and attorneys providing representation for the City in litigation and other matters. Serves as a liaison between outside legal counsel and City officials on legal issues. Analyzes legislation including proposed state and federal legislation affecting the City. Interprets City ordinances and administrative policy for staff and the public. Answers communications relative to municipal ordinances and legal matters affecting the City. Investigates complaints and claims by or against the City. Plans, organizes, and directs the work of the City Attorney s office, including supervision of employees. Travels to attend meetings and conferences. Attends City Council and a variety of Board and Commission meetings. Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

A Juris Doctorate from an ABA accredited law school and license to practice law in the State of Texas required. The candidate shall be a member in good standing of the State Bar of Texas and licensed to practice before the Supreme Court of Texas and the must obtain licensure to practice in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas within one year of hire. Five (5) years of experience as a licensed attorney. Two (2) years in municipal legal work, required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Extensive knowledge of various Texas law, City Codes and Charter provisions; additionally, a good understanding of human resources law, procurement law, Texas Civil Service law, Local Government Law, Public Information Act, and Open Government Law. Skilled in negotiating agreements, which accommodate conflicting interests and viewpoints. Working knowledge of the scope and function of City Council/Manager municipal form of government including staffing, budget, and program execution. Skilled in performing legal research on a wide variety of legal matters. Skilled in drafting contracts, complex legal opinions, ordinances, agreements, leases, deeds, pleadings, briefs, and other legal documents. Ability to prepare sound legal opinions using independent judgment. Effective leadership methods and supervisory skills. Ability to maintain complete and accurate records. Skill in oral and written communications; ability to apply arguments to very specific instances. Ability to prepare and present effective public presentations. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, City management, City departments, other professionals, and the general public. Skill in courteously and effectively working with the public. Skilled in supervising and counseling employees. Skilled in analyzing and evaluating. Ability to develop, interpret and apply departmental policies and procedures in making work decisions or in providing information to others. Ability to make decisions, exercise resourcefulness, organize, and prioritize tasks to meet a variety of demands. Skill in operating standard office equipment, including a personal computer using programs appropriate to assigned duties. Ability to travel and attend a variety of meetings. Knowledgeable in use of on-line research tools.