Assistant City Attorney IV or V - General Counsel

Austin, Texas, This multi-level position provides legal services to and on behalf of the City under the direction of the City Attorney. Depending on the level, the role may include providing legal advice to senior and executive management, elected officials, and City Departments; conducting complex legal research; preparing legal documents; representing the City in internal and external legal matters; and assisting with or leading complex assignments with significant legal, political, operational, or financial impact. Attorney positions within the Austin City Attorney's Office are not governed by the City's non-sworn Municipal Civil Service rules.

General Counsel Division Overview: The General Counsel Division provides advice and counsel to all City departments and operations on employment, labor relations, and civil legal issues. This includes risk analysis and risk mitigation advice; compliance with employment and labor relations standards; assistance with drafting and interpreting policies, procedures, and other documents; and representation of City management in civil service appeals and in external administrative claims involving employment, labor relations, and civil service issues.

Purpose: Under the direction of the City Attorney, this position provides legal services to and on behalf of the City.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities: Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

Legal Advice: With minimal or no supervision, provides advanced level legal advice to elected officials and senior and executive management on highly complex issues that may have high political/ financial impact. May assist other attorneys on other assignments. Legal Research: 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. Legal Writing: With minimal or no supervision, prepares legal documents on complex legal matters. May assist other attorneys on other assignments. Legal Advocacy: With minimal or no supervision, acts as a lead representative of the City in complex internal and external legal matters that have significant political/financial impact. May assist other attorneys on other assignments.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

Supervision: May supervise other attorneys or staff on an acting or interim basis. Leadership: Provides substantial mentoring and training to lower-level attorneys on legal issues and legal skills. May lead project teams or cross-Divisional work teams.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

Knowledge of substantive laws applicable to Texas local governments. Knowledge of the City of Austin Charter, Code, and administrative policies and procedures. Knowledge of relevant court procedures and rules of evidence. 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 in a timely fashion on legal issues relevant to the job assignment. Proficiency in use of Departmental computer systems and technology Effective law office organizational skills. Ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks, schedule interruptions, and shifting time deadlines. Ability to conform to Departmental administrative procedures and requirements. Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public. Minimum Qualifications: Assistant City Attorney IV

Graduation from an American Bar Association accredited school of law. Current active membership in good standing of the State Bar of Texas. Twelve (12) full years of active practice as a licensed attorney.

Assistant City Attorney V

Graduation from an American Bar Association accredited school of law. Current active membership in good standing of the State Bar of Texas. Eighteen (18) full years of active practice as a licensed attorney.

Licenses and Certifications Required: License to practice law issued by the State Bar of Texas.

Preferred Qualifications:

Demonstrated experience litigating employment, civil service, labor disputes, or similar matters before courts or independent third-party arbitrators is highly preferred. Demonstrated knowledge and experience working with public safety agencies to provide general legal counsel, with a focus on labor and employment matters, is desired.