About the Role
Supervise the activities and staff of a division or specific function of the Law Department, assisting in providing legal advice, compiling data, coordinating research, negotiating settlements, and drafting legal documents.
Responsibilities
- Assists in the providing of legal advice to management, council, and departments.
- Compiles data and information for reports, cost estimates, etc.
- Coordinates research information as requested and/or needed.
- Negotiates with citizens, businesses, attorneys, etc. to resolve legal actions involving the City.
- Writes and drafts legal documents such as contracts, regulations, ordinance amendments, resolution, etc.
- Writes legal opinions.
- Handles complex legal matters requiring substantial legal experience.
- Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling and recommendation for dismissal.
Requirements
- 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 judicial procedures and rules of evidence.
- Knowledge of civil and criminal law.
- Knowledge of municipal law and specialized area of law relevant to municipal practice.
- Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
- Knowledge of City practice, policy and procedures.
- Skill in oral and written communication.
- Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
- Skill in using computers and related software.
- Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
- Skill in planning and organizing.
- Ability to conduct research on legal problems and prepare opinions.
- Ability to prepare and review legal documents.
- Ability to analyze facts and precedents in order to present them effectively in court.
- Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
- Graduation from an accredited school of law plus five (5) years of experience as a practicing attorney with a minimum of three (3) years experience in a lead or supervisory capacity.
- Member in good standing of the State Bar of Texas.
- Experience with Texas electric and water regulatory matters, including the practice before the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
- Experience with Texas electric market operations and federal reliability standards.
- Experience with Texas and federal environmental regulations.
- Experience with negotiating complex transactional matters.
- Knowledge of issues related to cybersecurity.
- A detailed, complete employment application is required.
- A resume is required but will not substitute for a complete employment application.
- Cover Letter and Resume Required.
Skills
- Oral and written communication
- Handling multiple tasks and prioritizing
- Using computers and related software
- Data analysis and problem solving
- Planning and organizing
- Conduct research on legal problems and prepare opinions
- Prepare and review legal documents
- Analyze facts and precedents in order to present them effectively in court
- Establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public
Location
- Austin, TX
- On-site at Austin City Hall, 301 W. 2nd Street, Austin 78701, or other location as designated by a supervisor.
Work Type
- Hybrid schedule of three days remote and two days on-site
- 40-hour work week
- Flexible work hours
Experience Level
- Five (5) years of experience as a practicing attorney
- Minimum of three (3) years experience in a lead or supervisory capacity
Education Level
- Graduation from an accredited school of law
Salary/Compensations
- Commensurate
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Paid leave time
- Comprehensive retirement plan
- Training opportunities
About the Company
- At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities.
- As public servants, we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites.
- Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.
- Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
- Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.
- Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
- Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
- Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
- Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
- Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
- Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
- By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.
- The Utilities and Regulatory Division provides legal advice to several departments, including Austin Energy, Austin Water, Austin Resource Recovery, Austin Technology Services, and the regulatory functions of Austin Financial Services.
- The attorneys advise on utility, regulatory, and franchise issues, as well as cyber and information security legal compliance.
Equal Opportunity
- The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation.
- In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.
- City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.
