City Attorney

Summary: Under administrative direction, acts as chief legal advisor to the Mayor and Council, City Manager and department directors; provides legal opinions and strategy, minimizes risk and liability, manages legal issues and represents the City in administrative proceedings and legal actions.

Essential Functions: -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Plans, directs, reviews and evaluates the staff and functions of the City Attorney's Office/Legal Department (CAO), including professional civil and criminal legal work, legal counsel and education, technical and legal documents, legislative assistance and representation before courts, boards and administrative hearings; assures the legality of City operations, protects the legal rights of the City and reduces liability risk.
• Serves as chief legal advisor to the Mayor, City Council and City Manager; attends public meetings to provide legal advice and information, and presents findings, recommendations and effective solutions.
• Exercises independent judgment within broad policy guidelines; evaluates complex legal issues and recommends and implements solutions to minimize risk and safeguard the City's operations.
• Reviews, approves and negotiates legal issues; assures that legal issues are resolved within City policy; reviews and evaluates City decisions, policies, regulations, claims, civil actions and other legal matters; assures effective communication of legal issues and strategies with the City's core management team.
• Manages the case preparation and resolution of litigation, negotiations, settlements, prosecutions and other municipal legal proceedings; develops legal assessments and strategies; conducts factual and legal analysis to determine whether legal issues should be prosecuted or defended, based on the facts of law and evidence; conducts conferences with opposing parties concerning parties concerning settlement of cases.
• Manages civil and criminal proceedings and work products from CAO and contracted legal professionals.
• Develops, renders and reviews verbal and written opinions, legal positions and ordinances for the City.
• Monitors changes in state and federal regulations, standards and legislation governing municipalities.
• Directs, coaches and trains staff and evaluates performance; conducts and encourages interactive dialogue throughout the organization and effectively addresses personnel issues in order to promote a productive and healthy work environment.
• Meets regularly with staff to discuss and resolve assignments, priorities, workload, technical issues and quality standards; provides leadership, direction and guidance in legal strategies and priorities; assures that quality standards are met and appropriate services are provided.
• Maintains the integrity, professionalism, values and goals of the City management team, by assuring that all rules and regulations are followed and that accountability and public trust are preserved.
• Must have and maintain a cell phone for City use to hold this position.
• Supports the departmental operations with regular and timely attendance.
• Supports the relationship between the City of Odessa and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with visitors and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines: Juris Doctorate Degree is required AND seven years' experience in a public sector legal practice, including experience with criminal and civil law, preferably in the state of Texas.

Knowledge of: 

• Duties, powers, authorities and limitations of a City Attorney.
• State of Texas criminal and civil statutes, rules, administrative orders, policies and procedures and applicable Federal rules and regulations.
• Texas judicial procedures and rules of evidence.
• Legal precedents and court decisions impacting municipal government.
• Principles and protocols for the evidentiary gathering of information, documents, financial records and other data that may be used in court and legal hearings.
• Legal case management procedures, ethics and techniques.
• Principles and practices of administrative management, including personnel rules, cost accounting, budgeting, procurement, contract management, performance management and employee supervision.
• Principles and practices of legal, ethical and professional rules of conduct.
• Current political and economic trends in municipal, state and federal government.
• Local community issues and regional community resources available to citizens.

Skill in:

• Assuming executive-level responsibilities, projecting consequences of proposed actions and making appropriate decisions, while assuring compliance with City goals and objectives.
• Directing and coordinating the operations of the City Attorney's Office.
• Analyzing complex legal and administrative issues, interpreting laws and regulations, evaluating alternatives and developing recommendations, strategies and operational improvements.
• Litigating cases in legal hearings and courtrooms, negotiating agreements and mediating complex issues.
• Interpreting and applying criminal and civil laws to information, evidence and other data compiled.
• Investigating, analyzing and resolving complex and sensitive issues and complaints.
• Reviewing and assessing legal issues and documents.
• Using initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
• Assessing and prioritizing  multiple tasks, projects and demands.
• Managing and leading staff and delegating tasks and authority.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships and open communications with City employees, law enforcement agencies, court and justice representatives and advocate groups.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of business and specialized software.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

License and certification requirements: A valid Texas State Driver's License is required. Must be a member of the Texas State Bar Association, licensed to practice law in the state of Texas and eligible to be licensed in the Federal District Court for the Western District of Texas and Federal 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, and remain active with all Texas Bar annual requirements.

Physical demands and working environment: Work is performed in a standard office environment.

For more information, or to apply now, you must go to the website below. Please DO NOT email your resume to us as we only accept applications through our website.

https://www.applicantpro.com/j/1045712-111610