Seeking an attorney with litigation experience. The ideal candidate should have experience practicing litigation in a court/agency setting.

Senior Assistant Attorney

Summary: Under general supervision, acts as legal advisor to City staff; reviews documents and operational issues, and provides legal opinions and advice; analyzes legislation and operational impact, minimizes risk and liability, reviews contracts, advises on legal intervention strategies, and manages assigned legal issues.

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:

•  Serves as legal advisor to City staff on civil and criminal issues; reviews documents and provides legal opinions and advice; works independently and makes appropriate decisions based on knowledge of City policies, legal standards, and scope of authority; duties may vary according to job assignment.
• Composes, 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).
• Manages assigned CAO functions, including professional civil legal work, legal counsel and education, technical and legal documents, legislative assistance, and representation before courts, boards, and administrative hearings; protects the legal rights of the City, and reduces liability risk.
• Conducts legal research on operational, contractual, and personnel issues, documents results and findings, provides legal advice and information, and presents recommendations.
• Exercises independent judgment within CAO policy guidelines; evaluates legal issues, and recommends 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 Attorney and principals.
• Serves as a criminal trial and appellate attorney at Municipal Court by managing, developing and prosecuting Class C Misdemeanors; interview complainants and witnesses, determines facts relative to the prosecution of cases and generally advises Municipal Court and Prosecution Staff as necessary.
• 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 settlement of cases.
• Monitors changes in state and federal regulations, standards, and legislation governing municipalities; assists City departments to develop revised policies to meet compliance requirements for new legislation.
• Assigns and reviews the work of professional and administrative staff.
• 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, including criminal prosecution.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines: Juris Doctorate Degree is required; AND four years' experience in a public or civil sector legal practice, preferably in the state of Texas.

 Knowledge of:

• 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.
• 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 legal, ethical, and professional rules of conduct.

Must have or acquire knowledge of:

•  Legal precedents and court decisions impacting municipal government.
• Current political and economic trends in municipal, state, and federal government.
• Local community issues and regional community resources available to citizens.

Skill in:

• 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.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships and open communications with City employees, law enforcement agencies, court and justice system representatives, and advocate groups.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of business and specialized software.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferable.

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 able to be licensed to practice in Federal Courts, and must remain active by meeting 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/1237372-111610