Division Chief

Job Description:

Division Chief

Description

Minimum Qualifications
Education and/or Equivalent Experience:

• 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.

Licenses or Certifications:
Member in good standing of the State Bar of Texas.
Notes to Applicants

We are seeking an energetic, self-motivated individual licensed to practice law in Texas and in good standing with the Texas State Bar to fill a full-time division chief position in the City of Austin Law Department.

The Law Department provides a wide range of professional legal services related to litigation matters and municipal government operations. Attorneys directly interface with the client, conduct legal research, prepare legal documents, appear in court at all levels and attend meetings of the governing body.

Litigation Division.

The Division Chief will report to the City Attorney and Deputy City Attorney and would manage a Division with approximately 12 attorneys, 11 secretaries and paralegals and two claims investigators who investigate and process approximately 700 claims against the City per year.

The Litigation Division defends the City of Austin and its employees in all civil litigation cases in state and federal court. The main types of cases managed by the Litigation Division include civil rights, contract disputes, personal injury, employment, and land use matters. The attorneys also have the opportunity to draft amicus briefs. The Litigation Division also handles filing of affirmative litigation on behalf of the City to enforce the law and protect the health and safety of Austin citizens. The Litigation Division initiates legal action to recover damages to City property, enforce City Code requirements, condemn property needed for a public purpose, collect delinquent hotel taxes, and protect the environment. The Division also assists Austin Police Department with nuisance abatement cases and assists the Office of Civil Rights with Fair Housing complaints.

Come work for a governmental entity that cares about human rights and is on the forefront of current issues. You can help make a difference in the daily lives of people living in the Austin community.

In addition to helping the City operate at its highest potential, working with the City of Austin provides a number of benefits including medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities, and more! The City of Austin has ranked fourth on the Forbes list of America’s Best Employers 2025, and is the only government entity in Texas to make the list. Click HERE for more information.

Work-Life Balance
Enjoy a balanced lifestyle in a city renowned for its quality of life, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences.

Hybrid Work Environment:

The City of Austin Flexible Work Arrangement Program is designed to empower employees and leaders to establish hybrid work arrangements that promote high levels of performance and engagement. Staff may be eligible to telework up to 60%/week. Work schedules are implemented to meet department requirements and are subject to change based on business needs.

When completing the City of Austin employment application:

• Please be sure to detail on the application all previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications.
• A detailed, complete employment application is required. It helps us to better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position. Be sure to provide job title and employment dates for all jobs you wish to be considered.
• A resume is required, but will not substitute for a complete employment application.
• Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please include contact information from previous employers.
• A cover letter is also required. In the cover letter candidates should describe, in concise detail, their interest in this position and highlight any prior experience that is relevant to this position.

If you are selected for as a top candidate:

• Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED , undergraduate and/or graduate degrees) is required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization or institution. You must also provide proof of your professional licenses or certifications.
• If you are in the military or are a military veteran, you will need to provide a copy of the Member 4 page of your DD-214 prior to confirming a start date.

Pay Range
Commensurate
Hours
Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Telework opportunities may be available after an initial training period. Work schedules are implemented to meet the requirements of the department and are subject to change based on business needs.
Job Close Date 04/16/2025 Type of Posting External Department Law Regular/Temporary Regular Grant Funded or Pooled Position Not Applicable Category Professional Location 301 West 2nd Street, 4th Floor, Austin, TX 78701 Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Experience:

• The most successful candidates will have a leadership style founded upon team building, collaboration, and facilitation; a strong work ethic and comfort level in a fast-moving environment; and political astuteness and comfort interacting with elected officials, stakeholders, and business leaders.
• Makes clear and convincing oral presentations. Listens effectively; clarifies information as needed. Writes in a clear, concise, organized, and persuasive manner for the intended audience.
• Balances among competing priorities and multitasks appropriately.
• Takes on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy and enthusiasm. Timely carries out assigned projects to their completion.
• Treats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect. Relates comfortably with diverse groups of people.
• Identifies key issues and proposes multiple possible solutions or resources needed to reach optimum solution for the City.
• Thinks first from principles rather than being solely guided by pre-established documents, procedures, processes or historical practices.
• The position requires sound judgment and good technical skills.
• The successful candidate will be analytical, thorough and detail-oriented. The candidate must have excellent organizational skills and be proficient and knowledgeable in Microsoft, document management, and file and calendar management.

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.


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.

Responsibilities-Supervision and/or Leadership Exercised: Manage staff in one of the Department major work areas.
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 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.

Criminal Background Investigation This position does not require a Criminal Background Investigation EEO/ADA
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.

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.
Information For City Employees: If you are an employee within the department, are in good standing and meet both the minimum and preferred qualifications, then you will receive an initial interview.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
* The minimum qualifications for this position require: 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. Do you meet these requirements?

• Yes
• No

* Have you been licensed as a practicing attorney for at least 5 years?

• Yes
• No

* Are you a member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas

• Yes
• No

* Do you have at least 3 years of management or project management experience?

• Yes
• No

* Please describe your management experience.
(Open Ended Question)
* Please describe your experience working for or with a governmental entity.
(Open Ended Question)
* Describe your problem solving capabilities.
(Open Ended Question)
* Do you have caseload management experience?

• Yes
• No

* If you answered yes to caseload management experience, please describe your caseload management experience.
(Open Ended Question)
* Describe your experience dealing with human resources issues associated with hiring, firing, promotion, and performance evaluations.
(Open Ended Question)
* Provide examples of managing complex legal issues/projects; specify the nature of the issues/project.
(Open Ended Question)


Optional & Required Documents

Required Documents Resume Cover Letter Optional Documents