Deputy City Attorney

Job Description:

Deputy City Attorney

Description

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

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. Our guiding principles-Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchor our approach in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austin residents. 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.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.

• Diverse and Inclusive Workplace: Work in an environment where every voice is 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 designed to 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.

ABOUT THE LAW DEPARTMENT

The mission of the Law Department is to provide quality legal services to the City of Austin so that it can govern lawfully with the highest level of integrity and serve the community effectively. As the chief legal advisor for the City, the Law Department provides legal advice and representation to the Mayor, City Council, City Officers, City Manager, city departments, boards, and commissions of the City.

The City Attorneys' Office is committed to providing excellent, timely, and cost-effective legal advice to our clients to support their efforts to serve the citizens of Austin. The Law Department is organized into seven legal practice divisions. Although the department's attorneys are assigned to practice in a specific division, they are trained to have a general knowledge of municipal law practice, as many legal issues cross over into multiple practice areas. The Law Department has a diverse staff of talented professionals with the expertise to provide comprehensive legal services for the wide variety of legal issues facing our city.

Job Description:

Deputy City Attorney

Purpose:

Under the direction of the City Attorney, this position reports directly to the City Attorney and assists the City Attorney in managing, planning, and general oversight of the daily operations of the Law Department. This includes assistance in such areas as coordinating the department's role in developing the City Council agenda, monitoring outside counsel contracts, coordinating the City’s response to open records requests, planning and organizing workloads and staff assignments, oversight of the department's budget and business planning process, and development and implementation of office policy.

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.

1. Represents the City in litigation and legal proceedings.

2. Provides legal advice and counsel to the City Manager, department heads, administrators and other City staff in their official capacities.

3. Drafts, approves and files legal opinions or objections to each ordinance before Council action.

4. Reviews and approves all documents, contracts, and legal instruments in which the City may have an interest.

5. Reviews and presents legal opinions to Council and the City staff on municipal activities to ensure compliance with the City Charter.

6. Negotiates legal problems with interest groups, vendors and customers of the City, the general public and officials of the court.

7. Attends Council meetings to provide legal advice and to maintain first-hand knowledge of policies.

8. Reads and reviews statutes, legal opinions, and other documents to maintain knowledge of local, state, and federal legislation and jurisprudence affecting municipal operations, programs, and activities.

9. Prepares and approves resolutions for Council.

10. Develops and approves legal contracts and agreements.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

• Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities, including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.
  

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 civil law, judicial procedure, and rules of evidence.
  
• Knowledge of principles and methods of legal research.
  
• Knowledge of municipal codes, applicable state laws, and federal statutes.
  
• Knowledge of legal references and limitations.
  
• Knowledge of municipal organization and City Manager government.
  
• Knowledge of municipal budgeting.
  
• Knowledge of personnel evaluation.
  
• Skill in analyzing facts, legal commitment and impact, precedent, organizing information, and interpreting and applying legal principles to complex legal issues.
  
• Skill in preparing and presenting written and oral legal opinions, advice, and counsel.
  
• Skill in developing and approving policies, contracts, etc.
  
• Skill in evaluation of personnel performance.
  
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with Council, court officials, attorneys, interest groups, vendors, customers, City employees, and the general public.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited law school, plus seven (7) years of experience as an attorney, five (5) years of service in the State of Texas, two (2) years of which were in an upper management legal capacity.
  

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Admission to the State Bar of Texas.
  

The Ideal Candidate:

The selected candidates will have substantial experience in municipal law or general government law, and strong interpersonal skills.

The following core competencies are important for this role:

• Transformational Leader - Inspires and motivates teams to go beyond routine tasks and think strategically.
  
• Servant Leadership - Emphasizes prioritizing the team and public interest , fostering trust, collaboration, and inclusion.
  
• Situational Leadership - Adapts management style based on team readiness and task urgency.
  
• Community Collaborator - Experience presenting complex information to public stakeholders, management, City Manager’s Office, Boards and Commissions, and City Council.
  
• Politically savvy - Ability to exhibit confidence and professional diplomacy, while effectively relating to people of all levels, internally, and externally.
  
• Communicates Effectively - Ability to work with diverse communities and populations to build constructive and effective relationships and convey and receive information.
  
• Thinks Critically and Strategically - Enables others to understand better and implement the vision and strategy, while being an aligned forward thinker and can formulate and communicate sound business strategy and implement clearly and concisely.
  

Notes to Candidate:

To view the detailed Recruitment Profile for this position, please click here.

To view the City of Austin recruitment video, please click here.

Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities and more. Please click HERE for more information.

Salary Range:

Commensurate

Regarding Your Application:

• A detailed and complete Employment Application is required. A Résumé and Cover Letter are required and will not be accepted in lieu of a complete online Employment Application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
  
• Statements such as “See Résumé” will not be accepted, and a résumé alone will not be accepted in lieu of a complete online application.
  
• Verification of employment history dates on resume should match online Employment Application.
  
• Employment history dates must include month and year.
  
• This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation ( CBI ).
  
• To ensure consideration, candidates should apply by July 16, 2025.
  
• To apply, candidates must complete this online application. Interested candidates should apply early in the process for optimum consideration.
  
• This position is subject to the Texas Open Records Act.
  

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

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.