Assistant City Attorney
: Job Details :

This requisition expires on January 1, 2025, but may close earlier if the position is filled prior to the expiration date. Responsible for serving as a legal consultant, advisor, and representative for the City of Denton. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. DUTIES Represent the City of Denton in municipal court cases, working under the supervision of the City's Prosecutor. Represent the City of Denton in litigation brought by or against the City including the investigation of claims and complaints, review recommended action to be taken, prepare cases for hearings and represent the City Represent the City of Denton in legal proceedings including but not limited to, settlement negotiations, conducting discovery, preparing witnesses for hearings, motions practice, filing and arguing appeals, and trying cases before a judge or jury potentially in state or federal court. Represent the City of Denton in negotiating legal issues; ensure legal issues are resolved within Citywide policy guidelines and applicable law, and effective communication of issues are conducted with the City Attorney and City stakeholders. Advise on liability, insurance issues, and claims. Provide legal advice and services to City Council, City Manager, and internal stakeholders. Review documents and provide legal opinions and advice. Conduct legal research on municipal issues, document results and findings, present legal advice, information, and present recommendations; provide final legal decision-making on matters impacting policy with possible significant cost impacts. Prepare, review, track, and analyze contracts, agreements, policies, ordinances, resolutions, and other legal documents. Recommend changes in policies and procedures to meet legal requirements. Prepare legal instruments and opinions for boards and commissions, City Manager and City Council. Support and encourage a professional and positive the relationship between the City of Denton and the general public when interacting with citizens, visitors, and City Staff. SUPERVISORY/BUDGET RESPONSIBILITIES None. OTHER DUTIES Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school or expected graduation in May 2025; and, Licensed to practice law in Texas, or in the process of registering for the Texas Bar Exam in July 2025, OR Any combination of related education, experience, certifications, and licenses that will result in a candidate successfully performing the essential functions of the job. REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required: Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local Government laws and regulations and application of legal issues in hearings and court proceedings. Knowledge of application of the law in a variety of municipality law practice areas. Knowledge of City of Denton policies, procedures, mission, and goals. Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, and coordination of people and resources. Skill at the intermediate level with Microsoft Office 365 and other software systems necessary to complete work. Skill in data analysis, development of strategic plans, problem solving and action plan execution. Skill in analyzing and researching, to interpret and understand policies, laws, and regulations, and to provide workable recommendations and solutions to problems that maintain compliance. Skill in judgment and creativity in decision-making; considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions and select the most appropriate one. Ability to gather and analyze data, draw conclusions, and present data and other information in a clear and logical manner. Ability to organize and coordinate work, maintain attention to details and quality, and meet deadlines. Ability to communicate effectively, in both oral and written forms, as appropriate for the needs of the audience. Ability to motivate, mentor, train, and manage teams through direct and indirect influence. Ability to develop, understand, interpret, and apply rules, policies, and procedures operations. Ability to handle records and complex situations of a confidential nature. Ability to maneuver comfortably through complex policy, process, and people-related organizational dynamics. Ability to maintain strong interpersonal relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Ability to support controversial positions, negotiation of sensitive issues and/or important presentations with customers, citizens and co-workers while maintaining poise. Ability to work independently to direct multiple work streams while balancing competing priorities with attention to detail. Ability to maintain strong interpersonal relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Ability to communication effectively, both oral and written forms, in a variety of circumstances using appropriate tone and appearance for the situation, speak publicly, and to listen intently to other points of view. Ability to perform all job duties in a manner that is consistent with the City of Dentons mission and core values. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT Must have and maintain a valid Class C Drivers License and valid state required minimum automobile liability insurance prior to employment (must obtain Texas Class C drivers license and state required minimum automobile liability insurance within 90 days of hire per state law) Must pass a drug test, drivers license check, criminal history background check, and social security number verification. Must currently be or must become an active member in good standing of the Texas State Bar and eligible for admission to Federal court within six (6) months of the first day of employment with the City of Denton. Maintain an active license to practice law in Texas after initial licensure. SAFETY Perform preventive maintenance on tools and equipment; ensure equipment is in safe operating condition. Follow established safety procedures and techniques to perform job duties, including lifting and climbing; operate tools and equipment according to established safety procedures. Promptly report unsafe conditions in the work area and/or any conditions that are not immediately correctable to the supervisor. WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Safety Sensitive (Subject to random drug testing): No. Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment, including computer and peripherals. Posture: Prolonged sitting and standing; occasional stooping, squatting, kneeling, bending, pushing/pulling, and twisting. Motion: Frequent repetitive hand motions, including keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching. Lifting: Lifting and carrying no more than 10 pounds. Environment: Works in an office setting and in court of law; occasionally requires irregular and/or prolonged hours. Travel: Travels to City of Denton buildings and professional meetings as required. Attendance: Regular and punctual attendance at the worksite is required for this position. Must be able to work after normal business hours and weekends, as needed. Must attend regularly scheduled and special meetings. Mental Demands: Maintains emotional control under stress; works with frequent interruptions. Must be able to present before boards, commissions, City Council and in courts of law. CORE VALUES Inclusive Collaborative Service-Oriented Strategically Focused Fiscally Responsible TOP TIER BENEFITS Medical, dental, and vision coverage in addition to life and disability insurance plans Employee Health Clinic Paid Vacation Days and Paid Holidays Retirement Plan EEO STATEMENT The City of Denton is an equal opportunity employer. It is the City of Dentons policy to prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to any protected class, status, characteristic, or activity. All employment decisions, including decisions regarding recruitment, selection, hiring, compensation, benefits, training, advancement, discipline, discharge, and other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment are made without regard to any lawfully protected class, status, characteristic, or activity. ADA/EOE/ADEA This job description is not an employment agreement, contract agreement, or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.