HomeMy WebLinkAboutAssistant City AttorneyPage 1 of 2
City of Georgetown
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Assistant City Attorney Effective Date: 10/01/2012
FLSA Category: Exempt Revision Date: 07/08/2014
SUMMARY: Under the administrative direction of the City Attorney provides legal services to the and as assigned by the
City Attorney. In the City Attorney’s absence, acts as the legal advisor of, and attorney for, all of the offices and
departments of the City.
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 the City Council, the City Manager, City boards and commissions, and all City officers
and employees with respect to legal questions involving an official duty or legal matter pertaining to the affairs of
the City.
Drafts documents including ordinances, resolutions, contracts, agreements, deeds, leases, etc.
Reviews and revises documents prepared by others; reviews and approves, or objects, as to form in writing all
proposed ordinances before they are adopted by City Council.
Assists the City Attorney in representing the City in litigation, disputes and controversies, including preparing legal
briefs, developing strategy, arguments and testimony in preparation of trial and hearings, including administrative
hearings.
Assists or aids the City Attorney in representing officers and employees of the City in litigation for matters arising
out of the conduct of their office or duties or in the course of their employment.
Researches relevant law and issue legal opinions at the request of the City Attorney.
Advises the City Council, the City Manager and departments of new and proposed state or federal legislation,
legal conditions, and current or future legal trends affecting City operations; interpret laws, rulings, and regulations
for City officials and staff.
Makes presentations to the City Council, boards, commissions, staff, civic groups, and the general public.
Attend meetings of the Council or administration required.
Collaborates with outside legal counsel on assigned matters.
Assist with office management and the supervision of staff; acts in the capacity of the City Attorney when absent.
Performs other duties as assigned or required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education, training and Experience Guidelines
Doctorate of Jurisprudence degree from an accredited law school. Three years of broad professional legal experience,
preferably, in legal fields relating to municipal government matters such as litigation and commercial law, construction law,
land use and development law, transportation law, civil service law, employment law, aviation law, water law, or utility law.
Knowledge of:
Municipal codes, ordinances, and state/federal laws governing city administration.
Municipal organization and City Manager form of government.
Planning and zoning law, eminent domain, contract law, civil and criminal procedures and all other laws directly or
indirectly affecting city government.
Open meetings/open records laws.
Civil law, judicial procedure and rules of evidence, City of Georgetown ordinances, Judicial procedures of
processing, recording and preparing legal documents, records, and principles and methods of legal research.
Supervisory and leadership principles and practices.
Page 2 of 2
Skill in:
Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
Communicating effectively, both orally and in writing.
Organizing work priorities.
Project management.
Interpreting legislation, legal concepts and policies, and to draft effective legislation, pleadings, and legal
documents.
Gathering, compiling, analyzing, and communicating a variety of information.
Reading, writing and interpreting various legal documents.
Writing reports and memoranda, and prepares legal documents accordingly.
Performing basic mathematical calculations to prepare, analyze and monitor budgets; performing statistical
analysis.
Analyzing legal documents; reviewing and evaluating pertinent decisions, policies, regulations and other legal
matters.
Organizing and prioritizing work.
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Valid Class C Texas driver’s license
Must be a member of the Texas State Bar Association, licensed to practice law in the state of Texas.
Must remain active with all Texas Bar annual requirements.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Standing, sitting, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, reaching, handling, fine dexterity, kneeling, crouching,
crawling, bending, twisting, climbing, balancing, vision, hearing, talking, use of foot controls.