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Job Title: Senior Assistant City Attorney II

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Department: Legal

Section: General Litigation 

Posting Number: 24770                                                                                                        
Reporting Location: 900 BAGBY                                
Workdays andamp; Hours: MONDAY – FRIDAY 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM*   *Subject to Change

LEGAL DEPARTMENT
The Office of the City Attorney for the City of Houston (the “OCA”) provides municipal legal services to the City, its elected and appointed officials, and its employees while adhering to the following guiding principles:
 
Quality andamp; Service – Achieving high customer satisfaction as judged by our clients.
Partnership andamp; Teamwork – Working cooperatively internally and with our clients to achieve the City’s goals.
Integrity andamp; Candor – Placing honesty and ethical behavior first.
Dignity andamp; Diversity – Promoting each person’s value.
Innovation andamp; Imagination – Seeking novel and creative approaches to achieving the City’s objectives.
 
Composed of approximately 100 of Houston’s finest attorneys working in 10 legal practice sections, the OCA handles personal injury, commercial and civil rights litigation, major commercial and real estate transactions, and a diverse array of human resources, labor and employment matters, while also counseling the municipal corporation on economic development, constitutional, election matters, ethics and quality of life matters, and preparing City ordinances governing Houston and its citizens.
 
Every member of the OCA must be committed to “Service Through Law.” 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
The City of Houston seeks an attorney with extensive appellate experience to join the General Litigation Section.  The chosen candidate will represent the City in complex cases in State and Federal trial and appellate courts in matters generated across all the litigation sections in the Legal Department.  These include complex constitutional matters such as civil rights claims against the City and its police officers, Title VII litigation, commercial and construction disputes, election contests, mandamus actions, inverse condemnation, Texas Public Information Act and Texas Open Meeting Act claims, and tort claims.  The successful applicant is a team-oriented self-starter who can independently handle complex civil appeals, as well as assisting trial attorneys with jury charges and legal motion practice.    
 
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Drafting and filing appellate briefs and in state and federal appeals courts.
Oral advocacy in state and federal trial and appellate courts.
Drafting and filing dispositive motions in state and federal district courts.
Assisting trial lawyers in all aspects of pre-trial and trial practice.
Analyzing complex legal issues and deriving legal strategies.
Handling written discovery and motion practice in federal and state courts.
Researching and preparing trial court briefs and motions.
Supervising outside counsel.
Assisting the City Attorney and others with special projects such as drafting City Attorney Legal Opinions.
Drafting, reviewing or revising city policies.
Special projects assigned by management.

WORKING CONDITIONS
This position is physically comfortable; the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc. There are no major sources of discomfort in a normal office environment.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
EDUCATION:

Requires a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an American Bar Association accredited college of law.
 
EXPERIENCE:
Six years of experience in the practice of general civil law, specialized municipal law or comparable legal experience are required.
 
LICENSE:
Must be a member of the Texas State Bar on or about the first day of employment. If selected for this position, official proof of a J.D. degree and membership in the Texas State Bar is required and a condition of employment.

PREFERENCES
Preference will be given to applicants with:

At least eight (8) years of experience in state and/or federal civil appellate law.  The ideal candidate will be Board Certified in Appellate Law, preferably with experience in both public and constitutional law.  Experience as a briefing attorney or briefing clerk with a state or federal court is helpful.
Excellent oral advocacy skills.
Exceptional writing skills.
Excellent analytical skills.
Excellent organizational skills.
Familiarity with federal and state court judges and court practices and procedures.
Expertise with Texas and Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure. 
Must be willing to work extended hours as needed to accommodate case load demands.
Proficiency with Office 365 suite, including Word, Outlook, Excel, SharePoint, OneDrive, and TEAMS, along with the use of contemporary technology in law practice.

GENERAL INFORMATION

SELECTION
All applicants should provide a resume, writing sample, academic transcripts and references.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION          NO
If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.

SALARY INFORMATION
Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate’s qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.  
Salary: $111,000 to $151,432 commensurate with experience.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES 
Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov.
To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call (832)393-6214.

If you need special services or accommodations, call (832)393-6214. (TTY 7-1-1)
If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.

Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.

All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided. 

EEO Equal Employment Opportunity
The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.
 

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