ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY I (ENTRY LEVEL)

Position Overview

Applications accepted from: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED

Job Classification:

Division:

Reporting Location:

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:

Key Responsibilities

• Perform citizen intake and direct filing of charges.
• Research and analyze ordinances, statutes, case law, administrative opinions, rules of procedure and evidence, and draft legal memoranda.
• Interact extensively with the public, defense attorneys, judges, court personnel, police officers, and inspectors.
• Conduct, review, and prepare discovery.
• Represent the City of Houston and the State of Texas in civil and administrative proceedings such as dangerous dog, animal cruelty, and tow hearings.
• Research, analyze, and draft criminal complaints.
• Perform legal research and prepare formal and informal legal opinions regarding criminal and municipal law.
• Counsel the city's departments about city ordinances and state statutes.
• Assist the City Attorney and others with special projects such as drafting legal opinions and city ordinances.
• Work flexible schedules including days, nights, and some weekends.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an American Bar Association accredited law school.
• Experience Required: No prior experience is required; however, the candidate must, on or within 6 months of employment, become an active member in good standing of the Texas State Bar and eligible for admission to Federal court.
• Requirements: Must maintain a current license to practice law in Texas.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with municipal or public law.
• Comfort engaging with a diverse clientele representative of the City of Houston.
• Experience in a trial-based law school clinic.
• Experience in mock trial, trial advocacy, or moot court in law school.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent analytical and research capabilities.
• Above average academic achievement.
• Practical experience with recent developments in Texas criminal statutes.
• Proficiency with Office 365 Suite, including Word, Outlook, Excel, TEAMS, One Drive, Share Point, as well as Westlaw Edge and other contemporary legal technologies.
• Preference will be given to eligible veteran applicants who meet the qualifications.