Assistant City Attorney

Department: Legal Reports to: City Attorney

Summary: Under general supervision, prepares and prosecutes misdemeanor cases for the City Attorney's Office (CAO); represents the City Attorney in all aspects of assigned court cases; consults with victims and offenders, and develops legal intervention strategies; assures compliance with state and federal laws and CAO policies and procedures. Reviews documents and operational issues, and provides legal opinions and advice; analyzes legislation and operational impact, minimizes risk and liability, reviews contracts, advises on legal intervention strategies, and manages assigned legal issues.

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:

• Prepares pleadings and plea offers on all misdemeanor cases occurring within the City; brings misdemeanor cases before the court, and argues facts of the case in relation to points of law, case law and legal precedent; assures that cases are resolved within CAO policy guidelines.
• Acts as City Prosecutor in misdemeanor prosecutions; appears in Municipal Court for all court calendars, and represents the City against individuals charged with misdemeanor offenses; conducts negotiations with opposing counsel within designated scope of authority; prepares and presents cases for Municipal Courts.
• Reviews documents and provides legal opinions and advice; makes appropriate decisions based on knowledge of state and federal laws, City policies, and legal standards; assures the legality of City operations.
• Represents the City in a variety of legal and administrative proceedings; provides legal advice and interprets state laws and City ordinances; manages case preparation and prosecution of City code violations.
• Reviews police reports, criminal complaints, and citations for legal significance; evaluates charges, validates documentation, and gathers facts and data; conducts factual and legal analysis to determine whether charges should be filed or dismissed; develops strategy in preparation for presentation of Municipal Court cases for prosecution.
• Drafts pleadings, motions, correspondence, and legal memoranda on motions, trials and appeals; advises victims and witnesses of trial and appearance dates and legal requirements.
• Coordinates with local law enforcement organizations, City departments, and outside agencies.
• Researches, Composes, reviews, and approves contracts, resolutions, ordinances, public communications, and a wide variety of legal documents for City staff and the City Attorney's Office (CAO).
• Manages assigned CAO functions, including professional civil legal work, legal counsel and education, technical and legal documents, legislative assistance, and representation before courts, boards, and administrative hearings; protects the legal rights of the City, and reduces liability risk.
• Prepares documents and assists CAO legal staff with litigation, negotiations, settlements, prosecutions and other municipal legal proceedings; conducts factual and legal analysis to determine whether legal issues should be prosecuted or defended, based on the facts of law and evidence; assists with settlement of cases.
• Monitors changes in state and federal regulations, standards, and legislation governing municipalities; assists City departments to develop revised policies to meet compliance requirements for new legislation.
• Must have and maintain a cell phone for City use to hold this position.
• Supports the departmental operations with regular and timely attendance.
• Supports the relationship between the City of Odessa and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with visitors and City staff. Maintains the confidentiality of work-related issues and City information. Performs other duties as required or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education, Training, and Experience Guidelines: Juris Doctorate Degree is required or a reasonable expectation of obtaining in an acceptable transition period.

Knowledge of:

• State of Texas criminal and civil statutes, rules, administrative orders, policies, and procedures, as well as applicable Federal rules and regulations.
• Texas Judicial Procedures and Rules of Evidence.
• Legal precedents and court decisions impacting municipal government.
• Municipal government functions, political environments, and confidentiality standards.
• Principles and protocols for the evidentiary gathering of information, documents, financial records, and other data that may be used in court and legal hearings.
• Texas court protocols and practices, and law enforcement agency procedures.
• Principles and practices of legal, ethical, and professional rules of conduct.
• Legal case management procedures, ethics, and techniques

Must have or acquire knowledge of:

• Legal precedents and court decisions impacting municipal government.
• Current political and economic trends in municipal, state, and federal government.
• Local community issues and regional community resources available to citizens

Skill in:

• Analyzing complex legal administrative issues, interpreting laws and regulations, evaluating alternatives and developing recommendations, strategies, and operational improvements.
• Interpreting and applying criminal and civil laws to information, evidence, and other data compiled.
• Prosecuting cases in a courtroom, presenting legal arguments, and mediating legal issues.
• Using effective interrogative procedures, and recognizing suspicious and deceitful behavior patterns.
• Reviewing and assessing legal issues and documents.
• Working independently, maintaining composure and discretion, and working effectively in a high-pressure environment with changing priorities.
• Prioritizing and completing assignments with minimum supervision.
• Explaining federal and state rules and regulations, and City policies and procedures while exercising the highest degree of confidentiality.
• Reviewing and maintaining records, compiling technical information, and managing official records.
• Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships and open communications with City employees, law enforcement agencies, court and justice system representatives, and advocate groups.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of business and specialized software.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

License and certification requirements: Must be a member of the Texas State Bar Association, licensed to practice law in the state of Texas, remain active with all Texas Bar annual requirements or reasonable expectation of obtaining in acceptable transition period.

Physical demands and working environment: Work is performed in a standard office environment.