Deputy City Attorney

The City of Friendswood is currently accepting applications for a Deputy City Attorney. The Deputy City Attorney provides legal services to the City under the direction and supervision of the City Attorney. The Deputy City Attorney handles day-to-day legal matters, routine counseling, contract and document review, and assigned litigation and administrative proceedings to assist the City Attorney. The position requires superior writing skills, computer knowledge and skills, organizational and communication skills, initiative, independent thinking, and the ability to provide exceptional service to internal and external customers.

Work Performed:

• Provides timely oral and written legal opinions to City on routine matters and as assigned by the City Attorney. Renders timely oral and written legal opinions on issues affecting the City to the Mayor and City Council, City Manager, City Secretary, Department Directors, other City staff, and boards and commissions as requested or necessary.
• Attends various board, commission, corporation and City Council meetings as required, renders legal advice on matters on the agenda and legal guidance to assure compliance with all applicable laws.
• Prepares assigned ordinances and resolutions and tracking items for City Council meetings.
• Reviews requests for public information, drafts Attorney General briefs, applies redactions based on exceptions and previous determinations, and prepares responses.
• Assists with budget development, monitors expenditures, and administers assigned program areas. Prepares and administers the department budget.
• Prepares and reviews assigned contracts, deeds, leases, easements, insurance documents, bids, proposals, and other instruments to protect the City's interests and for legality and sufficiency.
• Assists in drafting and reviewing personnel policies and operating procedures; advises supervisors on disciplinary actions; assists with the preparation/review of documentation; and, when assigned, represents the City at Texas Workforce Commission hearings and appeals.
• Assists in drafting amendments to the City's charter and in working with the Charter Review Committee to make recommendations to City Council on revisions to the City's Charter.
• Supervises and conducts prosecution of municipal Class C offenses, including case preparation and court appearances.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas and in good standing.
• Five (5) years of municipal law experience.
• Trial or administrative hearing experience preferred.
• Advanced computer skills and applicable specialized programs, including Westlaw.
• Valid Texas Driver's License and a good driving record.
• Criminal Justice Information Services ("CJIS") Certification or ability to obtain the certification within one month of employment.
• Successful completion of Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) IS-100, 200, 700, and 800 or able to successfully complete within first year of hire.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish. (Preferred)

This position may require 24-hour availability during emergency conditions