Assistant City Attorney

Overview

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

• 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

Must have or acquire knowledge

Skills

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.

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