Senior Assistant City Attorney I

Job Description:

Senior Assistant City Attorney I

Description

POSITION OVERVIEW

Applications accepted from: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED
Section: Neighborhood Services
Location: 900 Bagby, Houston, TX

Workdays & 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 & Service - Achieving high customer satisfaction as judged by our clients .
• Partnership & Teamwork - Working cooperatively internally and with our clients to achieve the City’s goals .
• Integrity & Candor - Placing honesty and ethical behavior first.
• Dignity & Diversity - Promoting each person’s value .
• Innovation & 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, elections, 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 applicants for a Senior Assistant City Attorney I position in the Neighborhood Services section of the OCA. The position focuses on legal work related to crime-based nuisance abatement. The position also may involve prosecution of code-based real property nuisances or other matters handled in the section.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Handles all aspects of litigation in state court.
• Attends depositions, appears in court and assists senior attorneys in trials.
• Represents client departments in administrative proceedings with no supervision.
• Works in specialized areas with research and related activities.
• Drafts and responds to pleadings, motions, and discovery.
• Performs complex legal research.
• Communicates effectively with elected officials and members of the public.
• Provides client departments with advanced legal advice including advice to senior and executive management on complex issues that may have a political or financial impact.
• Attends public safety and civic association meetings after work hours.
• Independently analyzes and reviews legislation related to the Section’s disciplines.
• Reviews, drafts, and revises ordinances, policies and procedures for client departments.
• Collaborates with executive management of client departments on various initiatives.
• Coordinates with state agencies.
• Assists with special projects such as researching issues and drafting opinions.

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

EDUCATIONAL:

Requires a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an American Bar Association accredited college of law. Requires basic computer skills and working knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite.

EXPERIENCE:

Minimum of eight (8) years of experience practicing law and must be an active member in good standing of the Texas State Bar and eligible for admission to Federal court. License to practice law in Texas must be kept current as a condition of employment.

LICENSE:

Member in good standing of the State Bar of Texas.

PREFERENCES

Preference will be given to applicants with:

• At least six years of litigation experience in Texas state trial courts.
• Excellent oral advocacy skills.
• Professional writing skills.
• Exceptional analytical skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Experience working with state or local governmental entities.
• Must be willing to work extended hours as needed to accommodate case load demands and attend civic association meetings.
• General understanding of state and local rules related to discovery and litigation.
• Proficiency with the Office 365 suite of programs, including Word, Outlook, Excel, TEAMS, OneDrive Business, as well as electronic legal research tools such as Westlaw Edge, Practical Law, and Drafting Assistant.
• Above average academic and professional achievement.
  
  

**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.**

GENERAL INFORMATION

SELECTION/SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED:
All applicants will be expected to provide a writing sample and transcripts. All applicants must upload a current resume in addition to completing the application.

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 the appropriate classification.
Pay Grade: 30
Salary Range: Salary will be determined depending on qualifications.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES:
Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during posting opening and closing dates shown. 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.

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

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.

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

EOE - 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.

The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan. Benefits include:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Wellness
• Supplemental Insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability
• Retirement pension
• 457 deferred compensation plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• 10 days of vacation each year
• 11 city holidays, plus one floating holiday
• Compensable Sick Leave
• Personal Leave
• Flexible schedules
• Hybrid-Telework for eligible positions
• Professional development opportunities
• Transportation/parking plan
• Section 125 pretax deductions
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
• Paid Prenatal, Parental and Infant Wellness Leaves
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account

For plan details, visit http://www.houstontx.gov/hr/benefits.html

Closing Date/Time: 8/18/2025 11:59 PM Central

Salary:

$111,605.00 - $127,623.34 Annually