Description

Assistant City Attorney III - Municipal Operations

Purpose:

Under the direction of the City Attorney, this position provides legal services to and on behalf of the City.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities: 

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Legal Advice: With minimal or no supervision, provides legal advice to senior and executive management, and to elected officials, on primarily complex issues that may have high political or financial impact. May assist other attorneys on more complex assignments.

• Legal Research: With minimal or no supervision, performs research on complex legal issues with moderate political or financial impact. May assist other attorneys on more complex assignments.

• Legal Writing: With minimal or no supervision, prepares legal documents for senior managers on routine or moderately complex matters. May assist other attorneys on more complex assignments.

• Legal Advocacy: With minimal or no supervision, acts as a lead or supporting representative of the City in internal and external legal matters that have significant political/ financial impact. May assist other attorneys on more complex assignments.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised: 

• Supervision: None

• Leadership: Provides some mentoring and training to lower-level attorneys on legal issues and legal skills.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of substantive laws applicable to Texas local governments.

• Knowledge of the City of Austin Charter, Code, and administrative policies and procedures.

• Knowledge of relevant court procedures and rules of evidence.

• Ability to communicate and present analysis and information both orally and in writing in a clear and effective manner.

• Ability to conduct thorough and accurate legal and factual research relevant to the job assignment.

• Ability to analyze and problem solve in a timely fashion on legal issues relevant to the job assignment.

• Proficiency in use of Departmental computer systems and technology.

• Effective law office organizational skills.

• Ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks, schedule interruptions, and shifting time deadlines.

• Ability to conform to Departmental administrative procedures and requirements.

• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Graduation from an American Bar Association accredited school of law.

• Current active membership in good standing of the State Bar of Texas.

• Seven (7) full years of active practice as a licensed attorney.

Licenses and Certifications Required: 

License to practice law issued by the State Bar of Texas.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in airport law, including airport governance, operations, capital projects, and regulatory compliance.

• Knowledge of relevant aviation law, federal grants, and transportation regulations.

• Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex contracts, ordinances, resolutions, policies, and agreements.

• Ability to represent the airport in complex negotiations and stakeholder meetings with multiple parties.

• Handling pre-litigation disputes, claims, and resolutions, and monitoring and assisting with litigation cases.

• Experience with commercial real estate transactions (leases, permits, concessions).

• Experience with procurement and public contracting (including FAA-compliant processes).

• Experience with land use, environmental review (NEPA/CEQA), sustainability, and aviation noise issues.

• Experience with design and construction contracts for airport infrastructure.

• Experience with public finance, grants, and intergovernmental agreements.

• Experience with ground transportation and operational policies

• Experience with compliance with FAA regulations, ADA, Title VI, DBE programs, and security requirements.

Notes to Candidate:

Work Location:

We value a healthy work-life balance and currently offer a 40-hour work week with flexible work hours and a hybrid schedule of three days remote and two days on-site in accordance with the City’s policy and subject to supervisor approval. On-site work is primarily located at Austin City Hall, 301 W. 2nd Street, Austin 78701, or other location as designated by a supervisor.

Salary:

$97,450.00 - $125,200.00 annually

Benefits:

Working with the City of Austin offers numerous benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid leave time, a comprehensive retirement plan, training opportunities, and more. Click HERE for more information.

Professional Growth and Development:

The City Attorney's Office offers opportunities to advance within our Attorney career ladder, as well as a wide variety of learning opportunities.

Division Overview: 

Municipal Operations Division: The attorneys in the Municipal Operations Division provide legal advice to City Council and City staff, and handle complex matters relating to finance matters, procurement, leases and permits, economic growth and development, budget, transportation, public health, and construction. The work is transactional but may include support for the Litigation Division in cases involving their projects and participation in alternative dispute resolution processes. Attorneys advise City Council in writing as well as by presenting at City Council meetings, both in public and in executive sessions. The attorney may be responsible for negotiating and drafting contracts, conducting regulatory research, reviewing, and drafting legal memoranda, resolutions, ordinances, City Code amendments, agenda postings, and other legal instruments.

When completing the City of Austin employment application:

• Please be sure to detail on the application all previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications. Any final offer will be made based on the information provided in the application.

• A detailed, complete employment application is required. It helps us to better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position. Be sure to provide job titles and employment dates for all jobs you wish to be considered.

• A resume is required but will not substitute for a complete employment application.

• Please do not use the phrase “see resume” or refer to other documents to complete your application.

• Do not leave the “Duties and Responsibilities” sections blank.

• Please include contact information from previous employers.

• Failure to fill in all portions of the application will be considered an incomplete application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Cover Letter and Resume Required:

This position requires a cover letter and resume. Please upload your documents in order to be considered for this position.

If you are selected for hire:

• Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED, undergraduate, and/or graduate degrees) is required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization or institution. You must also provide proof of your professional licenses or certifications.

• If you are in the military or are a military veteran, you will need to provide a copy of the Member 4 page of your DD-214 prior to confirming a start date.

Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

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JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.

• Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.

• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.

• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.

• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.

• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.

• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.

• Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.