Job Description

Posting number: B271610-1

Department: City Attorney (16)

Division: City Attorney

Job classification: Assistant City Attorney I, 212

Posting type: Open

Categories: Attorney

Summary

SALARY: Negotiable depending on qualifications and experience

The Laredo City Attorney’s Municipal Prosecution Section is seeking an energetic, self- motivated attorney licensed to practice in Texas and in good standing with the Texas Bar to fill a full-time position. The Prosecution Section is responsible for the criminal prosecution of Class C misdemeanors and violations of municipal ordinances in the Dallas Municipal Court. Class C misdemeanors include traffic violations, assault, disorderly conduct, public intoxication, and theft, among others.

The Prosecution Section also represents the City of Laredo in the following civil proceedings: Administrative adjudications in the hearing officer’s court, dangerous dog appeals, parking appeals, stormwater proceedings, and bond forfeitures.

Applicants must possess excellent oral and written communication skills as well as a collaborative, problem solving mindset. Applicants must be currently licensed to practice law in the State of Texas.

Examples of duties

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Prosecute misdemeanor criminal and civil violations in municipal court, including both bench and jury trials, and assist with pre-trial dispositions.
• Assist with reviewing and drafting contracts, agreements, deeds, and other legal documents.
• Provide training to departments and legal updates on relevant legal issues on behalf of the City Attorney.
• Serves as prosecutor in misdemeanor cases; appears in Municipal Court for court calendars, and represents the City against individuals charged with misdemeanor offenses; Assists in case development, drafting search/abatement warrants; conducts negotiations with opposing counsel within designated scope of authority; assures that cases are resolved within CAO policy guidelines.
• Assists the City Attorney in civil litigation matters (focusing primarily on the preparation, filing and handling of suits filed on behalf of the City in district court seeking declaratory and injunctive relief for the abatement of public nuisances and the enforcement of building, health, fire, and zoning codes.
• Coordinates with local law enforcement organizations, City departments and outside agencies; develops and conducts training programs for police, fire, and code enforcement.
• Drafts 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).
• Reviews and responds to public information/subpoena requests.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the City Attorney.

1. Legal Advice: with general oversight, provides legal advice primarily to mid-level and senior-level City management on routine and some complex issues with primarily low political or financial impact. May assist other attorneys on more complex assignments.
2. Legal Research: with minimal supervision, performs research on complex legal issues with low or moderate political or financial impact. May assist other attorneys on more complex assignments.
3. Legal Writing: with minimal supervision, prepares legal documents on routine and moderately complex matters. May assist other attorneys on more complex assignments.
4. Legal Advocacy: under general supervision, acts as a prosecutor, lead, or supporting representative of the City in internal or external legal matters with low or moderate political/ financial impact. May assist other attorneys on more complex assignments.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of substantive laws applicable to Texas local governments.
• Knowledge of the City of Laredo Charter, Code, and administrative policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of relevant court procedures and rules of evidence.

Skills and Abilities:

• Skills in effective law office organization.
• 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 timely on legal issues relevant to the job assignment.
• Ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks, schedule interruptions, and shifting time deadlines.
• Ability to conform to Departmental administrative procedures and requirements.
• Ability to form and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
• Ability to demonstrate proficiency in use of departmental computer systems and technology.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing in the English language and orally in the Spanish language.
• Ability to maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of the position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Effort Requirements Position will have the following exposures

• Office or similar indoor environment, relatively free from unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards.
• Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Work Environment Locations Position will require the employee to work in the following types of work environments

Never

• Street environment (near moving traffic)
• Construction site
• Confined space
• Warehouse environment

Seldom

• Outdoor environment

Sometimes

• Vehicles

Often

• Office or similar indoor environment

Exposures Position will require the employee to be exposed to the following environmental elements

Never

• Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)
• Communicable diseases
• Moving mechanical parts
• Fumes or airborne particles
• Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances
• Loud noises (85+ decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction)
• Other: (Specify:_____)

Seldom

• Individuals with known violent backgrounds

Sometimes

• Individuals who are hostile or irate

Travel Position will require the employee to travel

Never:

• Regional travel
• National travel
• International travel

Sometimes:

• Local travel

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• Graduation from an American Bar Association accredited school of law.
• Current active membership in good standing of the State Bar of Texas.

Supplemental information

Required Licenses or Certifications

• License to practice law issued by the State Bar of Texas (Must provide license information on application)
• Valid Texas Driver License. If applicant holds an out-of-state license, a State of Texas Driver License must be obtained within 6 months of employment.

As part of the minimum requirements for all positions with the City of Laredo, a thorough background check and certified school transcripts will be required from all applicants who are offered employment.

Effective February 24, 1997, all selected applicants are required to undergo a drug and alcohol test prior to employment.

Effective January 7, 2008, all persons in safety-sensitive functions/positions, as per City of Laredo Drug and Alcohol Policy definition, shall be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

A person with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation related to a selection process is requested to contact the Human Resources Department at (956) 791-7480 two days prior to the scheduled interview and/or test if applicable.

City of Laredo is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled and Veteran Employer. We welcome differences in the form of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, geography, socioeconomic status, age, politics, religion, philosophy, sexual orientation, or gender identity. All applicants who share this goal are encouraged to apply. Must be able to function in a principle-based organization that has a culture built on character and core values.