Odessa Assistant City Attorney

The position is open until filled. First review deadline
5 p.m. | May 10, 2026

RECRUITMENT BROCHURE

The City of Odessa is seeking an Assistant City Attorney to serve as one of the City’s legal advisors and a municipal prosecutor. The position will provide legal counsel to departments, review contracts and ordinances and help protect the City from liability.

The position reports directly to the City Attorney and has these core responsibilities:

Preparation & Prosecution of Municipal Court Cases occurring within the Odessa City Limits

• Review police reports, complaints & citations for case review & charging decisions
• Draft pleadings, plea offer and legal motions
• Present cases using facts, case law and legal precedence
• Represent the City in Municipal Court for all dockets
• Conduct factual & legal analysis to determine prosecutorial strategy

Legal Opinions & Advisory Work

• Interpret city ordinances & state law and analyze legislation and its potential impact on the City
• Provide legal opinions to city departments and leadership
• Review documents, policy & operational issues for legal sufficiency
• Draft motions, memoranda, correspondence & appellate documents
• Review & approve contracts, resolutions, ordinances and public communications
• Ensure city’s compliance with local, state and federal law

Code Enforcement and Administrative Proceedings

• Prepare and prosecution city code violations
• Represent the City in administrative hearings and other legal proceedings
• Manage case preparation for code related enforcement actions

Risk Management & Liability Reduction

• Identify legal risks and recommend mitigation strategies
• Ensure city operations comply with legal standards
• Protect the city’s interests in all assigned matters

The Assistant City Attorney will be a collaborative and ethical team player. They must possess excellent communication skills and a commitment to public service. Presentation of the right candidate will combine legal expertise with strategic vision to support Odessa’s long term success.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Juris Doctorate Degree is required or a reasonable expectation of obtaining in an acceptable transition period.

Knowledge of:

• State of Texas criminal and civil statutes, rules, administrative orders, policies & procedures, and applicable Federal rules & regulations
• Texas judicial procedures and rules of evidence
• Legal precedents and court decisions impacting municipal government
• Municipal government functions, political environments, and confidentiality standards
• Principles & protocols for the evidentiary gathering of information, documents, financial records and other data that may be used in court and legal proceedings
• Texas court protocols and practices and law enforcement agency procedures
• Principles & practices of legal, ethical and professional rules of conduct
• Legal case management procedures, ethics and techniques

Must have or acquire knowledge of:

• Legal precedents and court decisions impacting municipal government
• Current political & economic trends in municipal, state and federal government
• Local community issues & regional community resources available to citizens

Skills:

• Analyzing complex legal administrative issues, interpreting laws & regulations, evaluating alternatives and developing recommendations, strategies and operational improvements
• Interpreting and applying criminal & civil laws to information, evidence and other data compiled
• Prosecuting cases in a courtroom, presenting legal arguments and mediating legal issues
• Using effective interrogative procedures and recognizing suspicious & deceitful behavior patterns
• Reviewing & assessing legal issues & documents
• Working independently, maintaining composure & discretion and working effectively in a high-pressure environment with changing priorities
• Prioritizing and completing assignments with minimum supervision
• Explaining federal & state rules and regulations and City policies & procedures while exercising the highest degree of confidentiality
• Reviewing & maintaining records, compiling technical information and managing official records
• Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects & demands
• Establishing & maintaining cooperative working relationships and open communication with City employees, law enforcement agencies, court and justice system representatives and advocate groups
• Communicating effectively verbally, and in writing.

License and Certification Requirements: Must be a member of the Texas State Bar Association, licensed to practice law in the State of Texas, and remain active with all Texas Bar annual requirements, or have a reasonable expectation of obtaining in an acceptable transition period.

To Apply:
Faxed and mailed submissions will not be considered.

Kelly Kuenstler, Vice President
Clear Career Professionals
(214) 550-2850 Ex 6
[email protected]