City Attorney

POSITION TITLE: City Attorney

DEPARTMENT: General Administration

RATE CLASS: Salary/Administrative Exemption

REPORTS TO: City Council

SHIFT: 8AM-5PM, M-F (May be changed at the discretion of the City of Freeport)

EDUCATION: Juris Doctor Degree from an ABA accredited law school is required; a license to practice law in the State of Texas, and a minimum of five years of responsible professional legal experience in municipal law is required; Valid State of Texas Driver's License required.

JOB SUMMARY: The City Attorney serves as the Chief Legal Officer of the City providing legal representation, advice and services to the City Council, boards and commissions, City departments and City staff. Work involves making interpretive decisions on behalf of the organization regarding the means for executing the goals established by City policy and the City Council.

SPECIAL SKILLS: Ability to perform complex legal research, analyze complex problems, evaluate alternatives, and make sound recommendations; Ability to apply legal principles to determinations on individual cases, projects, and problems; Ability to write quality legal documents and memoranda; Ability to communicate in a manner that is organized, clear, concise, thorough, accurate, persuasive, and with appropriate tone; Ability to negotiate settlements and contracts; Ability to exercise independent judgment, making decisions when appropriate and seeking guidance/direction when necessary; Ability to maintain confidential information and to exercise discretion; Ability to use a computer and related software applications; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with city employees, other governmental agencies, members of the business community, and the public.

KNOWLEDGE: Knowledge of civil, administrative, and criminal procedure, judicial procedure, and rules of evidence; Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws; Knowledge of pleading and practices and effective techniques in the presentation of court cases; Knowledge of responsibilities and obligations of public officials and administrative agencies; Knowledge of principles and practices of government programs, including standards/best practices; Knowledge of municipal government organization, structure, and functional responsibilities; Knowledge of supervisory principles and methods, including program development and implementation and work assignment, and employee selection, training, work evaluation, and discipline.

DUTIES & RESPOSIBILITIES (Duties include but are not limited to):

• Performs highly complex legal research, providing written and oral opinions on various legal issues for City Council, Mayor, and City staff
• Represents the City in civil and criminal matters before judicial and quasi-judicial bodies, state and federal agencies, mediators, and arbitrators
• Drafts, analyzes, reviews and/ or approves complex and routine ordinances, amendments to ordinances, resolutions, contracts, deeds, leases, development agreements, Memorandum of Understanding and other legal documents, and instruments
• Negotiates, drafts and reviews contracts
• Monitors changes in state and federal regulations, standards, and legislation governing municipalities
• Makes professional presentations before staff, boards and commissions and the City Council
• Recognizes, assesses, and analyzes potential liability and complex legal issues and keeps the City Council and City staff informed of the same
• Formulates strategy and effective solutions for legal issues and to minimize risk and safeguard the City's operations
• Advises on personnel and employee relations matters
• Responds to citizen complaints and requests for information
• May assist with preparation of department budget
• Performs other duties as assigned

OTHER DUTIES: This job description is intended to describe the general nature of work performed by the City Attorney and is not intended to be all-inclusive. All employees are expected to perform tasks as assigned by their supervisor; furthermore, overtime may be required in times of necessity.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

Working Environment: Work is performed primarily in an office environment; however, offsite events include grand openings, groundbreakings, and active construction sites, which may be subject to weather. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

Physical: While performing duties of this job, the employee must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time. The employee is occasionally required to stand; reach; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. This position requires constant operation and use of computer, phone, and other office equipment. May be subject to repetitive motion, such as typing, and vision to monitor. Employee must be able to function and communicate clearly with departments, the public, and attend various functions and meetings at other sites either within or outside the city. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Mental: Must maintain the ability to work well with others as well as the general public in a variety of situations. Must be able to multi-task, work under time constraints, problem solve, and prioritize. Must also be able to maintain confidentiality and resolve conflicts. This position requires the ability to make independent and sound judgments.

All municipal employees will be expected to show and maintain a high level of initiative, enthusiasm, and motivation towards the improvement of ALL aspects of the Freeport community. Employees will also be expected to be available for work, to report to work in a dependable and timely fashion, and to be physically and mentally fit to do their assigned work. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer.

Must pass pre-employment drug screen, criminal background, physical, and MVR check.