The Position

The City of Austin seeks a seasoned and highly qualified individual to serve as City Attorney, the chief legal counsel for the City. Currently, the City Attorney reports to and is appointed by the City Manager. The City Attorney provides legal advice and counsel to the Mayor, City Council, City Manager, department heads, boards, commissions, and other City staff. The City Attorney is a key member of the City’s executive leadership team and collaborates closely with the Mayor and City Council, contributing to strategy and policy decisions to ensure the City’s mission, vision, and core values are reflected in its operations and strategic goals.

A central aspect of the position is advising the Mayor and City Council, the City Manager, and City departments on legal issues and ensuring compliance with the current City Charter and other applicable laws. The City Attorney represents the City in local, state, and federal courts, administrative proceedings, and City Council meetings, providing sound, clear, and concise legal advice and presents legal opinions and options on municipal activities. This role requires the ability to develop solutions, identify legal strategies, and resolve legal questions arising from City projects and programs. The City Attorney also leads the City Attorney’s Office and its divisions, which include Litigation, Land Use and Real Estate, Municipal Operations, General Counsel, Criminal Prosecution, Open Government/Ethics and Compliance, Utilities and Regulatory, Financial and Administrative Services including Human Resources. Responsibilities include developing and implementing the Office’s strategic plan, setting priorities, and establishing annual work plans with measurable goals and objectives. The City Attorney oversees the $21.1 million fiscal year 2024-2025 budget for the Office, including resource forecasting for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies. In addition to managing the Office’s activities, the City Attorney is responsible for staff supervision, including selection, training, performance evaluation, and, when necessary, disciplinary actions.

The next City Attorney is a seasoned legal professional known for their integrity, pragmatism, and unwavering commitment to public service. With a comprehensive understanding of municipal law and a collaborative leadership style, they bring a solutions-oriented approach to addressing the City’s complex legal and policy challenges. The successful candidate demonstrates expertise across a broad range of legal areas, including land use and zoning, open meetings law, elections law, environmental and sustainability law, utilities, public safety, housing policies, municipal financing, and legislative review. They are adept at providing clear legal pathways to support the City Council’s vision while ensuring compliance with state and federal laws, managing high-stakes litigation, and navigating the impacts of state and federal legislative actions on local governance.

A proven leader, the City Attorney inspires trust and collaboration within the legal department, fostering a high-performing team and instilling a culture of creativity and excellence. They are committed to mentoring, developing, and empowering staff while ensuring efficient operational processes and timely legal counsel. Politically astute yet apolitical, the City Attorney builds strong relationships with elected officials, city management, and community partners, and stakeholders. They understand the legal nuances of a progressive city operating within a conservative state and address challenges with diplomacy, tact, and a commitment to the City’s values.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary is commensurate based on experience. The benefits package includes medical, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, compensated leave, short-term disability, and retirement benefits. The city is a member of the Proportionate Retirement Program. Optional benefits include supplemental life insurance, a 457 deferred compensation plan, long-term disability plan, and a legal plan. Visit Active Employee Benefits to learn more about the City’s employee benefits. Reasonable relocation benefits will be provided to the successful candidate.

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis at jobs.crelate.com. Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. Please apply no later than January 6, 2025.

Qualifications

The following are the minimum qualifications required for the City Attorney:

• Education and Experience: Graduation from an accredited law school, plus seven years of experience as an attorney including five years of municipal experience, two of which were in an upper management legal capacity. Shall have practiced law in the State of Texas for at least five years immediately preceding appointment.
• Licenses or Certifications: Admission to the Bar of the State of Texas and member in good standing with the Texas State Bar.

About City of Austin

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