Assistant City Attorney - Police and Fire Legal Advisor

             ***Please note that a cover letter is required with applications and resumes submitted for consideration.***

Summary

Serves as primary legal advisor for the Police Department and Fire Department, Civil Service Director, and City Boards and Commissions as assigned; provides a wide variety of municipal legal services under the general supervision of the City Attorney; drafts and reviews ordinances, resolutions, policies, procedures, contracts, and other legal documents; performs legal research and analysis on various municipal law issues, particularly focused on police, fire, civil service and meet and confer.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Serves as legal advisor to the Police Department, Fire Department, Civil Service Director, and City Boards and Commissions as assigned by the City Attorney


• Advises the City’s Police and Fire Departments on employment issues, including Civil Service and the Meet and Confer process and agreement, and prepares for and represents the City in Civil Service appeals


• Advises and consults with officers and firefighters regarding specific criminal and other investigations; may be expected to respond in certain emergencies when notified, including night and weekend hours


• Reviews departmental orders, procedures, guidelines, protocols, and training for legal sufficiency and provides advice regarding the same; assists with revisions and updates as needed


• Trains police officers, firefighters, recruits, and employees on various legal topics as needed


• Maintains knowledge of federal and state laws and court decisions affecting cities, as well as the City Charter and the City Code of Ordinances


• Performs legal research, analysis, and writing:
  
  
  
  
  • Performs complex legal research, analyzes, and prepares formal legal opinions in response to proposals, questions, and issues presented to the City Attorney’s office from the City Council, City Manager, Boards, Commissions, and City Departments
  
  
  • Drafts and reviews various legal documents related to municipal operations including contracts, ordinances, resolutions, releases, agreements, deeds, leases, and other legal documents as required
  
  
  • Reviews and provides interpretation and opinions relating to legislation and case law directly or indirectly affecting all aspects of municipal interest; keeps abreast of court decisions and legislative changes, particularly those related to police, fire, and civil service, and advises City officials regarding the same
  
  
  
  


• Serves as a liaison to the County Attorney, District Attorney, courts, Sheriff’s office, and other agencies that interact with the Police and Fire Departments


• Reviews and responds to all subpoenas received by the Police Department, Fire Department and other departments; files legal responses and appears in court when necessary


• Interprets laws, rulings, and regulations for City officials and staff


• Makes presentations to City Council, Boards, Commissions, civic groups, and the general public as assigned


• Assists with litigation preparation that involves Police or Fire


• Serves as Municipal Court prosecutor in event of assigned prosecutor’s absence or conflict of interest


• Meets continuing legal education requirements set by the State Bar for practicing attorneys and maintains all licensing requirements


• Follows all city policies, procedures, and safety guidelines


• Performs other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and graduation from an ABA-approved law school


• Successfully pass a comprehensive background screening to support public safety departments

Preferred Qualifications

• One (1) year of experience as a practicing attorney


• Basic knowledge of Texas Civil service law

Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations

• Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas


• Member in good standing of the Texas State Bar Association


• Valid driver's license