Division Chief - Austin City Attorney's Office

Job Description:

Division Chief - Austin City Attorney's Office

Description

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles - Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives.
  
• Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces : Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

With general direction, supervise the activities and staff of a division or specific function of the Law Department.

Job Description:

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Assists in the providing of legal advice to management/council/departments.
  
• Compiles data/information for reports, cost estimates, etc.
  
• Coordinates research information as requested and/or needed.
  
• Negotiates with citizens, businesses, attorneys, etc. to resolve legal actions involving the City.
  
• Writes/drafts legal documents, i.e. contracts, regulations, ordinance amendments, resolution, etc.
  
• Writes legal opinions.
  
• Handles complex legal matters requiring substantial legal experience
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling and recommendation for dismissal.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of judicial procedures and rules of evidence.
  
• Knowledge of civil and criminal law.
  
• Knowledge of municipal law and specialized area of law relevant to municipal practice.
  
• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
  
• Knowledge of City practice, policy and procedures.
  
• Skill in oral and written communication.
  
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  
• Skill in using computers and related software.
  
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
  
• Skill in planning and organizing.
  
• Ability to conduct research on legal problems and prepare opinions.
  
• Ability to prepare and review legal documents.
  
• Ability to analyze facts and precedents in order to present them effectively in court.
  
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited school of law plus five (5) years of experience as a practicing attorney with a minimum of three (3) years of experience in a lead or supervisory capacity.
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience advising a public entity on issues related to transparency or public integrity.
  
• Experience with the Texas Public Information Act, Texas Open Meetings Act, government ethics policies, elections, or federal and state legislative affairs.
  
• Proven leadership in a sophisticated law office practice (public or private).
  

Notes to Candidate:

This position requires a cover letter and résumé. Please upload your documents for consideration.

We are seeking an energetic, self-motivated individual licensed to practice law in Texas and in good standing with the Texas State Bar to fill a full-time Division Chief position with the City of Austin City Attorney's Office.

The Austin City Attorney's Office is a mid-sized, in-house law firm with an average of 60 attorneys. The department meets the vast majority of the City's legal needs, ranging from areas as diverse as animal control to zoning. Our key activities are to advocate and resolve disputes, to review and develop contracts, and to render opinions and advice.

The mission of the Austin City Attorney's Office is to provide quality legal services to the City of Austin, enabling it to govern lawfully with the highest level of integrity and serve the community effectively. As the chief legal advisor for the City, the Austin City Attorney's Office provides legal advice and representation to the Mayor, City Council, City Officers, City Manager, city departments, boards, and commissions of the City.

Come work for a governmental entity that cares about human rights and is at the forefront of current issues. You can help make a difference in the daily lives of people living in the Austin community.

Professional Growth and Development

Achieve your professional goals. The Law Department offers opportunities to advance within our Attorney and Paralegal career ladder, as well as a wide variety of learning opportunities.

Work-Life Balance

Enjoy a balanced lifestyle in a city renowned for its quality of life, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences.

Hybrid Work Environment:

The City of Austin’s Flexible Work Arrangement Program is designed to empower employees and leaders to establish hybrid work arrangements that promote high levels of performance and engagement. Staff may be eligible to telework for up to 60% of the week. Work schedules are implemented to meet department requirements and are subject to change based on business needs.

In addition to helping the City operate at its highest potential, working with the City of Austin provides a number of benefits including medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities, and more! Click HERE for more information.

Division Overviews:

The Open Government, Ethics & Compliance Division provides legal advice to elected officials, executives, employees, and volunteer board and commission members on issues related to transparency, ethics, and governance. The division also advises the Auditor’s Office and Human Resources on investigations related to these issues. The division also works with other divisions within the City Attorney’s Office to provide support in litigation, public finance, and employment matters.

Salary Range: Commensurate

Location: Austin City Hall, 301 W. 2nd Street, 4th Floor, Austin, TX 78701

Days and Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Monday - Friday.

*Hours may vary depending upon business needs.

When completing the City of Austin employment application:

• Please be sure to detail on the application all previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications. Any final offer will be made based on the information provided in the application.
  
• A detailed, complete employment application is required. It helps us to better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position. Be sure to provide job titles and employment dates for all jobs you wish to be considered.
  
• A resume is required but will not substitute for a complete employment application.
  
• Please do not use the phrase “see resume” or refer to other documents to complete your application.
  
• Do not leave the “Duties and Responsibilities” sections blank.
  
• Please include contact information from previous employers.
  
• Failure to fill in all portions of the application will be considered incomplete applications. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
  

If you are selected for hire:

• Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED, undergraduate, and/or graduate degrees) is required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization or institution. You must also provide proof of your professional licenses or certifications.
  
• If you are in the military or are a military veteran, you will need to provide a copy of the Member 4 page of your DD-214 prior to confirming a start date.
  

Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Closing Date/Time: 2026-01-05