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Job Description
Summary
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The City Attorney is appointed by the Mayor and City Council and will serve as a legal advisor to the City Council and City Manager. The City Attorney oversees the litigation and legal proceeding as directed by the City Council and the City Manager as well review and provide opinions as requested by the City Council and/or City Manager on contracts, legal instruments and ordinances of the City.- Represent the City in all aspects of municipal law and all other general legal matters involving the City.
- Provide legal opinions and advice on parliamentary process of the City Council, contemplated actions of the City Council and City Manager, and potential legislation under consideration by City Council; and attend all meetings of the City Council as legal advisor.
- Represent the City in civil litigation matters and dispute resolutions; respond to inquiries by City Council and City Manager regarding legal ramifications of pending litigation.
- Direct attorneys providing prosecution services in municipal court.
- Work with additional attorneys, with the approval of the City Council, to act for the City Attorney and the City in its representation and litigation of Civil Service and Risk Management.
- Manage legal department budget and assigned staff.
- Demonstrate expertise in criminal law and procedure, and Constitutional law as they relate to cases in municipal court and on appeal.
- Working knowledge of laws affecting municipalities including but not limited to the Public Information Act, Texas Local Government, Government, and health and Safety Codes for purposes of civil code enforcement, procurement and contracting regulations. Additional areas of experience include:
- Knowledge of municipal government operations;
- Knowledge of applicable municipal, State, and Federal laws;
- Knowledge of criminal law principles
- Knowledge of State and municipal ordinance prosecution principles;
- Knowledge of 380 Agreements and development incentives;
- Knowledge of court methods and procedures;
- Knowledge of legal theory;
- Knowledge of legal terminology;
- Knowledge of parliamentary procedures;
- Knowledge of rules of evidence;
- Skilled in preparing written opinions;
- Skilled in writing briefs;
- Skilled in strategically applying legal rules in court;
- Skilled in prosecuting cases in courts;
- Skilled in writing legal documents;
- Skilled in preparing depositions;
- Skilled in analyzing legal documents and instruments;
- Skilled in maintaining sensitive and confidential information;
- Skilled in prioritizing, organizing, and managing multiple projects;
- Skilled in operating a computer and related software applications;
- Skilled in communicating effectively with a variety of individuals.
- Other duties may be assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Managing and monitoring work performance of various departments including evaluating program/work objectives and effectiveness, establishing broad organizational goals and realigning work and staffing assignments for all departments.
Education and/or Experience
The City Attorney position requires a Juris Doctorate, ten plus years of City government (political subdivision) experience, and requires a License from the Texas State Bar.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
A valid Class C driver’s license with a clean driving record is required for this position. Driving is a requirement of this position.
The City of Lancaster offer a complete benefits packeage to full-time employees which includes: health care; paid holidays, vacation time, sick leave, retirement, longevity, tuition reimbersemet and more.
To learn more details, vist our benefits page. -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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City of Lancaster
Show moreHistorical Overview
The first settlement made in the Lancaster community was in September 1844 by Roderick Rawlins. Mr. Rawlins and other members of his party had secured "headrights" from the Republic of Texas. Read on...
Location
Located in the Southwest portion of Dallas County, the City of Lancaster is approximately 15 minutes south of Dallas and is well situated to access the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex, one of the largest and most diverse in the nation. Read on...
Lancaster offers the perfect blend of open farmland, rolling hills, creeks, and woodlands, with home prices ranging from $160,000 to $600,000. Our community features tree-shaded neighborhoods, an excellent public library, a Senior Life Center, and over 600 acres of parks, including a municipal golf course and the Lancaster Visitors Center and State Auxiliary Museum.
Ideally located for commuting within the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, Lancaster provides easy access to major highways and is close to DART light rail, Dallas Love Field, and DFW International Airport. The city also boasts a regional airport and an industrial park with rail access. Educational opportunities abound with nearby campuses of Dallas College, Cedar Valley College, and the University of North Texas at Dallas, while the Lancaster Independent School District (LISD), the first district-wide STEM district in Texas, offers award-winning education.
Lancaster features diverse shopping, dining, and recreational opportunities, including a 100-acre Community Park with a recreation center, indoor aquatic facility, fishing pier, and outdoor athletic facilities, as well as the Bear Creek Nature Preserve. With a vibrant mix of amenities and a strong sense of community, Lancaster is the ideal place to live, work, and play!
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