LITIGATION ATTORNEY – GENERAL LITIGATION SECTION

Applications accepted from: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED

Job Classification: SR ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY I to SR ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY III:

Section: GENERAL LITIGATION

Reporting Location: 900 BAGBY

Workdays & Hours: MONDAY – FRIDAY 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM* *Subject to Change

Essential Job Functions

The City of Houston seeks a commercial litigation attorney with at least 8 years of experience to handle civil commercial matters, as well as litigation involving City ordinances, election contests, civil rights and state and federal constitutional issues.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to

• Representing the City and City employees and public officials in complex commercial and constitutional matters.
• Handling written discovery and motion practice in federal and state courts.
• Researching and preparing trial court briefs and motions.
• Taking and defending depositions of fact and expert witnesses.
• Identifying experts and assisting in the development of expert testimony.
• Evaluating case value and making settlement recommendations.
• Preparing case memoranda and representing the City in mediations.
• Preparing for and handling bench trials, evidentiary hearings, and jury trials in state and federal courts.
• Supervising outside counsel.
• Counseling the client departments.
• Assisting the City Attorney and others with special projects such as drafting City Attorney Legal Opinions.

Working Conditions

This position is physically comfortable; the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc. There are no major sources of discomfort in a normal office environment.

Educational

Requires a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an American Bar Association accredited college of law.

Experience

• For Senior Assistant City Attorney I: Minimum of 8 years of experience practicing law.
• For Senior Assistant City Attorney II: Minimum of 13 years of experience practicing law.
• For Senior Assistant City Attorney III: Minimum of 18 years of experience practicing law.

License

Must be an active member in good standing of the Texas State Bar and eligible for admission to Federal court. License to practice law in Texas must be kept current as a condition of employment.

Preference will be given to applicants with

• Jury trial experience, including as first chair.
• Excellent oral advocacy skills.
• Exceptional writing skills.
• Excellent analytical skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Familiarity with federal and state court judges and court practices and procedures.
• Expertise with Texas and Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
• Must be willing to work extended hours as needed to accommodate case load demand.
• Proficiency with Word, Outlook, Excel and the use of technology in practice.

Additional information

Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.

Selection/skills Tests Required

All applicants will be expected to provide a writing sample and transcripts. All applicants must upload a current resume in addition to completing the application.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION: No

If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.

Salary Information

Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in the appropriate classification.

Pay Grade: Varies

Application Procedures

Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during posting opening and closing dates shown.

All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information.

Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.