Senior Assistant City Attorney, Section Chief

Applications accepted from: ALL PERSONS

Job Classification: SENIOR ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY, SECTION CHIEF                     

Posting Number: 23626                 

Department: LEGAL DEPARTMENT                                          

Division: DISASTER RECOVERY                                                    

Reporting Location: 900 BAGBY, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77002                              

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

 

The Office of the City Attorney for the City of Houston (the “OCA”) provides municipal legal services to the City, its elected and appointed officials, and its employees while adhering to the following guiding principles: 

 

• Quality & Service – Achieving high customer satisfaction as judged by our clients.
• Partnership & Teamwork – Working cooperatively internally and with our clients to achieve the City’s goals.
• Integrity & Candor – Placing honesty and ethical behavior first. 
• Dignity & Diversity – Promoting each person’s value.
• Innovation & Imagination – Seeking novel and creative approaches to achieving the City’s objectives.

Composed of approximately 100 of Houston’s finest attorneys working in 11 legal practice sections, the OCA handles personal injury, commercial and civil rights litigation, major commercial and real estate transactions, and a diverse array of human resources, labor and employment matters, while also counseling the municipal corporation on economic development, constitutional, election, ethics and quality of life matters and  preparing City ordinances governing Houston and its citizens. Every member of the OCA must be committed to “Service Through Law.” 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

The City of Houston seeks a Section Chief to manage the Disaster Recovery Section within the Legal Department. The Section Chief should have at least three years of experience in managing personnel and a minimum of ten years of experience in a transactional practice.   Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Hiring and supervising attorneys and staff, including developing personnel and conducting performance reviews, for the Section.
• Counseling client departments on the administration of disaster recovery funds.
• Negotiating and drafting contracts.
• Counseling client departments on procurement procedures.
• Drafting, reviewing or revising city policies.

 

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.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

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

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Seven years of experience in the practice of general civil law, specialized in municipal law, or comparable legal experience are required.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

Member of the Texas State Bar (on or about the first day of employment). If selected for this position, proof of a J.D. degree and membership in the Texas State Bar is required and a condition of employment.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

** As stated in City of Houston Executive Order 1-6,  “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, the totality of the veteran’s qualifications are otherwise equal to or exceed the qualifications of nonveterans applying for the position, and the City’s policy of promoting diversity in its workforce continues to be observed.” ** 

Preference shall also be given to those with the following:

• Excellent oral advocacy and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent writing skills.
• Excellent analytical skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• An extensive background in disaster related rules and regulations promulgated by federal, state and local governments, as well as demonstrated understanding of Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) rules and regulations, as well as transactional real estate, affordable housing, and/or administrative law expertise.
• Experience working with federal, state or local governmental entities, particularly with HUD, HUD grantees, subgrantees, or subrecipients, housing authorities, or other similar agencies.
• Willingness to work extended hours as needed to accommodate case load demands.
• General understanding of federal, state and local laws relating to disaster recovery.
• Proficiency with the Office 365 suite of programs, including Word, Outlook, Excel, and Teams. 
• Above-average academic performance and exceptional professional achievement preferred.

SELECTION / SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED

All applicants should provide a resume, writing sample, and academic transcripts; letter(s) of recommendation are optional.

 

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.

 

 

GRANT FUNDED

This position and the DRS are grant-funded positions dependent on the availability of federal grant dollars. In addition, the tenure of the section and position will track the duration of the need for disaster recovery activities. Currently, the City projects that services will be needed for at least four years.

 

RELOCATION EXPENSES

The selected applicant’s relocation expenses may be eligible for reimbursement in accordance with applicable Internal Revenue Service policies and regulations, HUD regulations and guidance (e.g. 2 C.F.R. Section 200.464), Section 2-22 of the Houston City Code,  and Mayor’s Policy 109.00, Employment Relocation Expenses.

 

PAY GRADE: 35

                                                            

EXPIRATION DATE

Continuous