Section: Claims and Subrogation Section
Reporting Location: 900 BAGBY
Workdays & Hours: MONDAY - FRIDAY 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM* *Subject to Change
LEGAL DEPARTMENT
The Office of the City Attorney for the City of Houston (the "OCA") provides 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.
Every member of the OCA is committed to "Service Through Law."
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
The City of Houston seeks an attorney to handle property damage matters with the opportunity for growth in other areas. The job entails both responding to claims that have been filed against the city due to allegations of city employees damaging property and also working with various city departments to recover damages to city infrastructure.
The ideal candidate will have at least two years of litigation experience, possess excellent written and communication skills, and be highly motivated. The candidate must be able to work independently and as a team player.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Researching and drafting pleadings, discovery demands and responses, motions, briefs, correspondence, and other legal documents.
- Conducting depositions, court hearings, bench, and jury trials.
- Identifying and developing expert testimony when needed.
- Evaluating the appropriate case value and making settlement recommendations.
- Responding to and working directly with citizens to resolve claims that have been filed with the city.
- Assisting the City Attorney and others with special projects such as drafting City Attorney Legal Opinions.
- Special projects assigned by management.
- Working with state administrative entities
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. Requires basic computer skills and working knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite.
EXPERIENCE:
For Assistant City Attorney I: No experience is required but must, on or within 6 months of the first day of employment with the City of Houston, be an active member in good standing of the Texas State Bar.
For Assistant City Attorney II: Minimum of 4 years of experience practicing law.
For Sr Assistant City Attorney I: Minimum of 8 years of experience practicing law.
For Sr Assistant City Attorney II: Minimum of 13 years of experience practicing law.
For Sr Assistant City Attorney III: Minimum of 18 years of experience practicing law.
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.
LICENSE:
Must be a member of the Texas State Bar on or about the first day of employment. If selected for this position, official proof of a J.D. degree and membership in the Texas State Bar is required and membership in the state bar must be kept current as a condition of employment.
Preference will be given to candidates with:
- Excellent writing, oral advocacy, analytical, and organizational skills.
- Familiarity with state court practices and procedures.
- Familiarity with Texas Rules of Civil Procedure.
- Must be willing to work extended hours as needed to accommodate case load demands.
- Proficiency with Office 365 Suite, including Word, Outlook, Excel, SharePoint, OneDrive, and TEAMS, along with Westlaw Edge.
However, the Department may administer skill assessment test.
SAFETY IMPACT POSITION No
If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if candidate is promoted into this position, he/she must pass an assigned 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 this classification.
Pay Grade: 24 to 35
Salary Range: $86,463 to $140,000 (Salary will be determined depending on qualifications.)
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. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov.
To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call (832) 393-6214.
If you need special services or accommodations, call (832) 393-6214.
If you need login assistance or technical support call (855) 524-5627.
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.
All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information.
EOE - Equal Opportunity Employment
The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.Employment Type: Full Time