What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant City Attorney position at City of San Marcos, TX?
The Assistant City Attorney provides legal counsel and representation to the City organization to support effective governance, compliance, and decision-making. This position ensures that City operations, policies, and actions adhere to applicable laws and regulations by conducting legal research, preparing legal documents, advising City departments, and representing the City in administrative, regulatory, and judicial matters. The role also supports the City Attorney in complex legal issues and may serve in their place when required.
The following list highlights the main responsibilities of this position. While it covers the core tasks, it may not include every duty that could be assigned. The employee may be asked to take on other responsibilities as needed to support the team and department.
- Provide legal counsel and research-based guidance to City departments, City boards, and commissions.
- Draft contracts, ordinances, policies, real estate documents, and development or economic incentive agreements.
- Participate in negotiations involving City management and external parties.
- Assist and act on behalf of the City Attorney as required, including representation before City Council.
- Represent the City in regulatory matters with state and federal agencies.
- Meet with governmental agencies, private entities, property owners, and other stakeholders regarding legal issues involving the City.
- Prepare and deliver legal opinions, research summaries, and guidance on municipal legal matters.
- Provide direction to legal support staff by assigning and reviewing work tasks.
- Prosecute Class C misdemeanor cases in Municipal Court if the prosecutor is unavailable.
- Perform other legal and advisory duties to support City operations.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
- Five years of legal experience as an attorney.
- Licensed to practice law by the Supreme Court of Texas.
- Valid Texas Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Five or more years of Texas municipal law experience.
- Experience drafting or negotiating governmental agreements and municipal documents.
- Experience working with boards, commissions, or governmental agencies.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations, codes, ordinances, and statutes.
- Skill in performing legal research and preparing complex legal documents.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to maintain effective working relationships with City officials, staff, boards, commissions, and the public.
- Ability to work extended hours, including evenings, when required for meetings.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This position requires occasional lifting of up to 15 pounds. Work involves constant sitting and visual work, with frequent handling, fine dexterity, hearing, and speaking. Occasional activities include standing, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling, reaching, and operating foot controls. Rare climbing may be required.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is primarily performed in a standard office setting with frequent interaction with City staff, boards, commissions, and external parties. The role requires sustained attention to detail, the ability to manage multiple priorities, and availability for evening meetings or extended work hours as needed.
Salary : $126,069 - $157,581