Description

The City of Odessa has an immediate opening for the position of City Attorney.  The City Attorney is appointed by and serves at the discretion of our City Council.  The role acts as chief legal advisor to the Mayor and Council, City Manager, and department directors; provides legal opinions and strategy, minimizes risk and liability, manages legal issues, and represents the City in administrative proceedings and legal actions.  

 A representative summary of some of the duties to be performed: 

•         Prepares ordinances, resolutions, contracts, development agreements, and other legal instruments considered by the City Council.
•         Supervises prosecutors and is ultimately responsible for the prosecution of traffic and criminal cases in the City of Odessa Municipal Court, which is a court of record.
•         Represents the City in state and federal courts.
•         Serves as legal counsel for the Odessa Development Corporation, a Type A Economic Development Corporation governed by Chapter 504 of the Texas Local Government Code.
•         Conducts research and keeps informed of state and federal legislation and judicial decisions affecting operation of the City.
•         Provides legal training to city departments on compliance with applicable local, state, and federal laws.
•         Prepares and administers the annual department budget.
•         Coordinates the representation of the City in the Texas Legislature.
•         Attends all City Council Meeting and provides real-time legal counsel to ensure compliance with open meeting laws, parliamentary procedure, and city code.

A more complete description of responsibilities is in the job posting on our website and our brochure which lists areas of interest to our Council.   From those, you should see that the successful candidate will be qualified to practice, and proficient in all aspects of, Texas municipal law.  Beyond the transactional concerns, we are looking for someone who can play a vital role in our community.  Every municipality has its challenges, and we are no different.  Not every job, though, can have a direct and visible impact on the quality of life of every member of that community.  This is a pinnacle job, not a stepping stone.  We want a smart, executive-level leader who can provide insightful municipal legal services while developing a team of specialists capable of balancing a demanding workload.  

 Our compensation package is competitive and commensurate with experience, our benefit offerings are generous, and we are members of the TMRS system.  If you have done the work necessary to sit on the dais, this may be your time to do so.  

Requirements

Juris Doctorate Degree is required; AND five years' experience of legal practice (municipal sector highly desirable), including experience with criminal and civil law, preferably in the state of Texas.

Must be a member of the State Bar of Texas, licensed to practice law in the state of Texas.

 Work is primarily performed in a standard office environment.  Must have the ability to transport self from building to building and perform primarily sedentary office work.