TRANSACTIONAL ATTORNEY - GENERAL LITIGATION SECTION
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TRANSACTIONAL ATTORNEY - GENERAL LITIGATION SECTION
Salary
$112,639.28 - $170,492.14 Annually
Location
900 Bagby-City Hall Annex
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
38481
Department
Legal
Opening Date
03/26/2026
Closing Date
Continuous
Description
Benefits
Questions
POSITION OVERVIEW
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 PMSubject to Change
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
The City of Houston Legal Department strives to provide the highest quality municipal legal services to the City, its elected and appointed officials, and its employees in the most efficient manner feasible through adherence 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 - Acting with a commitment to honesty and ethical behavior.
Dignity & Diversity - Demonstrating esteem for the worth of each individual.
Innovation & Imagination - Seeking novel and creative approaches to achieving the City's objectives.
Composed of approximately 100 of Houston's finest attorneys working in 10 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 matters, ethics and quality of life matters, and preparing City ordinances governing Houston and its citizens.
Every member of the OCA is committed to "Service Through Law."
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.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
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.
PREFERENCES
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.
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.
GENERAL INFORMATION
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. 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) 393-0350.
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.
If you need special services or accommodations, call (832) 393-0350.
If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627
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.
The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan. Benefits include:
Medical
Dental
Vision
Wellness
Supplemental Insurance
Life insurance
Long-term disability
Retirement pension
457 deferred compensation plan
Employee Assistance Program
10 days of vacation each year
13 city holidays, plus one floating holiday
Compensable Sick Leave
Personal Leave
Flexible schedules
Hybrid-Telework for eligible positions
Professional development opportunities
Transportation/parking plan
Section 125 pretax deductions
Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
Paid Prenatal, Parental and Infant Wellness Leaves
Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
For plan details, visit http://www.houstontx.gov/hr/benefits.html
01
Are you a veteran who served on active duty in the Armed Forces (United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard) for more than 90 consecutive days and received either an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions?
Yes
No
02
Do you possess a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an American Bar Association accredited college of law?
Yes
No
03
Are you a member of the State Bar of Texas?
Yes
No
04
How many years of experience do you have practicing law?
I have 8 years but less than 13 years of experience.
I have 13 years but less than 18 years of experience.
I have more than 18 years of experience.
05
With respect to academic performance in law school please indicate your placement within your class.
Top 25% (1st Quarter)
26 - 50% (2nd Quarter)
51 - 75% (3rd Quarter)
Bottom 25% (4th Quarter)
I don't know
06
Have you submitted a current resume in addition to completing the application?
Yes
No
07
Have you ever been disciplined by a State Bar Association?
Yes
No
08
Has your right to practice law ever been limited?
Yes
No
09
Approximately how many cases have you tried as a first chair?
10
Please briefly describe the @types of cases you have tried as first chair (e.g., breach of contract, vehicle accidents, construction, etc.). ("See resume" is not acceptable. If this does not apply, please @type "N/A")
Required Question
