NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES ATTORNEY
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NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES ATTORNEY
Salary
$87,299.94 - $129,909.00 Annually
Location
900 Bagby-City Hall Annex
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
38466
Department
Legal
Opening Date
03/25/2026
Closing Date
Continuous
Description
Benefits
Questions
POSITION OVERVIEW
Applications accepted from: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED
Job Classification: Assistant City Attorney I to Senior Assistant City Attorney II
Section: Neighborhood Services
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 is seeking a skilled and community-oriented Attorney to join its Neighborhood Services team. This role focuses on supporting initiatives that enhance the quality of life in Houston's neighborhoods through legal enforcement, ordinance interpretation, code compliance, and collaboration with community partners.
The ideal candidate will be highly motivated, detail-oriented, and committed to supporting safe, vibrant, and resilient neighborhoods as a proactive problem-solver with strong communication skills and a passion for public service. The Neighborhood Services Section seeks analytical and resourceful attorneys who can manage a diverse caseload while providing sound legal guidance.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Provide legal counsel and representation related to neighborhood protection, code enforcement, nuisance abatement, dangerous buildings, and related municipal matters.
Draft, review, and interpret ordinances, legal opinions, contracts, and other municipal documents.
Represent the City in administrative hearings, municipal court, and state court as needed.
Work closely with departments such as Public Works, Police, Planning, and Administrative and Regulatory Affairs to address neighborhood issues.
Coordinate with community organizations, civic groups, and elected officials on matters impacting neighborhood health and safety.
Conduct legal research and prepare memoranda, reports, and recommendations for City leadership.
Support strategic initiatives related to blight reduction, public safety, regulatory compliance, and neighborhood revitalization efforts.
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 Assistant City Attorney I: No experience required.*
For Assistant City Attorney II: Minimum of 4 years of experience practicing law.
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.
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.
*License for Assistant City Attorney I: Must, or within 6 months of the first day of employment with the City of Houston, become an active member in good standing of the Texas State Bar and be 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:
3 years of experience, preferably in a government or litigation setting.
Knowledge of municipal codes, state statutes, and regulatory frameworks affecting cities.
Strong litigation, negotiation, and advocacy skills.
Ability to manage a diverse caseload with attention to detail and deadlines.
Commitment to equitable and community-centered problem solving.
Ability to work collaboratively with multiple departments and community stakeholders.
Excellent analytical and organizational skills.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Experience working with law enforcement and federal, state, and local agencies.
Texas experience preferred but other jurisdictions will be considered.
Proficiency with the Office 365 suite of programs, including Word, Outlook, Excel, Teams, OneDrive Business, as well as other Microsoft collaborative platforms such as SharePoint; and proficiency with electronic legal research tools such as Westlaw Edge, Practical Law, and Drafting Assistant
Willing to work extended hours as needed to accommodate work demands.
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) 393-0650.
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 or eligible to become a member of the State Bar of Texas?
Yes
No
04
How many years of experience do you have practicing law?
I have less than 4 years of experience.
I have 4 years but less than 8 years of experience.
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
Which best describes your years of experience in municipal law?
I have less than 3 years experience in municipal law.
I have more than 3 but less than 8 years experience in municipal law.
I have more than 8 but less than 13 years experience in municipal law.
I have more than 13 years experience in municipal law.
06
Which best describes your years of experience in litigation?
I have less than 3 years experience in litigation.
I have more than 3 but less than 8 years experience in litigation.
I have more than 8 but less than 13 years experience in litigation.
I have more than 13 years experience in litigation.
07
Please describe how your legal experience relates to this position. ("See resume" is not acceptable. If this does not apply, please @type "N/A")
08
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
09
What range best represents your annual salary requirement?
$87,300 - $97,952
$97,953 - $108,604
$108,604 - $119,256
$119,257 - $129,909
10
Have you submitted a current resume in addition to completing the application?
Yes
No
11
Have you ever been disciplined by a State Bar Association?
Yes
N
12
Has your right to practice law ever been limited or employment terminated?
Yes
No
13
How many years of experience do you have working with municipal or local government law?
I have no experience.
Less than 2 years.
2 years but less than 5 years.
5 years or more.
14
Which best describes your experience with code enforcement, nuisance abatement, dangerous buildings, or similar neighborhood regulatory matters?
I have no experience.
Less than 2 years of experience.
2 to 5 years of experience.
More than 5 years of experience.
15
Do you have experience handling administrative hearings (e.g., building standards commissions, municipal enforcement hearings)?
Yes
No
16
Do you have litigation experience specifically related to municipal ordinance enforcement or property-related issues (such as abatements, injunctions, or demolitions)?
Yes
No
17
How familiar are you with interpreting and applying municipal codes and ordinances?
I have no familiarity.
Some familiarity but limited practical application.
Moderate experience through research or supporting roles.
Extensive experience applying codes/ordinances in practice.
18
Have you previously worked with public agencies, neighborhood groups, or community stakeholders to resolve local compliance or quality of life issues?
Yes
No
19
Please describe any experience you have working with multidisciplinary teams. ("See resume" is not acceptable. If this does not apply, please @type "N/A")
20
Do you have experience drafting or revising ordinances, regulations, or policy documents?
Yes
No
21
What is your level of comfort managing a high volume caseload with competing deadlines?
Not comfortable
Somewhat comfortable
Comfortable
Very comfortable
22
Please describe any courtroom or administrative advocacy experience relevant to neighborhood services, nuisance actions, or code enforcement. ("See resume" is not acceptable. If this does not apply, please @type "N/A")
23
Do you have any experience conducting legal training or providing guidance to inspectors, enforcement staff, or other city personnel?
Yes
No
24
Are you willing to work occasional evenings or weekends when community meetings, emergencies, or neighborhood initiatives require legal support?
Yes
No
Required Question
