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Job Description
Description
The City of Forney is seeking a dedicated legal professional to join our team as an Assistant City Attorney. This position requires professional legal work in all aspects of prosecuting cases in the Municipal Court, a court of record, and potential representation of the City’s interests in state court disputes primarily involving substandard buildings and nuisance properties. This position also requires legal research, preparation of court documents, trials, appeals, open records requests, providing advice and legal opinions to City staff, interpretation of traffic codes, criminal statutes, ordinances, and enforcement.
Examples of Duties
The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.- Represent the City in all Municipal Court cases. Prepare and prosecute code enforcement, traffic, penal code, and comparable cases in Municipal Court and Justice of the Peace Court, if necessary. Manage cases until final disposition, including appeal, if necessary. May represent the City in state court cases primarily involving substandard buildings and nuisance properties.
- Prepare pleadings and motions, respond to discovery requests and motions filed by other parties, review cases set for pretrial, and interview and prepare witnesses.
- Represent the City in civil appeals filed in Municipal Court, including dangerous animal and unlawful towing appeals; on appeals of Class C Misdemeanors; and state court appeals.
- Review affidavits, outside complaints, and school complaints to determine if all essential elements exist to accept charges.
- Represent the City in administrative hearings as needed.
- Respond to and advise police and other enforcement personnel on applicable laws, policies, procedures, and other legal matters.
- Provide legal assistance to City departments regarding the Public Information Act. Review requests for information and related responsive materials for legal exemptions. Draft requests for AG decisions on open records requests.
- Respond to inquiries regarding open records, coordinate with other departments, and evaluate open records requirements.
- Participate in interdepartmental meetings; assist in drafting ordinances and amendments, resolutions, policies, and other legal instruments.
- Attend meetings and public hearings and render legal advice to the City Council, Staff, Boards, and Commissions.
- Conduct legal research, analyze, and prepare formal legal opinions as directed by the City Attorney.
- Attend CLE seminars.
- Adhere to assigned work schedule as outlined in City and department attendance policies and procedures.
- May also assist with other transactional and litigation matters
- Performs other duties as assigned by the City Attorney.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED: No direct supervision exercised; may exercise occasional administrative and functional supervision for specified activities.
Minimum Qualifications- Valid driver's license
- Doctorate of Jurisprudence from an accredited law school, licensed to practice law in Texas by the State Bar of Texas, and in good standing
- One (1) year of experience in municipal law representing governmental entities concerning Texas Open Government Law is preferred.
- Prosecutorial or criminal defense experience in Texas courts of one or more years with progressive responsibilities and “first chair” trial experience is preferred.
- Candidates with less experience, or civil trial law experience, may be considered with applications demonstrating familiarity with municipal law or trial law, excellent research, writing, and critical thinking skills (writing sample must be available upon request), and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and duties.
- Candidates with Texas State Bar results pending may be considered with demonstration of strong interests in public service and trial work.
Special Requirements:- Memberships in the State Bar of Texas (pending State Bar results may be considered under certain conditions)
- Possession of or ability to obtain a license for practice before the U.S. District Court within one year of hire.
Physical Demands / Work Environment:- The normal work schedule is Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and may include some evening meetings and working on weekends as necessary.
- Standard office environment.
- Ability to sit, stand, and walk.
- Ability to lift 15 pounds.
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***PLEASE NOTE: Complete the Work History section in full, including all relevant past employment.
Resumes may be attached to the application however will NOT be accepted in lieu of the official application form ***
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS Medical Insurance
The city is self-insured and offers a choice of four medical plans through United Healthcare:- $6,000 Deductible HSA Plan (up to a $3,000 HRA reimbursement + HSA City Contributions)
- $2,500 Deductible EPO Plan
Employee health coverage goes into effect the first day of the month following 30 days of employment. Coverage is available to all full-time employees at group rates.
Dental Insurance
The city offers a dental plan through United Healthcare Dental:- UHC DPPO
Coverage is available to all full-time employees at group rates.
Life Insurance
Basic group life insurance protection is provided to eligible full-time employees in the amount of two times the annual salary as recorded at the beginning of each year.
Voluntary products are also available to full-time employees and include supplemental life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, cancer insurance, and critical care.
Other City Paid Plans- Teladoc -All full-time employees have access to TELADOC
- Short Term Disability - Provided to all full-time employees at no cost through NY Life.
- Long Term Disability - Provided to all full-time employees at no cost through NY Life.
All employees appointed to positions designated to work 1,000 hours or more per year must participate in the Texas Municipal Retirement System. TMRS is a qualified tax deferred retirement plan under Section 401 of the IRS. Seven percent of gross earnings are deducted each payroll as a pre-tax deduction and deposited into the member account. When an employee becomes vested and retires, the city provides 2-to-1 matching contributions.
Additional Group Benefits
Other benefits are:- Deferred Compensation plan
- Direct deposit
- Paid holidays
- Paid vacation
- Personal leave
- Sick leave
- Social Security
- Health Savings Account
- Employee Assistance Program
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ABOUT THE COMPANY
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City of Forney
Show moreMission
A responsible government dedicated to providing municipal services with a standard of excellence.
Vision
A vibrant city providing an unparalleled quality of life, preserving heritage, and embracing technology.
Values
Our employees serve the residents of Forney with the following values:
- Selfless - We have a firm commitment to serving the public with dedication, compassion, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on the lives of our residents.
- Excellence - We are constantly striving to do better for the Forney community and the services we provide.
- Resourceful - We possess the ability to quickly and skillfully find creative ways to adapt and overcome difficult situations and complete tasks with limited resources through research and teamwork.
- Visionary - We will embrace creative solutions and transformative ideas that enhance the quality of life for all residents.
- Exemplary - Having qualities that include a commitment to excellence, readiness to learn, a knack for creative thinking, and a willingness to put the city’s needs first.
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