ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY I - CLAIMS SECTION

Job Description:

ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY I - CLAIMS SECTION

Description

POSITION OVERVIEW

APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED FROM: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED

DIVISION: CLAIMS & SUBROGATION SECTION
REPORTING LOCATION: 900 BAGBY
WORKDAYS & HOURS: MONDAY - FRIDAY 9:00AM - 6:00PM*
*Subject to change

ABOUT HOUSTON PUBLIC WORKS
The Office of the City Attorney for the City of Houston (the “OCA”) provides municipal legal services to the City, its elected and appointed officials, and its employees while adhering 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 - Placing honesty and ethical behavior first.
• Dignity & Diversity - Promoting each person’s value.
• 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 an attorney to handle property damage matters with the opportunity for growth in other areas. The job entails both responding to claims that have been filed against the city due to allegations of city employees damaging property and also working with various city departments to recover damages to city infrastructure. The candidate must be able to work independently and as a team player.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Researching and drafting pleadings, discovery demands and responses, motions, briefs, correspondence, and other legal documents.
• Conducting depositions, court hearings, bench, and jury trials.
• Identifying and developing expert testimony when needed.
• Evaluating the appropriate case value and making settlement recommendations.
• Responding to and working directly with citizens to resolve claims that have been filed with the city.
• Assisting the City Attorney and others with special projects such as drafting City Attorney Legal Opinions.
• Special projects assigned by management.
• Working with state administrative entities
  
  

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

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Requires a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an American Bar Association accredited college of law. Requires basic computer skills and working knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
No experience is required but must, on or within 6 months of the first day of employment with the City of Houston, be an active member in good standing of the Texas State Bar and eligible for admission to Federal court.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
Must be a member of the Texas State Bar on or about the first day of employment. If selected for this position, official proof of a J.D. degree and membership in the Texas State Bar is required and membership in the state bar must be kept current as a condition of employment.

PREFERENCES

Preference will be given to applicants with:

• Excellent writing, oral advocacy, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Familiarity with state court practices and procedures.
• Familiarity with Texas Rules of Civil Procedure.
• Must be willing to work extended hours as needed to accommodate case load demands.
• Proficiency with Office 365 Suite, including Word, Outlook, Excel, SharePoint, OneDrive, and TEAMS, along with Westlaw Edge.
  
  

**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
Department may administer skills assessment test.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION Yes
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 this classification.

PAY GRADE 24

APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. 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 (832-393-0453).

If you need special services or accommodations, call (832-393-0453). (TTY 7-1-1)

If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.

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.

All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.

EOE Equal Opportunity Employer
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

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

Salary:

$87,304.88 - $120,000.00 Annually