ATTORNEY - MUNICIPAL PROSECUTING

PN#19543 MUNICIPAL PROSECUTING ATTORNEY

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.
 
Comprised of over 100 of Houston's finest attorneys across ten sections, the Legal Department has the pivotal role of providing litigation support, negotiating and drafting contracts, handling taxation matters, advising on personnel actions, dealing with the acquisition of sale of City property, overseeing City elections, drafting ordinances, advising on ethics and conflicts of interest, and dealing with neighborhood protection and quality of life issues. Every employee is committed to the Department's motto – "Service Through Law."

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
The City of Houston Legal Department is seeking an energetic, motivated and focused attorney to prosecute in the City of Houston Municipal Courts. Experience in criminal or municipal law is appreciated, but not required.
 
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Representing the State of Texas and City of Houston in Municipal Court prosecutions of Class C misdemeanor cases arising under City Ordinances and other laws of the State of Texas before both judges and juries
• Performing citizen intake and direct-filing of cases
• Researching and analyzing ordinances, statutes, case law, administrative opinions, rules of procedure and evidence and drafting legal memoranda thereon
• Interacting extensively with the public, other members of the Bar, judges, court personnel, police officers and inspectors
• Conducting, reviewing and preparing discovery
• Representing the City of Houston and State of Texas in civil and administrative hearings
• Researching, analyzing and drafting criminal complaints
• Performing legal research and preparing formal and informal legal opinions regarding criminal and municipal law
• Counseling the city's departments about city ordinances and state statutes
• Assisting the City Attorney and others with special projects such as drafting City Attorney Legal Opinions

EDUCATIONAL: 
Requires a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an American Bar Association accredited college of law.

EXPERIENCE:
Four years experience in the practice of criminal law.

LICENSE: 
Must be a member of the Texas State Bar. Must have a valid Driver's License and be in compliance with the City of Houston policy on driving (AP 2-2).

Preference will be given to applicants with:

• Excellent communication skills.
• Excellent analytical skills.
• Above average academic achievement preferred
• Familiarity with Texas criminal statutes
• Familiarity with municipal or public law
• Proficiency with Word, Outlook, Excel and the use of technology in the practice of law
• Must be willing to work flexible schedules including days, nights and some weekends

SELECTION/SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED:      Yes
All applicants will be expected to provide a writing sample, transcripts and letter(s) of recommendation.
 
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 similar positions.
 
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: http://www.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 please call 832.393.6090.

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. If you need special services or accommodations, call TTY 7-1-1.

Equal Employment Opportunity
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.