JOB TITLE: Assistant City Attorney / City Prosecutor
MONTHLY RATE: DOQ
DEPARTMENT: City Attorney’s Office
FLSA STATUS: Full-Time Exempt
GENERAL SUMMARY:
Candidate would be primarily responsible for representing the interests of the City of Brownsville in municipal court hearings, trials and appeals; negotiating and analyzing appropriate settlements of municipal court cases; providing legal advice to City departments regarding Class C misdemeanor violations arising under the Texas Penal Code, Texas Transportation Code, Health and Safety Code, City of Brownsville Code of Ordinances, as well as any other applicable statutes. In addition, candidate may be assigned other duties by the City Attorney, based on the qualifications, and needs of the City Attorney’s Office.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Assists Chief Prosecutor in the prosecution of Class C misdemeanor violations in City municipal courts and on appeals in county and district courts as assigned.
• Participates and conducts pretrial conferences with defendants and defense counsel as well as prepares cases for trials.
• Responds to discovery and or or written defense motions, including emails and phone calls from City staff, defendants, defense attorneys.
• Prepares a variety of legal documents in support of Class C misdemeanor prosecutions, including drafting complaints, based off applicable statutes and ordinances.
• Makes charging decisions following the review and evaluation of police reports and by interviewing police officers, witnesses, victims.
• Communicates with victims by explaining their rights and seeking their input regarding the impact of the crime against them, restitution options, and sentencing recommendations.
• Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with City policies andprocedures.
• Performs related tasks as necessary. ‘
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
• Knowledge of:
Legal principles, practices and procedures of criminal and constitutional law; Organization, duties, powers, limitations, and authority of city government and the City Attorney’s Office; City Charter and Code of Ordinances;
Methods and techniques of legal research using Westlaw; or LexisNexis; Federal, state and local court rules of procedures and evidence; and Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.
• Skill in:
Negotiations;
► Participating in trials;
► Public speaking; and
► Proficient using computers and applicable software in the legal field.
• Ability to:
Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing; Prepare clear and concise legal documents;
Organize, interpret and apply legal principles and knowledge ‘to legal problems; Represent the city in court hearings and trials;
Provide legal advice to city departments and staff;
Interpret and make decisions in accordance with laws, regulations and policies; and Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
• License to Practice Law in the State of Texas or have ability to obtain Supervised Practice Card issued by the State Bar of Texas.
PREFERED REQUIREMENTS:
• License to Practice Law in the State of Texas.
• Proficiency in the Spanish language, oral, reading and writing.
• One (1) year criminal law work experience, as a prosecutor.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Performs light work that involves walking or standing most of the time and involves exerting up to 20 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis, or skill, adeptness, and speed in the use of fingers, hands or limbs on repetitive operation electronic office machines or tools within moderate tolerances or limits of accuracy.
BENEFITS:
The City of Brownsville participates in a generous retirement plan with retirement opportunities available at 5 or 20 years of continuous service. The City has an exceptional employee and family medical and dental insurance plan. Employees may also contribute to deferred compensation plans from Equitable or supplemental insurance plans from AFLAC and Colonial Life. Full time employees have the opportunity to accumulate 10 sick days and 10 annual days per year. Additionally, the City of Brownsville observes 12 holidays annually.
ADA COMPLIANCE:
ADA requires the City to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations.
EEO STATEMENT:
The City of Brownsville does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factors.
Applicants can apply on the City of Brownsville website or contact Karina Mendoza at (956) 548-6093 with any questions.