Data is as of 6/15/2025.
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City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

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Division Chief
FLSA: Standard/Exempt EEO Category: (20) Professionals
Class Code: 13050 Salary Grade: MA2
Approved: October 24, 1997 Last Revised: February 21, 2025

Purpose:
 

With general direction, this position supervises the activities and staff of a division or specific function of the Law Department.
Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:
  Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
  1. Assists in the providing of legal advice to management, council, and departments.
  2. Compiles data and information for reports, cost estimates, etc.
  3. Coordinates research information as requested and/or needed.
  4. Negotiates with citizens, businesses, attorneys, etc. to resolve legal actions involving the City.
  5. Writes and drafts legal documents such as contracts, regulations, ordinance amendments, resolution, etc.
  6. Writes legal opinions.
  7. Handles complex legal matters requiring substantial legal experience.
Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:
 

Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling and recommendation for dismissal.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
  • Knowledge of judicial procedures and rules of evidence.
  • Knowledge of civil and criminal law.
  • Knowledge of municipal law and specialized area of law relevant to municipal practice.
  • Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
  • Knowledge of City practice, policy and procedures.
  • Skill in oral and written communication.
  • Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  • Skill in using computers and related software.
  • Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
  • Skill in planning and organizing.
  • Ability to conduct research on legal problems and prepare opinions.
  • Ability to prepare and review legal documents.
  • Ability to analyze facts and precedents in order to present them effectively in court.
  • Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
Minimum Qualifications:
 

Graduation from an accredited school of law plus five (5) years of experience as a practicing attorney with a minimum of three (3) years experience in a lead or supervisory capacity.
Licenses and Certifications Required:
 

Member in good standing of the State Bar of Texas.

This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty required of the position given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of management to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision. The listing of duties and responsibilities shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.