City Attorney

Job Description

An island community rich in history and opportunity, Galveston is the ideal place to live, work and raise a family!

Job Description

To be considered for this exceptional career opportunity, submit your resume, cover letter, and a list of six work-related references (who will not be contacted without prior notice) by Friday, September 25, 2026. Resume should reflect years and months of employment, beginning/ending dates as well as size of staff and budgets you have managed.

Please submit your materials to: https://www.cpshr.us/recruitment/2645. .
For additional information about this position, please contact:
KYLIE WILSON
Principal HR Consultant
Email: kwilson@cpshr.us
Website www.cpshr.us/search

SUMMARY: Under the direction of the City Council, the City Attorney is the legal advisor and attorney for all officials, officers, and departments of the City and represents the City in all litigation and proceedings, including the prosecution of cases before the Municipal Court. Work involves drafting and reviewing ordinances, resolutions, policies and procedures, and contracts prior to consideration by the City Council to ensure compliance with state, federal, and local laws. Emphasis is placed on municipal law, civil code enforcement, land use, zoning, labor relations, and legislative interpretation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Directs the City Attorney's Office and prepares department budget.

• Represents the City in legal actions including mediation, arbitration, and administrative hearings.

• Coordinates with outside counsel regarding litigation on behalf of the City.

• Informs and advises City Council, City Manager, Department Heads, staff and a various boards, committees and commissions regarding legal issues.

• Researches and prepares oral and written legal opinions for City Council, City Manager, Department Heads, staff, committees commissions and boards.

• Attends City Council and committee meetings.

• Prepares, city ordinances, resolutions, contracts, and other legal documents involving the City.

• Performs related work as required by City Council.

• Supports the relationship between the City of Galveston and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

• Employees may at any time be required to work in order to provide for the safety and well-being of the general public, including the delivery and restoration of vital services, in the event of an emergency.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
Knowledge:

• Effective communication and legal research. Self-Motivated requiring no supervision. Assumes responsibility and completes assigned task promptly and professionally. Experience in municipal law, land use, labor relations, civil service, administrative, and state and federal laws.
• Knowledge of civil litigation and administrative hearings.
• Knowledge of municipal, state, federal, and constitutional law affecting municipal government.
• Knowledge of Civil Service and collective bargaining.
• Ability to analyze and prepare a variety of legal documents.
• Ability to conduct a research and write legal opinions.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to maintain working relationships with municipal officials and the general public.
• Business and personal computers, and spreadsheet software applications.

Skill in:

• Managing situations requiring diplomacy, fairness, firmness and sound judgment.
• Building effective work teams and providing efficient customer service.
• Managing staff; delegating tasks and authority and providing coaching to improve staff performance.
• Understanding and applying City policies and procedures, and applicable federal and state regulations.
• Explaining City policies and procedures.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with all levels within the City.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree from an accredited law School; Licensed by the State Bar of Texas and the Southern District of Texas; AND ten years’ experience as a municipal lawyer, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION:

Possession of a valid Texas driver’s license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed primarily in a standard office environment. Must be able to operate a variety of automated office machines including computers, typewriters, calculators, copiers, facsimiles machines. Must be able to move around in an office environment.

Compensation Range

DOQ

The City of Galveston is an equal opportunity employer and will consider only the qualifications of the applicants. The City does not tolerate any form of discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, or physical/mental disability in employment or provision services.