TRANSACTIONAL SENIOR PARALEGAL – CONTRACTS SECTION
City of Houston
FreshPosted Mar 26
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Posted: March 26, 2026 (1 day ago)
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TRANSACTIONAL ATTORNEY – GENERAL LITIGATION SECTION
City of Houston
Legal
Location
Houston, Texas, 77002
Salary
$4,332.28 - $6,557.39
per week
Type
Full-Time
More Legal jobs →Closes
Open until filled
Job Description
Summary
This job involves representing the City of Houston in court cases related to business disputes, election challenges, civil rights, and constitutional issues, including preparing legal documents, handling depositions, and advising city officials.
A good fit would be an experienced lawyer who enjoys complex litigation and working in a team-focused government environment.
The role requires strong analytical skills and the ability to manage cases from start to finish, including trials and settlements.
Key Requirements
- Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.) degree from an ABA-accredited law school
- Active license to practice law in Texas
- Minimum 8 years of legal practice experience (more for higher levels: 13 years for Level II, 18 years for Level III)
- Experience in commercial litigation and constitutional law matters
- Proficiency in federal and state court procedures, including discovery, motions, and trials
- Skills in depositions, expert witness management, and settlement negotiations
- Ability to counsel city departments and supervise outside counsel
Full Job Description
Applications accepted from: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED
Job Classification: SR ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY I to SR ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY III
Section: GENERAL LITIGATION
Reporting Location: 900 BAGBY
Workdays & Hours: MONDAY – FRIDAY 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM* *Subject to Change
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.
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 a commercial litigation attorney with at least 8 years of experience to handle civil commercial matters, as well as litigation involving City ordinances, election contests, civil rights and state and federal constitutional issues.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Representing the City and City employees and public officials in complex commercial and constitutional matters.
- Handling written discovery and motion practice in federal and state courts.
- Researching and preparing trial court briefs and motions.
- Taking and defending depositions of fact and expert witnesses.
- Identifying experts and assisting in the development of expert testimony.
- Evaluating case value and making settlement recommendations.
- Preparing case memoranda and representing the City in mediations.
- Preparing for and handling bench trials, evidentiary hearings, and jury trials in state and federal courts.
- Supervising outside counsel.
- Counseling the client departments.
- Assisting the City Attorney and others with special projects such as drafting City Attorney Legal Opinions.
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.
Requirements
Educational:
Requires a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an American Bar Association accredited college of law.
Experience:
For Senior Assistant City Attorney I: Minimum of 8 years of experience practicing law.
For Senior Assistant City Attorney II: Minimum of 13 years of experience practicing law.
For Senior Assistant City Attorney III: Minimum of 18 years of experience practicing law.
License:
Must be an active member in good standing of the Texas State Bar and eligible for admission to Federal court. License to practice law in Texas must be kept current as a condition of employment.
Qualifications
Preference will be given to applicants with:
- Jury trial experience, including as first chair.
- Excellent oral advocacy skills.
- Exceptional writing skills.
- Excellent analytical skills.
- Excellent organizational skills.
- Familiarity with federal and state court judges and court practices and procedures.
- Expertise with Texas and Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
- Must be willing to work extended hours as needed to accommodate case load demand.
- Proficiency with Word, Outlook, Excel and the use of technology in practice.
**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.**
Additional Information
SELECTION/SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED:
All applicants will be expected to provide a writing sample and transcripts. All applicants must upload a current resume in addition to completing the application.
SAFETY IMPACT POSITION: No
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 the appropriate classification.
Pay Grade: Varies
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: 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) 393-0350.
All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information.
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.
If you need special services or accommodations, call (832) 393-0350.
If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627
EOE - Equal Opportunity Employment
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.
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