Associate Attorney – Transactional & Litigation

Description

Messer Fort is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Associate Attorney – Transactional/Litigation to join our team. The successful candidate will be responsible for representing municipalities in a variety of transactional matters as well as litigation. The position requires sound judgment and good technical skills. The successful candidate will be analytical, thorough, detail-oriented, and have experience in municipal litigation, preferably with civil rights, the Texas Tort Claims Act, and land use rights. Prior employment in a law firm representing local governmental entities or in a municipality handling litigation is a requirement.

Responsibilities

• Represent municipalities in litigation matters, including but not limited to, zoning disputes, land use disputes, and contract disputes.
• Conduct legal research and draft legal documents, including pleadings, motions, and briefs.
• Attend court hearings and trials.
• Communicate with clients, opposing counsel, and the court.
• Conduct and manage discovery.
• Work on case assignments and tasks as delegated by supervising attorneys.
• Advise assigned cities on all aspects of municipal law, including land use and development matters, subdivision regulations, public improvement districts and other special districts, elections, procurement, open meetings, open records, contracts, franchises, ordinances, legal opinions, and utility matters.
• Assist clients with negotiating, drafting and editing agreements, real estate transactions, development and reimbursement agreements, impact fee and tax abatement agreements, easements and utility agreements, and Chapter 380 economic development incentive agreements.
• Draft and amend documents and city codes, including ordinances and resolutions.
• Work with developers, engineers, and the municipality to provide guidance and direction on new developments, ETJ matters, and annexations.
• Conduct research on city ordinances and state regulations.
• Agenda review/approval in accordance with state and local government code.
  
  

Requirements

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Admission to the State Bar of Texas.
• 5-10 years of experience in civil litigation, with strong preference given to litigation experience representing governmental entities.
• Strong legal research and writing skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  
  

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, as well as opportunities for professional growth and development. If you are a highly motivated and skilled attorney looking for a challenging and rewarding opportunity, we encourage you to apply for this position.