Odessa Assistant City Attorney

The position is open until filled. First review deadline

5 p.m. May 10, 2026

RECRUITMENT BROCHURE

The City of Odessa is seeking an Assistant City Attorney to serve as one of the City’s legal advisors and a municipal prosecutor. The position will provide legal counsel to departments, review contracts and ordinances and help protect the City from liability.

The position reports directly to the City Attorney and has these core responsibilities:

Preparation & Prosecution of Municipal Court Cases occurring within the Odessa City Limits

Review police reports, complaints & citations for case review & charging decisions

Draft pleadings, plea offer and legal motions

Present cases using facts, case law and legal precedence

Represent the City in Municipal Court for all dockets

Conduct factual & legal analysis to determine prosecutorial strategy

Legal Opinions & Advisory Work

Interpret city ordinances & state law and analyze legislation and its potential impact on the City

Provide legal opinions to city departments and leadership

Review documents, policy & operational issues for legal sufficiency

Draft motions, memoranda, correspondence & appellate documents

Review & approve contracts, resolutions, ordinances and public communications

Ensure city’s compliance with local, state and federal law

Code Enforcement and Administrative Proceedings

Prepare and prosecution city code violations

Represent the City in administrative hearings and other legal proceedings

Manage case preparation for code related enforcement actions

Risk Management & Liability Reduction

Identify legal risks and recommend mitigation strategies

Ensure city operations comply with legal standards

Protect the city’s interests in all assigned matters

The Assistant City Attorney will be a collaborative and ethical team player. They must possess excellent communication skills and a commitment to public service. Presentation of the right candidate will combine legal expertise with strategic vision to support Odessa’s long term success.

Minimum Qualifications:

Juris Doctorate Degree is required or a reasonable expectation of obtaining in an acceptable transition period.

Knowledge of:

State of Texas criminal and civil statutes, rules, administrative orders, policies & procedures, and applicable Federal rules & regulations

Texas judicial procedures and rules of evidence

Legal precedents and court decisions impacting municipal government

Municipal government functions, political environments, and confidentiality standards

Principles & protocols for the evidentiary gathering of information, documents, financial records and other data that may be used in court and legal proceedings

Texas court protocols and practices and law enforcement agency procedures

Principles & practices of legal, ethical and professional rules of conduct

Legal case management procedures, ethics and techniques

Must have or acquire knowledge of:

Legal precedents and court decisions impacting municipal government

Current political & economic trends in municipal, state and federal government

Local community issues & regional community resources available to citizens

Skills:

Analyzing complex legal administrative issues, interpreting laws & regulations, evaluating alternatives and developing recommendations, strategies and operational improvements

Interpreting and applying criminal & civil laws to information, evidence and other data compiled

Prosecuting cases in a courtroom, presenting legal arguments and mediating legal issues

Using effective interrogative procedures and recognizing suspicious & deceitful behavior patterns

Reviewing & assessing legal issues & documents

Working independently, maintaining composure & discretion and working effectively in a high-pressure environment with changing priorities

Prioritizing and completing assignments with minimum supervision

Explaining federal & state rules and regulations and City policies & procedures while exercising the highest degree of confidentiality

Reviewing & maintaining records, compiling technical information and managing official records

Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects & demands

Establishing & maintaining cooperative working relationships and open communication with City employees, law enforcement agencies, court and justice system representatives and advocate groups

Communicating effectively verbally, and in writing.

License and Certification Requirements: Must be a member of the Texas State Bar Association, licensed to practice law in the State of Texas, and remain active with all Texas Bar annual requirements, or have a reasonable expectation of obtaining in an acceptable transition period.

To Apply:

Faxed and mailed submissions will not be considered.

Kelly Kuenstler, Vice President

Clear Career Professionals

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