H-1B Visa Assistant City Attorney Jobs
H-1B visa jobs as an Assistant City Attorney are well-suited to sponsorship because the role requires a Juris Doctor and active bar admission, meeting the specialty occupation standard USCIS applies to legal positions. Municipal employers file Labor Condition Applications through DOL and petition through USCIS, typically offering three-year initial status with extension eligibility.
Find H-1B Visa Assistant City Attorney JobsOverview
Showing 2 of 5+ Assistant City Attorney jobs
See all Assistant City Attorney Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Assistant City Attorney roles.
Get Access To All JobsAbout This Position
This multi-level position provides legal services to and on behalf of the City under the direction of the City Attorney. Depending on the level, the role may include providing legal advice to senior and executive management, elected officials, and City Departments; conducting complex legal research; preparing legal documents; representing the City in internal and external legal matters; and assisting with or leading complex assignments with significant legal, political, operational, or financial impact. Attorney positions within the Austin City Attorney's Office are not governed by the City's non-sworn Municipal Civil Service rules.
Job Description:
Assistant City Attorney I, II, or III
Purpose:
Under the direction of the City Attorney, this position provides legal services to and on behalf of the City.
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.
- Legal Advice: With minimal or no supervision, provides legal advice to senior and executive management, and to elected officials, on primarily complex issues that may have high political or financial impact. May assist other attorneys on more complex assignments.
- Legal Research: With minimal or no supervision, performs research on complex legal issues with moderate political or financial impact. May assist other attorneys on more complex assignments.
- Legal Writing: With minimal or no supervision, prepares legal documents for senior managers on routine or moderately complex matters. May assist other attorneys on more complex assignments.
- Legal Advocacy: With minimal or no supervision, acts as a lead or supporting representative of the City in internal and external legal matters that have significant political/financial impact. May assist other attorneys on more complex assignments.
Assistant City Attorney I-II
Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:
None
Assistant City Attorney III
Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:
- Supervision: None
- Leadership: Provides some mentoring and training to lower-level attorneys on legal issues and legal skills.
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 substantive laws applicable to Texas local governments.
- Knowledge of the City of Austin Charter, Code, and administrative policies and procedures.
- Knowledge of relevant court procedures and rules of evidence.
- Ability to communicate and present analysis and information both orally and in writing in a clear and effective manner.
- Ability to conduct thorough and accurate legal and factual research relevant to the job assignment.
- Ability to analyze and problem solve in a timely fashion on legal issues relevant to the job assignment.
- Proficiency in use of Departmental computer systems and technology.
- Effective law office organizational skills.
- Ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks, schedule interruptions, and shifting time deadlines.
- Ability to conform to Departmental administrative procedures and requirements.
- Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
Minimum Qualifications:
Assistant City Attorney I
- Graduation from an American Bar Association accredited school of law.
- Current active membership in good standing of the State Bar of Texas.
Assistant City Attorney II
- Graduation from an American Bar Association accredited school of law.
- Current active membership in good standing of the State Bar of Texas.
- Three (3) full years of active practice as a licensed attorney.
Assistant City Attorney III
- Graduation from an American Bar Association accredited school of law.
- Current active membership in good standing of the State Bar of Texas.
- Seven (7) full years of active practice as a licensed attorney.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with or demonstrated interest in utility-related environmental law issues.
- Experience with or demonstrated interest in technology or privacy law.
- Experience with or demonstrated interest in drafting and negotiating complex transactions, such as IT projects; power, gas, and hedging transactions and trades; and other large purchase and acquisition transactions.
- Experience with or demonstrated interest in utility service offerings and contracts.
- Experience or demonstrated interest in public contract law and public finance issues.
- Experience in the public or private sector advising clients regarding complex transactions.
- Familiarity with the structure and operation of the ERCOT market.
Licenses and Certifications Required:
License to practice law issued by the State Bar of Texas.
Compensation Range:
The annual hiring range for this position is $102,910.00-$131,700.00
Notes to Candidate:
Division Overview:
The successful candidate will be assigned to the Utilities and Regulatory division of the Law Department and would be responsible for researching and providing legal advice in one or more of the following areas – City of Austin Utilities - Austin Water, Austin Energy, and Austin Resource Recovery; regulation of certain non-city owned utilities; general complex transactional matters, technology or information security, and compliance. The work is transactional in nature and may include participation in alternative dispute resolution processes or support to the Litigation Division but does not include litigation. The attorney will be responsible for providing ongoing support to City staff and management, including negotiating and drafting contracts, conducting research, reviewing and drafting legal memoranda or resolutions, ordinances, City Code amendments, agenda postings, and other legal instruments. The attorney may also be responsible for preparing and making presentations at City Council meetings, both in public and in executive sessions. The scope of the assigned duties may vary depending on the business needs of the client.
Work Location:
We value a healthy work-life balance and currently offer a 40-hour work week with flexible work hours and a hybrid schedule of three days remote and two days on-site in accordance with the City’s policy and subject to supervisor approval. On-site work is primarily located at Austin City Hall, 301 W. 2nd Street, Austin 78701, or other location as designated by a supervisor.
Compensation Range:
The annual hiring range for this position is
Assistant City Attorney I: $80,190.00 - $101,400.00
Assistant City Attorney II: $89,190.00 - $115,100.00
Assistant City Attorney III: $102,910.00 - $131,700.00
Benefits:
Working with the City of Austin offers numerous benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid leave time, a comprehensive retirement plan, training opportunities, and more.
Professional Growth and Development:
The City Attorney's Office offers opportunities to advance within our Attorney career ladder, as well as a wide variety of learning opportunities.
When completing the City of Austin employment application:
- Please be sure to detail on the application all previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications. Any final offer will be made based on the information provided in the application.
- A detailed, complete employment application is required. It helps us to better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position. Be sure to provide job titles and employment dates for all jobs you wish to be considered.
- A resume is required but will not substitute for a complete employment application.
- Please do not use the phrase “see resume” or refer to other documents to complete your application.
- Do not leave the “Duties and Responsibilities” sections blank.
- Please include contact information from previous employers. Failure to fill in all portions of the application will be considered an incomplete application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Cover Letter and Resume Required:
This position requires a cover letter and resume. Please upload your documents in order to be considered for this position.
If you are selected for hire:
- Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED, undergraduate, and/or graduate degrees) is required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization or institution. You must also provide proof of your professional licenses or certifications. If you are in the military or are a military veteran, you will need to provide a copy of the Member 4 page of your DD-214 prior to confirming a start date.
Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.
We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.
JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM
At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.
What Makes the City of Austin Special?
- Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
- Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.
- Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
- Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
- Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
- Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
- Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
- Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.
EEO Statement for City of Austin:
The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.
City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.
About This Position
This multi-level position provides legal services to and on behalf of the City under the direction of the City Attorney. Depending on the level, the role may include providing legal advice to senior and executive management, elected officials, and City Departments; conducting complex legal research; preparing legal documents; representing the City in internal and external legal matters; and assisting with or leading complex assignments with significant legal, political, operational, or financial impact. Attorney positions within the Austin City Attorney's Office are not governed by the City's non-sworn Municipal Civil Service rules.
Job Description:
Assistant City Attorney I, II, or III
Purpose:
Under the direction of the City Attorney, this position provides legal services to and on behalf of the City.
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.
- Legal Advice: With minimal or no supervision, provides legal advice to senior and executive management, and to elected officials, on primarily complex issues that may have high political or financial impact. May assist other attorneys on more complex assignments.
- Legal Research: With minimal or no supervision, performs research on complex legal issues with moderate political or financial impact. May assist other attorneys on more complex assignments.
- Legal Writing: With minimal or no supervision, prepares legal documents for senior managers on routine or moderately complex matters. May assist other attorneys on more complex assignments.
- Legal Advocacy: With minimal or no supervision, acts as a lead or supporting representative of the City in internal and external legal matters that have significant political/financial impact. May assist other attorneys on more complex assignments.
Assistant City Attorney I-II
Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:
None
Assistant City Attorney III
Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:
- Supervision: None
- Leadership: Provides some mentoring and training to lower-level attorneys on legal issues and legal skills.
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 substantive laws applicable to Texas local governments.
- Knowledge of the City of Austin Charter, Code, and administrative policies and procedures.
- Knowledge of relevant court procedures and rules of evidence.
- Ability to communicate and present analysis and information both orally and in writing in a clear and effective manner.
- Ability to conduct thorough and accurate legal and factual research relevant to the job assignment.
- Ability to analyze and problem solve in a timely fashion on legal issues relevant to the job assignment.
- Proficiency in use of Departmental computer systems and technology.
- Effective law office organizational skills.
- Ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks, schedule interruptions, and shifting time deadlines.
- Ability to conform to Departmental administrative procedures and requirements.
- Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
Minimum Qualifications:
Assistant City Attorney I
- Graduation from an American Bar Association accredited school of law.
- Current active membership in good standing of the State Bar of Texas.
Assistant City Attorney II
- Graduation from an American Bar Association accredited school of law.
- Current active membership in good standing of the State Bar of Texas.
- Three (3) full years of active practice as a licensed attorney.
Assistant City Attorney III
- Graduation from an American Bar Association accredited school of law.
- Current active membership in good standing of the State Bar of Texas.
- Seven (7) full years of active practice as a licensed attorney.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with or demonstrated interest in utility-related environmental law issues.
- Experience with or demonstrated interest in technology or privacy law.
- Experience with or demonstrated interest in drafting and negotiating complex transactions, such as IT projects; power, gas, and hedging transactions and trades; and other large purchase and acquisition transactions.
- Experience with or demonstrated interest in utility service offerings and contracts.
- Experience or demonstrated interest in public contract law and public finance issues.
- Experience in the public or private sector advising clients regarding complex transactions.
- Familiarity with the structure and operation of the ERCOT market.
Licenses and Certifications Required:
License to practice law issued by the State Bar of Texas.
Compensation Range:
The annual hiring range for this position is $102,910.00-$131,700.00
Notes to Candidate:
Division Overview:
The successful candidate will be assigned to the Utilities and Regulatory division of the Law Department and would be responsible for researching and providing legal advice in one or more of the following areas – City of Austin Utilities - Austin Water, Austin Energy, and Austin Resource Recovery; regulation of certain non-city owned utilities; general complex transactional matters, technology or information security, and compliance. The work is transactional in nature and may include participation in alternative dispute resolution processes or support to the Litigation Division but does not include litigation. The attorney will be responsible for providing ongoing support to City staff and management, including negotiating and drafting contracts, conducting research, reviewing and drafting legal memoranda or resolutions, ordinances, City Code amendments, agenda postings, and other legal instruments. The attorney may also be responsible for preparing and making presentations at City Council meetings, both in public and in executive sessions. The scope of the assigned duties may vary depending on the business needs of the client.
Work Location:
We value a healthy work-life balance and currently offer a 40-hour work week with flexible work hours and a hybrid schedule of three days remote and two days on-site in accordance with the City’s policy and subject to supervisor approval. On-site work is primarily located at Austin City Hall, 301 W. 2nd Street, Austin 78701, or other location as designated by a supervisor.
Compensation Range:
The annual hiring range for this position is
Assistant City Attorney I: $80,190.00 - $101,400.00
Assistant City Attorney II: $89,190.00 - $115,100.00
Assistant City Attorney III: $102,910.00 - $131,700.00
Benefits:
Working with the City of Austin offers numerous benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid leave time, a comprehensive retirement plan, training opportunities, and more.
Professional Growth and Development:
The City Attorney's Office offers opportunities to advance within our Attorney career ladder, as well as a wide variety of learning opportunities.
When completing the City of Austin employment application:
- Please be sure to detail on the application all previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications. Any final offer will be made based on the information provided in the application.
- A detailed, complete employment application is required. It helps us to better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position. Be sure to provide job titles and employment dates for all jobs you wish to be considered.
- A resume is required but will not substitute for a complete employment application.
- Please do not use the phrase “see resume” or refer to other documents to complete your application.
- Do not leave the “Duties and Responsibilities” sections blank.
- Please include contact information from previous employers. Failure to fill in all portions of the application will be considered an incomplete application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Cover Letter and Resume Required:
This position requires a cover letter and resume. Please upload your documents in order to be considered for this position.
If you are selected for hire:
- Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED, undergraduate, and/or graduate degrees) is required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization or institution. You must also provide proof of your professional licenses or certifications. If you are in the military or are a military veteran, you will need to provide a copy of the Member 4 page of your DD-214 prior to confirming a start date.
Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.
We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.
JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM
At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.
What Makes the City of Austin Special?
- Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
- Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.
- Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
- Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
- Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
- Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
- Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
- Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.
EEO Statement for City of Austin:
The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.
City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.
See all H-1B Visa Assistant City Attorney Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new H-1B Visa Assistant City Attorney Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship as an Assistant City Attorney
Verify your bar admission transfers across states
Municipal law offices hire for jurisdiction-specific practice, so your bar admission must be active in the state where the city operates. If you're admitted elsewhere, start the reciprocity or UBE score transfer process before applying, since many city attorneys require admission before they'll sponsor.
Pull prevailing wage data before negotiating
Your employer's LCA must certify a wage at or above the DOL prevailing wage for your SOC code and location. Use the OFLC Wage Search to look up the current wage level for your target city before you receive an offer, so you can assess whether the offer will pass DOL certification.
Target cities with active H-1B LCA filing history
Not every municipal government has sponsored H-1B visa attorneys before. Use Migrate Mate to identify city and county employers with verified H-1B visa LCA filing history for legal roles, so you spend your time on employers already familiar with the process rather than educating HR from scratch.
Confirm each worksite requires its own LCA
If you'll work across multiple city offices or courthouses, your employer must file a separate certified LCA for each worksite location. Flag this during the offer stage so the sponsoring city's HR or outside counsel accounts for all locations before USCIS reviews the I-129 petition.
Document specialty occupation with your offer letter
USCIS scrutinizes legal roles to confirm the position genuinely requires a J.D. in a specific legal field. Ask your employer to describe the specialized practice area in the offer letter and job description, citing duties that require law school training, not just general legal oversight or administrative tasks.
File I-129 early to cover the 60-day grace period
If you're transitioning from another employer or status, your authorized stay ends when your previous position ends. USCIS must receive the I-129 before that date to maintain lawful status. Work with the city's counsel to submit well before your start date, not on it.
H-1B Visa Assistant City Attorney: Frequently Asked Questions
Does an Assistant City Attorney role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Yes. An Assistant City Attorney requires a Juris Doctor and active bar admission in the relevant state, satisfying the USCIS specialty occupation standard, which requires at least a bachelor's-level degree in a directly related field. A J.D. is a professional doctorate tied specifically to legal practice, so the role qualifies clearly, provided the employer's job description reflects substantive legal duties rather than purely administrative functions.
Which government agency processes the H-1B petition for a municipal law employer?
The process involves two agencies. The city's HR or outside immigration counsel first files a Labor Condition Application with DOL for certification. Once certified, the employer submits Form I-129 to USCIS, which adjudicates the actual H-1B petition. Municipal employers are cap-exempt if the city qualifies as a government entity, which can allow filing at any time rather than competing in the annual cap selection process.
Are city and county government employers cap-exempt for H-1B sponsorship?
Government entities, including cities and counties, are generally considered cap-exempt under USCIS rules because they are not private employers subject to the annual 65,000-visa cap. This means a qualifying municipal employer can file an H-1B petition at any time of year without waiting for the cap period, and the recent changes to cap selection mechanics don't affect your application timeline.
How do I find Assistant City Attorney jobs at employers who sponsor H-1B visas?
Municipal H-1B sponsorship history isn't visible on standard job postings, so searching by LCA filing records is more reliable than filtering by job title alone. Migrate Mate lists employers with verified H-1B LCA filing history, including government and municipal law employers, so you can identify which city or county offices have sponsored legal roles before reaching the interview stage.
What happens to my H-1B status if the city eliminates my position or I'm laid off?
H-1B status is tied to the sponsoring employer, so a layoff or position elimination ends your authorized period of stay. USCIS provides a 60-day grace period after involuntary termination, during which you can seek a new sponsor, change status, or depart the U.S. Your H-1B is granted for up to three years initially and can be extended to a six-year maximum while employed by a qualifying sponsor.