TN Visa City Attorney Jobs
City Attorney roles qualify for TN visa sponsorship under the USMCA's lawyer category, provided you hold a Canadian or Mexican law degree and a valid bar license recognized in the hiring jurisdiction. Municipal governments and public agencies sponsor TN status directly, with no lottery and no annual cap for Canadians.
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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 - 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.
Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:
Assistant City Attorney I - II
None
Assistant City Attorney III
- 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 in land use, zoning, real estate, construction, development, or single- and multi-family affordable housing developments.
- Experience drafting and negotiating contracts or formation, operation, and dissolution documents of various business entities including non-profit corporations.
- Experience advising governmental entities or non-profit corporations.
Licenses and Certifications Required:
License to practice law issued by the State Bar of Texas.
Notes to Candidate:
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.
Salary:
Assistant City Attorney I $80,190.00 - $101,400.00 Annually
Assistant City Attorney II $89,880.00 - $115,100.00 Annually
Assistant City Attorney III $102,910.00 - $131,700.00 Annually
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.
Division Overview:
The Land Use and Real Estate Division provides advice and counsel to City departments on issues related to land use, housing, real estate, parks, and permitting and development. The attorneys in the division work closely with the Office of Real Estate Services, Animal Services Office, and Planning, Housing, Watershed Protection, Parks and Development Services Departments. The attorneys in the division also provide legal support to the Planning Commission, Zoning and Platting Commission, Board of Adjustment, Building and Standards Commission, and the Historic Landmark Commission.
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 - 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.
Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:
Assistant City Attorney I - II
None
Assistant City Attorney III
- 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 in land use, zoning, real estate, construction, development, or single- and multi-family affordable housing developments.
- Experience drafting and negotiating contracts or formation, operation, and dissolution documents of various business entities including non-profit corporations.
- Experience advising governmental entities or non-profit corporations.
Licenses and Certifications Required:
License to practice law issued by the State Bar of Texas.
Notes to Candidate:
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.
Salary:
Assistant City Attorney I $80,190.00 - $101,400.00 Annually
Assistant City Attorney II $89,880.00 - $115,100.00 Annually
Assistant City Attorney III $102,910.00 - $131,700.00 Annually
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.
Division Overview:
The Land Use and Real Estate Division provides advice and counsel to City departments on issues related to land use, housing, real estate, parks, and permitting and development. The attorneys in the division work closely with the Office of Real Estate Services, Animal Services Office, and Planning, Housing, Watershed Protection, Parks and Development Services Departments. The attorneys in the division also provide legal support to the Planning Commission, Zoning and Platting Commission, Board of Adjustment, Building and Standards Commission, and the Historic Landmark Commission.
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 TN Visa City Attorney Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new TN Visa City Attorney Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding TN Visa Sponsorship as a City Attorney
Verify your bar admission transfers across borders
TN visa lawyer classification requires a license to practice in the hiring state, not just your home country. Research reciprocity rules or motion-on-admission pathways before applying, since many municipalities won't sponsor until bar admission is confirmed.
Target municipal and county government openings directly
City attorney offices post vacancies on municipal HR portals, not always on general job boards. Search city and county government career pages by region, filtering for attorney roles in legal, city counsel, or public law departments.
Use Migrate Mate to find employers experienced with visa sponsorship
Not every municipal employer understands TN visa sponsorship for attorneys. Search Migrate Mate to identify public-sector employers experienced with visa sponsorship, so you can focus your applications where supporting visa candidates is already part of their hiring practice.
Ask HR whether legal counsel sponsorship requires council approval
Some city governments require a formal vote by city council before authorizing attorney hires under any visa status. Confirm this early in the hiring process so sponsorship delays don't stall your start date after an offer is extended.
Gather credential documents before any offer stage
CBP requires your law degree, bar admission certificate, and a detailed employer support letter at the port of entry. Canadians can apply directly at the border, so having all documents ready lets you activate TN status the same day an offer is finalized.
Clarify scope of practice in your employer support letter
The TN support letter must describe duties that match the lawyer classification, including advising on municipal ordinances, representing the city in litigation, and drafting legal opinions. Vague letters citing general legal support are a common CBP flag for attorney applicants.
City Attorney TN Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Does the city attorney role qualify for TN visa classification?
Yes. City attorney positions qualify under the TN visa's lawyer category, which covers professionals engaged in legal practice and advice. Your role must involve substantive legal work such as advising municipal departments, drafting ordinances, or representing the city in proceedings. General administrative legal support without clear practice-of-law duties may not satisfy CBP's classification standard.
How does TN visa sponsorship for city attorneys compare to H-1B?
TN sponsorship is significantly faster and more predictable for city attorney roles. There is no annual lottery, no cap for Canadians, and Canadians can obtain TN status at the port of entry the same day as their offer. H-1B visa requires a lottery slot, a six-month wait, and USCIS adjudication. For municipal legal roles with a defined start date, TN is the more practical path.
Which state bar license do I need to qualify for a city attorney TN visa?
You need bar admission in the state where you'll be employed, not just your home country's legal credentials. Some states offer reciprocal admission or motion-on-admission for Canadian and Mexican lawyers, but the process varies. CBP will expect documentation of your active bar license at the time of your TN application, so confirm admission before your offer stage.
How can I find city attorney jobs that include TN visa sponsorship?
Search Migrate Mate to identify public-sector employers experienced with visa sponsorship for legal professionals. Municipal governments don't always advertise sponsorship availability in job postings, so filtering for employers with recent visa filings helps you avoid applying to offices unfamiliar with work visa processes and focus on jurisdictions where sponsorship infrastructure is already in place.
Can a Mexican citizen get TN sponsorship for a city attorney position?
Yes, but the process differs from the Canadian pathway. Mexican citizens cannot apply at the port of entry and must obtain a TN visa stamp at a U.S. consulate in Mexico before entering. Processing times at consulates vary. There is also a 5,500 annual TN cap for Mexican nationals, though it has never been reached in practice, so access remains broadly available.