The General Counsel Division provides advice and counsel to all City departments and operations on employment, labor relations, and civil legal issues. This includes risk analysis and risk mitigation advice; compliance with employment and labor relations standards; assistance with drafting and interpreting policies, procedures, and other documents; and representation of City management in civil service appeals and in external administrative claims involving employment, labor relations, and civil service issues.

In addition, the General Counsel Division provides overall legal advice and counsel to the City's public safety operations, including the Austin Police Department, Austin Fire Department, and the Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services Department.

About Lee Crawford, General Counsel Division Chief

Lee is a highly accomplished attorney with extensive experience in all aspects of employment and labor law, and has been with the City of Austin Law Department since August 2009.

Lee received a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and government from Brandeis University. He received his law degree from Emory University School of Law. Lee is a highly accomplished attorney with extensive experience in all aspects of employment and labor law.  Prior to joining the City of Austin Law Department, Lee served in a number of positions with Temple-Inland Inc. and spinoff Guaranty Financial Group. His most recent position had been with Guaranty Financial Group as Chief Human Resource Officer.  Lee also has years of experience in private law practice, including Brown McCarroll and Matthew & Branscomb (now Bracewell & Giuliani) in Austin, providing guidance and leadership on labor and employment issues.