WHARTON — The City of Wharton is accepting qualifications from attorneys and law firms interested in serving as City Prosecutor and handling cases filed in Wharton Municipal Court.
Statements of qualifications must be received by 5 p.m. Friday, July 24, 2026. The city’s request states that late submissions will not be accepted.
The selected attorney or law firm will be appointed by the Wharton City Council and will serve at the council’s will and discretion. The city is seeking legal assistance specifically for municipal court prosecution, rather than general legal representation for all city matters.
According to the request, the City Prosecutor will be responsible for prosecuting violations of Wharton city ordinances and applicable state laws. Duties will include reviewing cases, preparing charges and complaints and appearing in court to prosecute people accused of municipal or state-law violations handled by the municipal court.
The prosecutor may also be required to attend jury trials, arraignments, initial appearances, pretrial conferences, plea hearings, motion hearings and show-cause hearings.
Wharton Municipal Court primarily handles fine-only misdemeanor cases and may have a high-volume docket. The city said the prosecutor must be able to prepare cases efficiently, coordinate with court employees and law enforcement and maintain organized case files.
The attorney selected will also need to be familiar with the City of Wharton’s Code of Ordinances, applicable state and federal laws and city procedures, including the code-enforcement process.
The request describes Wharton as a home-rule municipality with a population of approximately 8,627. The city provides services that include public works, community development, building inspections, code enforcement, animal control and parks and recreation.
Applicants must identify the attorney who would serve as City Prosecutor and provide information about that person’s education, qualifications and relevant experience. Law firms must also identify any other attorneys who may assist with the work.
The city is requesting information about each applicant’s experience providing prosecution or other specialized legal services to municipalities. Applicants must also explain their understanding of the position, how legal services would be delivered and how cases and deadlines would be managed.
Attorneys and firms must disclose any current clients or relationships that could create a conflict of interest with their responsibilities as City Prosecutor. They must also explain how any future conflicts would be addressed.
Applicants are being asked to submit two possible fee arrangements. The first option is a monthly retainer with additional hourly fees for services not included in the retainer. The proposal must clearly identify which services would be covered by the monthly payment.
The second option is an hourly-fee arrangement without a retainer. Applicants proposing hourly rates must list the rate for each attorney and support staff member, the minimum amount of time that may be billed and any additional costs that could be itemized.
The city emphasized that the selection will not be based on cost alone. Qualifications, experience, proposed services and the applicant’s ability to meet the city’s needs may also be considered.
A City Council selection committee will review the submissions. Several attorneys or firms may be shortlisted and asked to provide additional information. Finalists may also be asked to make a formal presentation to the mayor and City Council, either in person or virtually.
The contract will be awarded to the applicant the City Council determines is the most qualified.
The city will not reimburse applicants for costs associated with preparing a submission, providing additional information or making a presentation.
Qualification statements should be submitted to:
City of Wharton
Attn: Paula Favors, City Secretary
120 E. Caney St.
Wharton, TX 77488
Additional information may be obtained by contacting the City Secretary’s Office at 979-532-2491, extension 225, or by emailing pfavors@cityofwharton.com.