Deputy City Attorney

Description Summary

DEFINITION

The Deputy City Attorney works closely with the City Attorney and assists in performing routine functions associated with the City Attorney's Office, working with greater independence and assuming responsibility for progressively difficult and complex assignments as experience is gained.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from the City Attorney. Exercises direct and general supervision over assigned staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is a mid-management entry level classification. Incumbents perform assigned duties under direction, while learning related policies and procedures.

Expectation of Job Duties

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS(Illustrative Only)

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Assists in representing the City, its officers and employees in assigned civil litigation cases; handles all aspects of assigned cases/claims including discovery, motion, and trial practices.

• Advises City Departments, City Council, and City Boards and commissions on a variety of legal matters including legal implications of any action, inaction, or decision.

• Assists in criminal prosecution of misdemeanor and infraction violations of City ordinances and appeals, including but not limited to all municipal and building code violations within the City, including filing criminal charges, arraignment, trial, sentencing, and appeals; advises Code Enforcement, Building, Public Works, Police, and other Departments as needed regarding all criminal enforcement.

• Prepares, reviews, and examines contracts, agreements, briefs, bid protests, dispute resolutions, change orders, delay claims, ordinances, and other legal documents for City departments.

• Assists in legislative development for the city including researching, reviewing, and preparing proposed ordinances, resolutions, policies, and other legislation.

• Assists in preparing cases for administrative hearings and proceedings.

• Performs legal research and provides legal opinions for special projects for the Office of the City Attorney as assigned.

• Attends and participates in professional meetings and group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of law.

• May represent the Office of the City Attorney at various boards and commission meetings and in court when necessary.

• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Legal principles, practices, and procedure of civil, criminal, constitutional, and administrative law.

• General and public contract law.

• Methods and techniques of legal research.

• Basic duties, powers, and limitations of a city government.

• Basic appellate practices.

• Basic judicial procedures and rules of evidence.

• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications.

• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.

Ability to:

• Define legal issues, collect and analyze information, and recommend action.

• Properly interpret and make decisions in accordance with laws, regulations and policies.

• Read, understand, interpret, apply and explain codes, regulation and other written materials.

• Prepare clear and concise legal documents, including but not limited to, briefs, ordinances, resolutions, correspondence and supporting documents.

• Conduct research on legal problems and prepare sound legal opinion.

• Prepare and present cases in courts.

• Exercise tact and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive, complex and confidential matters.

• Work independently and as a team member; recognize and set priorities and meet deadlines.

• Negotiate with other parties.

• Operate office equipment including computers and supporting software applications.

• Observe safety principles and work in a safe manner.

• Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.

• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Requirements

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

• Graduation from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association with a Juris Doctorate degree, preferably with a specialization or emphasis on municipal law.

• Two (2) years of experience practicing law in the State of California, preferably with some experience in general municipal law. A writing sample that demonstrates your ability to identify and analyze a legal issue(s), preferably a legal brief or pleading must be attached to this application.

License:

• Active membership in the State Bar of California.

• May require a valid California class C driver's license with satisfactory driving record.

THE SELECTION PROCESS

All applications received are screened to determine which applicants most closely match the desired education, experience, knowledge, and abilities of the position. Applicants will receive email notification of the results of the screening process. Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not necessarily guaranteed advancement to the examination process, as only the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate. The most qualified applicants will be invited to an oral board examination tentatively to be held in late March. The Department Head [and/or designee(s)] will interview the top six (6) candidates from the examination process. The eligible list created from this recruitment may be used to fill full-time, part-time, temporary, and grant positions. The City reserves the right to extend the final filing date as necessary.

No other information will be accepted and resumes, cover letters or additional materials WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. The next review of applications will begin on Friday, April 5th, 2024.