Deputy City Attorney
The Deputy City Attorney is an entry level position in the City Attorney's office. The incumbent is responsible for providing legal services to all City departments and divisions, research legal issues, prepare legal opinions, advise department officials on legal questions, review ordinances, resolutions, contracts and other documents, and prosecute municipal code violations.
Job Duties:
- Provide exemplary customer service to all individuals
- Perform legal research on a wide variety of municipal legal issues, and prepare opinions on various legal problems for City departments and divisions, the City Council, and various boards, commissions and committees
- Routine and complex review and drafting of contracts, agreements, deeds, leases, and memorandums of understanding (MOU); drafts and reviews complex and complicated ordinances and resolutions for consideration by City advisory bodies and/or the City Council; drafts other legal documentation as required.
- Assists with litigation duties such as reviewing and/or preparing discovery; prepares legal briefs and/or points and authorities; prepares draft motions; conducts research and prepares memorandums on civil and/or criminal cases involving the City.
- Provide legal advice on public records, open meeting laws, and conflict of interest laws.
- Confers with and renders assistance to department heads and division managers in establishing policies by developing and applying legal points and procedures; recommends changes in policies and procedures to meet legal requirements.
- Prosecutes misdemeanor violations of City ordinances and criminal appeals; represents the City in civil actions brought by or against the City.
- Attend meetings of the Planning Commission, Rent Review Board and other boards, commissions and committees as may be required; renders legal advice as requested.
- Investigate claims and complaints by or against the City, recommend action to be taken. Respond to citizen complaints and requests for information.
- Prepare matters for administrative hearings and represent the City in such hearings.
- Represent the City Attorney at various meetings, functions and proceedings when necessary.
Qualifications:
- Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school
- Active membership in the California State Bar Association
- Knowledge of principles and practices of civil, contract and administrative law, especially as related to local government
- Knowledge of principles and practices of municipal law and public administration
- Knowledge of pleadings and effective practices and techniques in the presentation of court cases
- Knowledge of judicial procedures and rules of evidence
- Knowledge of principles, methods and techniques of legal research and investigation
- Knowledge of statutory and case law relating to the purchase of goods and services, contracts, labor, land use, environment, traffic and collections proceedings
- Knowledge of responsibilities and obligations of public officials and administrative agencies
- Knowledge of municipal government organization, structure and functional responsibilities
- Knowledge of the Brown Act, the Fair Political Practices Act and other state laws and court cases applicable to municipalities and public bodies
- Knowledge of applicable Federal and State laws and regulations, and local codes and ordinances, and labor contracts affecting local government operations
- Knowledge of citywide operations and services, and municipal organization design
- Ability to prepare sound legal memoranda and other legal documents and instruments
- Ability to define issues, perform legal research, analyze problems, evaluate alternatives and develop sound conclusions and recommendations
- Ability to present statements of fact, law and argument clearly and logically
- Ability to exercise sound, independent judgment within general policy guidelines and legal parameters
- Ability to interpret state and Federal laws, regulations, legislation, and constitutional provisions affecting municipal operations
- Ability to represent the City effectively in hearings, courts of law and meetings
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
- Ability to operate personal computer hardware and utilize related word processing, database, and spreadsheet software programs; operate a calculator
- Ability to prepare clear, concise and competent resolutions, ordinances, contracts, leases, deeds, reports, correspondence and other written materials
- Ability to exercise effective judgment in policy, personnel, and budgetary matters and adopt appropriate actions that consider the needs and interests of affected parties and long-term impacts upon the City
- Ability to prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive correspondence, reports and other written materials and make effective oral presentations
- Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive personnel and City information
- Ability to work with minimal supervision
- Valid Class C California driver's license
Salary
The salary for a Deputy City Attorney is $107, - $130, Annually.
Benefits
Benefits vary depending on the city, but most cities provide health insurance, paid vacation and sick time, and retirement plans.
