Salary Information
Job Title: Assistant City Attorney V
Salary: $204, - $249, Annually
Assistant City Attorney V
Class Title
Assistant City Attorney V
Class Code
0121
Salary
$204, - $249, Annually
Definition
Benefits
Job Summary
The Assistant City Attorney V is the senior level classification in the Assistant City Attorney series. Attorneys at this level have at least 20 years of experience in municipal legal practice. This position includes responsibility for the supervision and review of subordinate attorneys and staff. Incumbents may litigate demanding and critical cases requiring a highly advanced degree of knowledge of legal processes, provide expertise in a specialized area of law, or provide high level of decision making and judgment associated with a full range of municipal law practice. This position may also serve as chief litigator, or city prosecutor. As assigned, act as City Attorney in his or her absence.
Qualifications
Knowledge of:
Principles and practices of civil, contract and administrative law, especially as related to local government.
Principles and practices of municipal law and public administration.
Pleadings and effective practices and techniques in the presentation of court cases.
Judicial procedures and rules of evidence
Principles, methods and techniques of legal research and investigation.
Statutory and case law relating to the purchase of goods and services, contracts, labor, land use, environment, traffic and collections proceedings.
Responsibilities and obligations of public officials and administrative agencies.
Municipal government organization, structure and functional responsibilities.
The Brown Act, the Fair Political Practices Act and other state laws and court cases applicable to municipalities and public bodies.
Applicable Federal and State laws and regulations, and local codes and ordinances, and labor contracts affecting local government operations.
Citywide operations and services, and municipal organization design.
Skills:
Operate personal computer hardware to utilize public records information systems, word processing, spreadsheet, legal documents, and presentation software.
Operate a motor vehicle.
Ability to:
Prepare sound legal memoranda and other legal documents and instruments.
Define issues, perform legal research, analyze problems, evaluate alternatives and develop sound conclusions and recommendations.
Present statements of fact, law and argument clearly and logically.
Exercise sound, independent judgment within general policy guidelines and legal parameters.
Interpret state and Federal laws, regulations, legislation, and constitutional provisions affecting municipal operations.
Represent the City effectively in hearings, courts of law and meetings.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Operate personal computer hardware and utilize related word processing, database, and spreadsheet software programs; operate a calculator.
Prepare clear, concise and competent resolutions, ordinances, contracts, leases, deeds, reports, correspondence and other written materials.
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.
Prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive correspondence, reports and other written materials and make effective oral presentations.
Maintain confidentiality of sensitive personnel and City information.
Work independently.
Experience and Training Guidelines
Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for an Assistant City Attorney. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is for entry to the classification is to possess the equivalent of at least 20 years of experience in the practice of municipal law or related experience, and a Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school.
Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements
A valid Class C California driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the City's Vehicle Insurance Policy.
Active membership in the California State Bar Association.
Essential Functions
Provide exemplary customer service to all individuals by demonstrating a willingness to be attentive, understanding, responsive, fair, courteous and respectful, and to actively participate in maintaining a positive customer service environment.
Performs legal research on a wide variety of municipal legal issues, and prepares 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.
Prepares litigation such as reviewing and/or preparing discovery; prepares legal briefs and/or points and authorities; prepares motions; conducts research and prepares memorandums on civil and/or criminal cases involving the City; is responsible for representing the City in trial.
Prepares litigation strategy, pleadings (including complaints), answers, and pre-answer motions.
Conducts research and drafts opinion memorandums and letters on various municipal legal issues.
Provides legal advice on public records
