Deputy City Attorney

MONTHLY SALARY: $14,194 - $17,253

Summary: Under general supervision of and direction by the City Attorney, performs a wide variety of professional legal duties, ranging in difficulty from moderate to complex, for all City departments; provides legal opinions and strategy, minimizes risk and liability, researches and manages legal issues, and provides staff assistance to the Senior Deputy City Attorney and/or City Attorney with legal activities involving municipal civil law, general counsel advisory matters, administrative proceedings and other legal actions.

Essential Functions: Performs legal research and prepares written and oral opinions on various legal issues including for the City Council, City departments, and other boards and commissions. Exercises independent judgment within broad policy guidelines; evaluates legal issues and recommends solutions to minimize risk and safeguard the City’s operations; works independently and makes appropriate decisions based on knowledge of City policies. Prepares, drafts, and reviews agreements, ordinances, resolutions, contracts, deeds, leases, and other legal documents and instruments. Reviews and makes recommendations on liability claims filed against the City. Attends City Council meetings and advisory commission meetings as needed. Participates in the development of updates and expansions to the municipal code. At the direction of the City Attorney, confers with City staff to provide advice and counsel on legal matters or prosecution under the laws and ordinances affecting their work. Confers with the City Attorney or Senior Deputy City Attorney to determine legal policy and litigation strategy; studies facts and circumstances and interprets legal authorities including statutes, codes, court decisions, City Charter and ordinances to give well-informed legal advice or prepare written opinions. Represents and advises the City and City employees in civil cases, labor arbitration, and administrative hearings, sometimes in coordination with outside counsel. In coordination with the City Attorney, mentors and trains other City staff and officials on applicable municipal laws, policies, and procedures. Provides information, instructions, and assistance to the public and others having business with the City; responds to and resolves constituent service issues in a courteous and respectful manner. Supports the mission of the City Attorney’s Office by demonstrating respectful, courteous, and professional behavior when interacting with visitors and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information. Keeps knowledge and skills current through legal education as mandated. Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications: Education, Training and Experience Guidelines: Juris Doctorate Degree is required; AND three years of experience in public sector legal practice. Need not have knowledge and skill in all of the following areas but must have proficiency in identified practice areas. Supplemental Information Knowledge of: Legal principles, practices, and procedures governing municipal operations and applicable to areas of responsibility. Duties, powers, and limitations of a chartered city government. Duties, powers, authorities, and limitations of a municipal attorney. Methods and techniques of effective legal research, including identifying statutes, codes, legal precedents and court decisions affecting local government. Methods of factual research, case analysis, and report or memorandum preparation. Basic principles and practices of public administration and operations of City government. Statutory and case law applicable to City operations, including the Brown Act and California Public Records Act. Judicial procedures and rules of evidence. Legal, ethical and professional rules of conduct for public sector employees and elected officials. Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. Skill in: Defining issues presented, performing legal research, analyzing problems, evaluating alternatives and developing sound conclusions of law and legal recommendations. Presenting statements of fact, law, and argument clearly, concisely, and logically both orally and in writing. Using tact, diplomacy, and discretion in dealing with sensitive and confidential matters. Exercising sound and objective judgment within general policy guidelines and legal parameters. Representing the City and the City Attorney’s Office effectively in public meetings, hearings, and courts of law. Investigating, analyzing, and resolving legal issues and complaints. Preparing clear, concise, and competent legal documents including contracts, leases, reports, correspondence, proposed legislation, and other written materials. Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands. Using initiative and independent judgment within established policy and procedural guidelines; understanding and following written and oral instructions. Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with City department heads and staff, elected officials, members of the legal community, and others encountered in the course of work. A valid California State Driver’s License may be required. Must be licensed by the Bar to practice law in the State of California, remain active with all California Bar annual requirements, and maintain a clear criminal record. PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT Work is performed in a standard office environment and on occasion off site. Pursuant to California Government Code §3100, all public employees are required to serve as disaster service workers subject to such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their supervisors or by law. RECRUITMENT TIMELINE

Application Deadline: Sunday, September 27, 2026