Deputy City Attorney I/II

Job Description:

Deputy City Attorney I/II

Description

Summary

Deputy City Attorney I salary range: $92,484 - $137,559 per month
Deputy City Attorney II salary range: $112,416 - $167,202 per month

If you want to join a hardworking team that shares a commitment to provide top-quality municipal services in a prime North County location, consider a career with the City of Escondido. We have an opening for the position of Deputy City Attorney in our City Attorney's Department. For a complete listing of job duties and qualifications, please refer to the corresponding job description, which can be obtained from the Human Resources Department or downloaded from the City's website.

Summary Description
Under supervision (Deputy City Attorney I) or general supervision (Deputy City Attorney II), provides legal counsel of a moderately complex nature on a variety of legal matters involving legal investigation, opinion preparation, litigation, legal consultation, and trial work; works closely with and assists more experienced City Attorneys. This level in the Attorney series is initially expected to perform the more routine functions associated with the City Attorney's office and, over time, work with greater independence and assume responsibility for progressively difficult and complex assignments as experience is gained.

Distinguishing characteristics
This is an experienced professional class in the City Attorney's Office.

Deputy City Attorney I : This is the entry level in the Deputy City Attorney series. Positions at this level are not expected to function with the same amount of program knowledge or skill level as positions allocated to the Deputy City Attorney II level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise. Incumbents at this level are expected to learn the full range of responsibilities and perform duties with an increasing level of independence. Advancement to the "II" level is based on demonstrated proficiency in performing the assigned functions and is at the discretion of higher level supervisory or management staff.

Deputy City Attorney II: This is the experienced level in the Deputy City Attorney series performing the full range of journey level professional legal services duties in support of the City Attorney’s Office with only occasional instruction or assistance. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Deputy City Attorney I level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, applying well developed knowledge, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Work is normally reviewed only on completion and for overall results. Positions in this class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the Deputy City Attorney II level are normally filled by advancement from the Deputy City Attorney I level when the requisite experience is obtained.

This class is distinguished from that of the Senior Deputy City Attorney in that the latter is a senior level class that is responsible for more complex and difficult legal matters, litigation, and highly sensitive issues, and exercises technical and functional supervision over professional staff.

The City Attorney’s Office

The Escondido City Attorney’s Office operates as an in-house law office and handles nearly all of the City’s legal needs, from tort liability defense to transactional matters. In addition to the City Attorney, there are two Assistant City Attorneys, one Senior Deputy City Attorney and three Deputy City Attorneys. The City Attorney functions in a close and collaborative working relationship with other members of the City’s management team.

The Ideal Candidate

This is an excellent opportunity for a self-motivated, confident, and deadline cognizant attorney with one to five years of litigation experience. The ideal candidate has experience in written discovery practices; taking and defending depositions; can demonstrate comfort and proficiency in independently handling a full case load; and has courtroom experience including writing and arguing motions (summary judgment motions preferred). Federal court experience is preferred but not required. Expertise in the Government Tort Claims Act and case law regarding alleged dangerous conditions of public property, as well as regarding 42 U.S.C § 1983 civil rights law, is a preferred.

The Deputy City Attorney is expected to defend the City and its employees in the vast majority of the civil lawsuits filed against them, in addition to serving as plaintiff's counsel in cases filed by the City. The Deputy City Attorney is expected to prepare and file pleadings, discovery, law and motion materials, trial briefs and appellate pleadings and briefs, as well as conduct investigations, witness interviews, depositions, make all pre-trial court appearances and act as lead trial or second chair counsel and appellate counsel. The successful candidate should be prepared to perform as lead counsel on virtually all of the City's litigation from inception through trial or other resolution.

This position specifically requires the ability to assist in representing the City and its employees before State of California and Federal courts and administrative agencies by:

• Providing legal, factual, and representative support to the City Attorney in pending litigation matters;
• Drafting pleadings and assisting in the discovery process;
• Assisting in preparation for hearings, trials and administrative proceedings in which the City is a party or has an interest;
• Appearing on behalf of the City, its officers and employees, before State of California and Federal courts and administrative agencies; and
• Supporting and assisting outside consultants and legal counsel as assigned.

Personal characteristics will include the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and communicate clearly and logically in written and verbal form. Maintaining quality legal work under pressure of urgent deadlines is expected. The ideal candidate will have a consultative style and deliver alternative approaches to accomplish the desired action, work comfortably in a team-orientated environment, possess a strong work ethic, and can be relied upon to produce finished work that is well organized and professional.

Key Responsibilities

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

Assists in representing the City in assigned administrative, criminal, and/or civil litigation cases; handles all aspects of assigned cases/claims including pleadings, discovery, motion practice, trial, and writs and appeals.

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

Assists in criminal prosecution of all municipal, fire, and building code violations within the City including filing criminal charges, arraignment, trial, sentencing, and appeals; advises Code Enforcement, Building, Police, and Fire Departments regarding all criminal enforcement.

Prepares, reviews, and examines contracts and other legal documents for City departments.

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.

Responds to citizen inquiries regarding all types of legal issues including those concerning City business.

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

Performs related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Contract law, including review and negotiation of various forms of agreements with public and private entities.
Land use and real property law principles, including CEQA.
Regulatory principles, including in the areas of telecommunications and environmental law.
Legal principles, practices, and procedures of civil, criminal, constitutional, and administrative law in State and Federal court.
Federal and State civil rights, California Government Code claims, contract litigation, personal injury and property damage litigation, employment litigation, and real property and land use litigation.
Methods and techniques of legal research and civil discovery.
Basic duties, powers, and limitations of a city government.
Basic writ and 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, regulations 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.
Negotiate with other parties.
Operate office equipment including computers and supporting software applications.
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.
Professionalism - Deputy City Attorney will be expected to provide competent legal work based upon the law and facts without political, partisan or personal considerations. They will perform their job duties with the highest degree or professionalism and integrity. This includes being courteous and respectful to the public, judges, elected officials and all city employees. Deputy City Attorneys will be required to conduct their legal work with the highest level of integrity, honesty and professionalism. These qualities are defined by requirements under the California Rules of Professional Conduct.

Minimum Requirements

Education/Training:
Deputy City Attorney I/II
Graduation from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association with a Juris Doctor degree.

Experience:
Deputy City Attorney I
One year (Full-Time equivalent) of experience in city or government law is desirable.

Deputy City Attorney II
Two years (Full-Time equivalent) of increasingly responsible experience in city or government law at a level comparable to a Deputy City Attorney I with the City of Escondido.

License or Certificate:
Active membership in the State Bar of California.
Possession of a valid California driver’s license or ability to travel to various locations in a timely manner as required in the performance of duties.

Supplemental Information

NOTE: For a complete listing of job duties and qualifications, please refer to the corresponding job description, which can be obtained from the Human Resources Department or downloaded from the City's web site. The City of Escondido is committed to a drug and alcohol free workplace. All applicants will be subject to fingerprint investigation before a conditional offer of employment is extended. A pre-employment medical examination will be conducted following a conditional offer of employment for all positions. Safety sensitive positions will include a pre-employment drug screen. Positions subject to the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations will be subject to DOT pre-employment drug testing and random drug and alcohol testing.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Applications will be screened and the most qualified candidates will be invited to appear for testing. All positions require the ability to read, write and speak English. Types of tests may include written and/or oral examination, physical agility, practical exam or other appropriate job-related selection process. When testing is completed, candidates will be ranked on an eligibility list in the order of their test score. Selection for appointments is made from names certified on the eligibility list.

All appointments are subject to the successful completion of background investigation including LIVESCAN fingerprinting, and will be required to submit verification of the legal right to work in the United States. Qualification by a medical examination will be required at the time of appointment. After appointment, classified employees must satisfactorily complete a probationary period to be eligible for regular status. In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, all new employees must produce proof of eligibility to work in the United States within the first three days of their employment. The City of Escondido participates in E-Verify®.

The Loyalty Oath will be administered to all new employees on their first day of hire. New employees hired into positions that require a driver's license must provide proof of a valid California Driver's License of the appropriate class level on their first day of employment.

Additional information regarding the essential functions and physical, environmental and communication demands of the position may be obtained from the Human Resources Department. If you require reasonable accommodation in the testing process, such as an alternate means of testing, you must contact the Human Resources Department by the final filing date to complete a Request for Reasonable Accommodation form. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.

Note: Pursuant to California Civil Code section 1786.53, the City of Escondido shall provide to all job candidates a copy of any records of arrest, indictment, conviction, civil judicial action, tax lien or outstanding judgment which was obtained in the course of conducting an evaluation for employment, assignment, and/or promotion. A copy of this information, if received by the City, will be given to candidates within seven days of the City's receipt.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE

Eligible individuals are those who meet the following criteria:

• Served in the U.S. armed forces
• Received an honorable discharge
• Did not retire from military service
• Seeking employment with the City of Escondido for the first time.

Guard and Reserve active duty for training purposes does not qualify for veterans' preference. Proof of eligibility (copy of DD-214) must be submitted at time of application, or later if the promulgation of the eligibility list will not be delayed. Veterans' preference credit will only be applied to eligible applicants who attained a passing grade (total score exclusive of credit) on the final open examination.

ABOUT OUR CITY
The City of Escondido is a prominent agricultural, commercial hub and residential center of North San Diego County. Located a short 30-minute drive from the beach, the mountains or downtown San Diego, Escondido residents enjoy the pleasure of a rural lifestyle with all the benefits of suburban living. Escondido is a diverse, vibrant community with many amenities. The city offers attractive homes in a wide range of prices, two lakes, several parks, a sports center, golf courses, restaurants, wineries, shopping centers, a variety of art galleries, entertainment venues, and a state of the art hospital. Established in 1888, the city's rich past brings charm and stability to the community; yet integrated with Escondido's treasured heritage is a progressive future, bright and brimming with promise.

EOE The City of Escondido does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, disability, sex, age, national origin, or sexual orientation. We will attempt to reasonably accommodate applicants with disabilities upon request.

The City of Escondido offers a comprehensive benefit package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.

The Benefits of Choice program offers you a range of benefits. You choose the coverage that is right for you, your family and your budget. Read this e-Guide for an overview of your options, with links to additional details and forms.

For a more detailed overview of this benefits package, please visit the Management Benefit Summary.

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

Salary:

$92,484.00 - $167,202.00 Annually