Senior Deputy City Attorney

Job Description

Senior Deputy City Attorney (161)

(Unclassified)

Education and Experience

JD degree from an accredited law school and at least three years of recent experience in the general practice of law. One year of public law experience is desirable. Litigation and transactional experience is desirable.

License & Certification

Active membership in the State Bar of California is required. Possession of an appropriate, valid California driver's license is required.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is a professional managerial position in the Unclassified Service responsible for supervising one of the legal divisions of the City Attorney's Office. An incumbent in this classification exercises independent judgement and discretion; manages, controls, and directs employees; and formulates administrative policies for the effective use of assigned personnel. As a member of the City’s Unclassified Service, this is an “at-will” position. The incumbent serves at the discretion of the City Manager. An incumbent in this classification shall demonstrate strong ethical, professional, and service oriented leadership and interpersonal skills; set a good example; and correctly apply the tenets of the City's Code of Ethics and Values.

Typical Duties

With general direction, incumbent shall plan, develop, coordinate, and direct the activities of one of the legal divisions of the City Attorney's Office; give legal counsel to elected and appointed officials, commissions, and committees; make appearances for legal matters before State and federal courts, boards, and commissions; attend meetings and when needed attend the Planning Commission, Civil Service Commission and other commissions and boards; draft, examine and negotiate contracts; prepare and review proposed ordinances and resolutions; confer with the Assistant City Attorney(s) to help determine legal policy; prepare pleadings, briefs, and other documents; assist in land use and CEQA, employment, utilities, public works, right-of-way and real property issues on behalf of the City; conduct litigation; act for the Assistant City Attorney in his/her absence or at his/her direction; and perform other work as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Working knowledge of: principles and practices of civil, criminal, constitutional, and administrative law; trial procedures and rules of evidence; and research resources and techniques. Good ability to: analyze and apply principles of law; clearly and logically prepare statements of law, fact, and argument; prepare proper legal instruments. Establish and maintain good public relations and effective working relationships with others.

Supervision Received

Reports to the City Attorney or Assistant City Attorneys as assigned.

Supervision Exercised

May supervise personnel as assigned.

Special Conditions

Incumbents of this classification may be required to work odd and unusual hours.

Conflict of Interest

Incumbents in this position are required to file a Conflict of Interest statement upon assuming office, annually and upon leaving office, in accordance with City Manager Directive 100.

Approved, July 2001