Assistant City Attorney - Housing

City of Oxnard•Oxnard, CA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Oxnard's City Attorney's Office is seeking a well-qualified, highly motivated Assistant City Attorney to provide sound and ethical legal advice. The City seeks an Assistant City Attorney with a litigation and transactional background, and requires experience representing state or local government. This position will focus on California housing laws; local Housing Authority issues; City tenant protection laws; administrative hearings and writ proceedings related to housing; working in partnership with the City Attorney; and may include work on general municipal matters. The ideal candidate will serve as the primary point of contact for legal advice and opinions to assigned City departments, and should be a hands-on leader with experience serving public sector organizations.

Requirements

A Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
The equivalent of eight (8) years of experience in the practice of municipal law with emphasis on state and local housing laws and civil or administrative litigation experience or related experience.
Membership in the State Bar of California.
Must be able to effectively communicate in English, both orally and in writing.
Proficient and comfortable with computer use to perform functions associated with on-going work.
Regular and reliable attendance, effective communication skills, and development of effective working relationships are requirements of all positions.
Must provide proof of citizenship or documentation of legal right to work in the United States in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, as amended.

Nice To Haves

Experience representing state or local government.
Litigation and transactional background.

Responsibilities

Represent the City in administrative hearings, superior court proceedings (writs and trials), and brief the City Council on housing litigation matters.
Provide legal advice and opinions to the Oxnard Housing Authority, Oxnard Housing Department, and Oxnard City Council; and assist the City Manager regarding state and local housing-related matters.
Serve as lead Assistant City Attorney implementing the City’s Tenant Protection Laws including Rent Stabilization, Just Cause Eviction, and Anti-Harassment Ordinances.
Assist and advise department directors and staff; interface with members of the public/community, local organizations, and advocacy groups that represent property owners, landlords or tenants.
Provides a wide range of professional legal services to all City departments and divisions, City Council and various boards, commissions, committees; may assist in coordinating the work of contract attorneys on complex or specialized matters; and performs related duties as assigned.
Works closely with the Housing Department providing advice and Opinions to the Oxnard Housing Department regarding the City’s Tenant Protection Laws, including Rent Stabilization, Just Cause Eviction, and Anti-Harassment Ordinances.
Confers with and renders assistance to department directors and division managers in establishing policies by developing and applying legal analysis and procedures; recommends changes in policies and procedures to meet legal requirements.
Prepares matters for administrative hearings and represents the City in such hearings; handles litigation related to the City’s Tenant Protection laws, such as writs of mandate.
Drafts ordinances, resolutions, contracts, deeds, leases and other legal documents and instruments; reviews such documents and offers opinions as to legality.
Performs legal research and prepares opinions on various legal issues for City departments and divisions, the City Council and various boards, commissions and committees.
Attends meetings of boards, commissions and committees as may be required; renders legal advice as requested.
Represents the City Attorney at various meetings, functions and proceedings when necessary.
Responds to citizen complaints and requests for information.
Represents the City in the community and at professional meetings as required.
Conducts and oversees investigations into complaints of ordinance violations, including gathering evidence, conducting interviews, and coordinating with external agencies such as fair housing organizations.

Benefits

Competitive salary of $198,059 to $257,477, negotiable based on experience and qualifications
CalPERS Retirement membership: Classic 2% at 55, New 2% at 62
12 paid holidays off per year.
The City contributes 4.5% of employee base salary to the City-sponsored 401 (a) plan.
The City contributes 1% of employee base salary to a Retirement Health Savings Program.
Leave accrual rates vary between 6.24 – 11.78 hours per pay period based on years of service with the City of Oxnard.
60 hours of Administrative Leave per fiscal year.
The City will contribute $2,054.00 monthly towards medical insurance premiums with no cash back.
Employees who waive medical insurance will receive $500.00 per month cash back with proof of other qualifying coverage.
The City will continue to provide $66.79 per month towards dental insurance.
One-Time Cash Payments: In lieu of cost of living adjustments, the City will provide a one-time cash payment for the years specified below. Employees must have worked the 12 months (2080 hours) preceding the payment to be eligible for the full amount. Employees who worked less than the 12 months (2080 hours) requirement, will receive a prorated amount based on the total number of hours they have worked.
First full pay period July 2026- 3% of base salary
First full pay period July 2027 - 3% of base salary