Assistant City Attorney - Labor and Employment

City of Oxnard•Oxnard, CA

23d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Oxnard's City Attorney's Department is seeking a well-qualified, highly motivated Assistant City Attorney with a labor and employment background and litigation experience. This position will focus on employment law, including personnel matters and labor relations, and serve as the primary point of contact for legal advice and opinions to City departments on employment-related issues. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with experience serving public sector organizations. The Assistant City Attorney provides a wide range of professional legal services to all City departments and divisions, City Council, and various boards, commissions, and committees. They may assist in coordinating the work of contract attorneys on complex or specialized matters and perform related duties as assigned. This is an advanced journey-level position in the professional legal series, expected to use a high degree of independent judgment and represent the City Attorney at various meetings, functions, and proceedings.

Requirements

A Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
The equivalent of eight (8) years of experience in the practice of employment and labor law or related experience.
Membership in the State Bar of California.
Must be able to effectively communicate in English, both orally and in writing.
Proficiency and comfort with computer use to perform functions associated with on-going work.
Regular and reliable attendance.
Development of effective working relationships.

Nice To Haves

Experience serving public sector organizations.

Responsibilities

Work closely with the Human Resources Department to handle employment and labor law issues.
Litigate employment and labor law issues in administrative tribunals and in state and federal courts.
Thoroughly research and analyze problems, evaluate risks, and develop sound conclusions and recommendations.
Present statements of fact, law, and argument clearly and logically while exercising sound and independent judgment.
Provide practical and proactive legal advice to all departments on labor and employment related matters including discrimination, harassment and retaliation claims, employee discipline and performance management, labor relations, employee benefits, employee accommodations and recruitment.
Defend the City and City management in employment litigation matters before administrative tribunals and in state and federal court and oversee employment cases handled by outside counsel.
Write position papers in response to charges filed with the Department of Civil Rights and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Represent the City in arbitration and grievance matters derived from discipline and labor issues and any ensuing writ litigation in state court.
Support HR led employment investigations and oversee investigations conducted by outside counsel.
Represent and litigate workplace violence restraining orders and gun violence restraining orders.
Work closely with the Police Department providing advice on operational and personnel matters and provide representation in connection with Pitchess motions and other court matters.
Help oversee public liability litigation and the prosecution of misdemeanor violations of City ordinances.
Attend meetings of boards, commissions, and committees as may be required; render legal advice as requested.
Investigate claims and complaints by or against the City, recommend action to be taken.
Represent the City Attorney at various meetings, functions, and proceedings when necessary.
Respond to citizen complaints and requests for information.

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
City contribution of 4.5% of employee base salary to the City-sponsored 401 (a) plan
City contribution of 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
60 hours of Administrative Leave per fiscal year
City contribution of $2,054.00 monthly towards medical insurance premiums
Employees who waive medical insurance will receive $500.00 per month cash back with proof of other qualifying coverage
City contribution of $66.79 per month towards dental insurance
One-time cash payment in July 2026 (3% of base salary)
One-time cash payment in July 2027 (3% of base salary)