Assistant City Attorney

City of Livermore•Livermore, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Livermore is accepting applications for Senior Assistant City Attorney or Assistant City Attorney. The City may fill the vacancy at either the Senior Assistant City Attorney or Assistant City Attorney level, depending on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. Candidates interested in being considered for both classifications must apply separately to each recruitment. A separate application and supplemental questionnaire are required for each position. Under general direction, performs professional legal and administrative work for the City Attorney’s Office; provides legal research, advice and counsel to City staff, City Council and boards and commissions; reviews and drafts contracts, ordinances and other documents; represents the City in court; advises the City Council in the City Attorney's absence; and performs other duties as assigned. The Assistant City Attorney is a journey level job classification. Incumbents in this classification have a broad range of independence within policy and procedural guidelines. This classification is distinguished from the Deputy City Attorney by the variety, scope, and complexity of assignments.

Requirements

Principles of municipal law, including: planning, land use, Subdivision Map Act, CEQA, finance, personnel and labor relations, administrative procedures
Legal research methods
Rules of evidence and conduct of hearings in court and administrative settings
Functioning of City government and its various departments
Effective supervision techniques
Effective public speaking techniques
Personal computer operating systems and software applications
Perform legal research
Analyze and apply legal principles to complex problems
Provide well-reasoned legal advice
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
Maintain confidentiality
Act with loyalty and integrity
Work collaboratively and independently
Relate effectively to those contacted in the course of work
Supervise clerical staff and subordinate professionals
Be tactful and courteous
Distinguish between legal and policy matters
Work under pressure of deadlines with little or no supervision
Utilize personal computers and computer software to perform word processing and spreadsheet functions
Become knowledgeable of the City’s policies and procedures such as the Municipal Code, Zoning Code, Building Code, Administrative Regulations, Personnel Rules and Regulations, and other codes and laws, policies and procedures and apply them to resolve problems and/or answer questions
Work in a dynamic team environment
Minimum of four years in the practice of law, with at least two years in California municipal law, is required
Must have some litigation experience
Ability to operate personal computer for word processing and legal research is preferred
Juris Doctorate or equivalent degree from an accredited law school
Active membership in the State Bar of California
Any recent training such as academic courses and certification programs which are relevant to this job classification
May require the possession of a California Driver's License and satisfactory driving record as determined by the City
Willingness and ability to work the hours necessary to accomplish the assigned duties, including evening and weekend hours
Attend evening meetings
Travel out of town and attend meetings, workshops, conferences, and seminars during work and non-work hours
Essential duties require the mental and/or physical ability to work in a standard office environment
Attend meetings at off site locations
Converse over the telephone, in person and at public meetings
Operate a personal computer

Responsibilities

Performs legal research and prepares opinions regarding City business
Attends Planning Commission meetings and provides advice on land use and procedural matters
Provides verbal and written legal advice on a daily basis to other City departments and prepares documents, as necessary
Represents the City in litigation, including preparation of court documents and appearances in court
Drafts and reviews legal documents including contracts, ordinances, resolutions, leases, and deeds
Responds to citizen complaints and requests for information
Analyzes recent cases/legislation and recommends changes in policies and procedures to meet legal requirements
Assists in organizing and coordinating the work of the City Attorney's office, including some supervision of office personnel
Performs special projects/assignments
Negotiates complex transactions
Investigates and evaluates claims against the City in conjunction with the Risk Manager
Prosecutes code enforcement actions
Establishes and maintains effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work
Communicates effectively both orally and in writing
Uses personal computer to perform word processing and spreadsheet functions