Senior Deputy City Attorney

City of Escondido•Escondido, CA

11h•Onsite

About The Position

This position is open until filled. A first review of applications will take place during the week of November 2, 2026. Applicants that apply after the first review are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review date. 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 Senior Deputy City Attorney in our City Attorney's Department. Under direction, provides legal counsel for the City on a wide variety of legal matters requiring significant and broad expertise; conducts legal research and prepares a variety of legal documents; may function as project lead on selected legal projects; assists more experienced City attorneys on larger projects or as needed; and advises City Departments, City Council, and City Boards and Commissions on legal matters. In comparison to the Deputy City Attorney, this level is assigned more difficult and complex legal work and is expected to work with greater independence.

Requirements

Legal principles, practices, and procedures of civil, criminal, constitutional, and administrative law.
General and public contract law.
Methods and techniques of legal research.
Duties, powers, and limitations of a city government.
Legal principles and developments.
Appellate practices.
Judicial procedures and rules of evidence.
Legal precedents and court decisions impacting assigned litigation area.
Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications.
Public relations.
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.
Graduation from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association with a Juris Doctorate degree.
Three years (full-time equivalent) of experience at a level comparable to a Deputy City Attorney with the City.
Active membership in the State Bar of California.

Responsibilities

Serves as the representative for the City Attorney's Office with the Planning Commission and Planning Department regarding legal actions; attends meetings and provides legal advice during meetings; researches and prepares proposed ordinances, resolutions, and other legislation.
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.
Represents the City in assigned litigation cases; handles all aspects of assigned cases/claims including discovery, motion, and trial practices.
Investigates claims by or against the City and recommends action to be taken; assists in or prepares cases for hearings; represents the municipality in hearings; prepares cases for trial; tries cases in court as necessary.
Prepares, reviews, and examines contracts, agreements, briefs, bid protests, dispute resolutions, change orders, delay claims, ordinances and other legal documents for City departments; represents the City's interest in contract negotiation and carries out goals of such contracts.
Assists in administering City programs such as the Mobilehome Rent Control program by researching, drafting, and reviewing related documents; serves as liaison with the public and City Council; attends hearings and provides legal advice during hearings.
Assists in legislative development for the City including researching, reviewing, and preparing proposed ordinances, resolutions, policies, and other legislation.
Prepares 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 inquires 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.