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. For more information, please refer to the job flyer. 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.

DEFINITION

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.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Senior Assistant City Attorney is the advanced journey level classification and acts as the chief assistant to the City Attorney. Incumbents in this classification have a broad range of independence within policy and procedural guidelines. This classification is distinguished from the Assistant City Attorney and Deputy City Attorney by the variety, scope, and increased complexity of assignments. In addition, this position will provide advice and assistance to the Assistant City Attorney and Deputy City Attorney on complex legal problems. The Senior Assistant City Attorney classification is designated "confidential" and "at-will."

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

General direction is received from the City Attorney.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

May assign work and provide direction to other legal and secretarial staff. Performs legal research and prepares opinions regarding City business; attends Planning Commission meetings; provides expert advice on land use redevelopment and procedural matters; provides verbal and written legal advice on a daily basis to 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; primary assistant to the City Attorney 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 especially in the area of land use; investigates and evaluates claims against the City in conjunction with the Risk Manager; able to prosecute 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 other functions; completes projects and assignments in support of employee relations activities; and acts in the absence of the City Attorney.

Demonstrated Knowledge of:

Principles and practices of civil, criminal and municipal law, including: planning, redevelopment, 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 public speaking techniques; personal computer operating systems and software applications.

Demonstrated Skills to:

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; effectively 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.

Ability to:

Research, interpret and apply laws, statutes, ordinances, court decisions and legal opinions; become knowledgeable of the City's policies and procedures such as the Municipal Code, Zoning and Planning 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; and work in a dynamic team environment.

Experience, Education, and Training Guidelines:

Any combination of experience, education and training that would provide the best-qualified candidates. A typical way of gaining the knowledge, skills and abilities would be:

Experience :

Minimum of six years in the practice of law, with at least four years in California municipal law, is required. Must have some litigation experience. Personal computer experience for word processing and legal research is desirable.

Education :

Juris Doctor or equivalent degree from an accredited law school and active membership in the State Bar of California.

Training :

Any recent training such as academic courses and certification programs which are relevant to this job classification.

License :

May require the possession of a California Driver's License and satisfactory driving record as determined by the City; State Bar license.

Other Requirements :

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.

Special Requirements :

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; and operate a personal computer. The City of Livermore is an equal opportunity employer and supports workforce diversity.