Description

The Assistant City Attorney performs advanced professional legal work in support of the City Attorney’s Office, with a primary focus on civil municipal law, legal advisory services, related litigation, and administrative matters. This position provides legal counsel to City officials and staff; drafts, reviews, and revises legal documents; represents the City in civil litigation and administrative proceedings; and assists with the management and operations of the City Attorney’s Office. The Assistant City Attorney position requires extensive knowledge of California municipal law, civil litigation, administrative law, and the legal principles governing local government operations. The incumbent must possess a thorough understanding of legal research and analysis, public agency governance, land use, public contracting, labor and employment law, ethics, the Brown Act, the Public Records Act, CEQA, and other laws affecting municipalities. In addition, the position requires knowledge of legal office administration, personnel management, and the principles and practices of effective supervision.

The Assistant City Attorney assists in developing legal and operational strategies, managing daily office functions, reviewing budget and financial information, and supporting relationships with elected officials, appointed officials, and other key stakeholders.

The position is further distinguished by the breadth and complexity of its assignments, the expectation of handling sensitive and high-profile matters, and the responsibility for providing practical legal guidance to elected officials, executive leadership, and department managers. While the position may interact with criminal prosecution functions, its primary focus remains civil municipal law and related legal services.

Typical office hours include a 9/80 compressed work week schedule from Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., closed on alternate Fridays. Staff is also required to work some off Fridays, evenings, weekends, and holidays, as necessary in order to complete various duties.

Requirements

Education/Experience

Graduation from an American Bar Association-accredited law school and ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in civil litigation, municipal law, or related public agency legal work.

Experience in one or more of the following areas is highly desirable:

• Municipal advisory practice.
• Public agency litigation.
• Land use and planning.
• California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
• Public contracting and procurement.
• Brown Act and Public Records Act compliance.
• Labor and employment law.
• Ethics and conflict-of-interest law.
• Supervision of legal staff or coordination of outside counsel.
• Office leadership or lead attorney responsibilities.

License and/or Certificates

Active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California is required.

Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate must demonstrate the ability to exercise sound independent judgment, maintain confidentiality, and navigate politically sensitive issues with professionalism, diplomacy, and integrity. Strong leadership and organizational skills are essential to coordinate office operations, supervise legal staff, manage outside counsel, prioritize multiple assignments, and ensure the timely completion of legal matters. The position also requires the ability to build collaborative working relationships, provide practical legal guidance and training to City departments, and effectively represent the City in negotiations, administrative proceedings, and civil litigation. Overall, the Assistant City Attorney must combine advanced legal expertise with strategic leadership, sound judgment, and exceptional communication skills to support the City's legal and operational objectives.