SENIOR DEPUTY CITY ATTORNEY - (Civil Litigation)

In Huntington Beach, we believe passionately that the key to becoming the best beach City in the world starts and ends with finding the right people to join our team. At this time, we have an outstanding career opportunity available, as we're looking for the "right person" to serve as Senior Deputy City Attorney in our Civil Litigation Division.  
 
The ideal candidate has been practicing law in California for at least five years, with civil trial experience in defending or initiating civil litigation.  The ideal candidate must have experience preparing written discovery, dispositive motions, and preparing trial documents and briefs. The candidate will have represented other government or public agencies at trial ("first chair" is a significant plus, but "second-chairing" at trial is a minimum requirement.). Experience with state laws involving housing, planning and zoning, and state environmental laws is desirable, as is appellate and writ litigation.

• Performs the full range of litigation work
• Responsible for litigation, trials, damage or other civil suits in State and federal courts, including appellate work and the representation of the City's Police Department and its officers in Pitchess motions, as directed by the City Attorney or the Chief Assistant City Attorneys
• Represents management in hearings involving City employee disciplinary matters, as directed by the City Attorney or the Chief Assistant City Attorneys
• Handles all aspects of assigned cases or claims including investigation, pleading preparation, discovery, law and motion, court appearances, settlement negotiations, legal research, witness preparation, and trials for tort defense, writ actions, Pitchess motions, appellate work, civil rights actions, code enforcement, nuisance abatement, administrative actions and employee grievances, as directed by the City Attorney or the Chief Assistant City Attorneys
• Performs to prevent and minimize legal exposure by providing legal advice to City officers and employees
•  Makes decisions concerning the advisability to prosecute, compromise or dismiss civil citations or criminal violations

Any combination of education, training, and experience that would likely provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in the position or assignment is qualifying.  A typical combination includes:

Education:  Graduation from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association with a Juris Doctorate degree.
 
Experience:  Five (5) years' experience as a practicing trial attorney within a municipal law office, or a private firm that has contracted with a public agency for legal services. State and Federal jury trial experience is desirable.

Licenses/Certifications:  Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license and an acceptable driving record are required at the time of appointment and throughout employment.
 
Current member in good standing with the California State Bar Association.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

Employees regularly assigned/required to drive a city or personal vehicle in the course and scope of work shall be required to participate in the DMV Employer Pull Notice program.

• Application Review -  Please attach a cover letter and updated resume to your online application.
• Examination(s) - An oral exam (weighted 100%) will be scheduled when a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. 
• Selection Interview
• Background Investigation
• Appointment