Deputy City Attorney I/II

ABOUT THE POSITION:
The Deputy City Attorney I/II is a Management level position that, under the supervision of the City Attorney and Assistant City Attorney performs a wide range of legal duties, including civil litigation, criminal prosecution, code enforcement, drafting and reviewing contracts, ordinances, and other documents, and providing legal advice to the City related to land use, real estate, personnel, conflicts of interests, California Public Records Act, law enforcement and public safety, and housing and economic development issues.

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received or until the position has been filled. This recruitment may close at any time without notice. 

Priority application screening deadline: November 9, 2025 at 11:59 PM

ABOUT THE CITY OF MONTEREY:
Nestled along California's Central Coast, the City of Monterey is known for its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, hospitality, and sense of community. The City of Monterey is a full-service charter city operating under a Council-Manager form of government. The City of Monterey is a full-service city that provides police, fire, public works, planning, recreation, and parks services and operates its own conference center, sports center, parking, and marina facilities.

WHY WORK FOR US?
The City of Monterey offers a competitive benefits package to full-time employees. Some of these benefits include a Health Spending Fund, Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance, Vacation Accruals, Sick Leave, 14 Paid Holidays, Education Incentive Pay, Tuition Reimbursement Programs, CalPERS Retirement, and more!

Application Process

A limited number of applicants who clearly show that they most closely meet the needs of this position in terms of training, experience, education, and other job-related characteristics will be accepted to participate in the selection process. This process will include evaluation and initial screening of the standard on-line City application to determine which candidates progress to the next phase of the recruitment process. The subsequent selection process may include a written test/written exercise, performance exercise, panel interview, and a final departmental interview. The Human Resources Department reserves the right to make changes to components of the examination process.

As a condition of employment, the selected candidate will be required to successfully pass a Live Scan fingerprint background check and reference check. Depending on the position, as a condition of employment, the selected candidate may also be required to pass a physical exam including a drug screen and a federal background check to gain access to military and police facilities and systems. Positions that require work on a military installation will involve job duties performed on-site and therefore require passing a background check conducted by the Department of Defense (DoD).

Candidates who successfully progress through all phases of this recruitment process will be placed on an eligible list. The eligible list is active for 12-months and may be used to fill additional positions including lower-level positions, regular part-time, and part-time temporary seasonal, determined to have similar duties and requirements.

• Deputy City Attorney I: $127,920.00 - $144,000.00 yr
• Deputy City Attorney II: $163,272.00 - $198,456.00 yr

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Resolve legal issues within City policy guidelines; research and evaluate pertinent decisions, policies, regulations, claims, civil actions, and other legal matters; assure effective communication of issues and strategies with the City Attorney and Assistant City Attorney.
• Prepare written or oral opinions on various legal issues for the City Attorney, Assistant City Attorney, City Manager, Council, and City departments.
• Provide legal advice and counsel to City officials, boards, commissions, and City staff on a variety of legal matters.
• Assist with case preparation and resolution of litigation, negotiations, settlements, prosecutions, and other municipal legal proceedings within scope of authority; develop legal assessments and strategies under the direction or guidance of the Assistant City Attorney; conduct factual and legal analysis to determine whether legal issues should be prosecuted or defended, based on the facts of law and evidence; conduct conferences with opposing parties concerning case management and settlement of cases.
• Negotiate, draft, and review contracts; develop drafts of resolutions, ordinances, and proposed legislation; represents the City in civil, criminal, and administrative hearings.
• Assist Code Enforcement to prepare code violation cases for hearing or prosecution.
• Review meeting agenda items, attend public meetings to provide legal advice and information, and present findings, recommendations, and effective solutions.
• Exercise independent judgment within policy guidelines; recognize and analyze potential liability and legal issues, evaluate complex legal issues, and recommend and implement solutions to minimize risk and safeguard the City’s operations.
• Monitor changes in state and federal regulations, standards, and legislation governing municipalities.
• Support the relationship between the City of Monterey and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with residents, visitors, and City staff.
• Maintain confidentiality of work-related issues and City information.
• Perform other job-related duties within the scope of this job classification as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Deputy City Attorney I: 

• Education: Completion of Juris Doctor Degree from an American Bar Association accredited law school.
• Experience: No prior legal experience required; experience in government or municipal law (e.g., internships, clerkships) is desirable.

• Education: Completion of Juris Doctor Degree from an American Bar Association accredited law school; consideration of graduates from non-ABA accredited law schools that have been accredited by the Committee of Bar Examiners of the State Bar of California will be given based on experience.
• Experience:   Three (3) years’ experience in the practice of law. Government legal practice and courtroom experience is preferred.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION: 

• Must be a member of the California State Bar Association, licensed to practice law in the state, and remain active with all California Bar annual requirements.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
Knowledge of:

• City organization, operations, policies, and procedures.
• How to obtain and interpret legal precedents and court decisions impacting municipal government.
• Legal research methods, techniques, sources, databases, and other research tools.
• Principles and protocols for the evidentiary gathering of information, documents, financial records, and other data that may be used in court and legal hearings.
• Principles and practices of legal, ethical, and professional rules of conduct.
• Office procedures and equipment, including computers and specialized software applications.

• Analyzing legal, administrative, and operational data and issues, interpreting laws and regulations, evaluating alternatives, and developing strategies for effective resolution of issues.
• Representing the City in legal hearings and negotiations.
• Effectively assessing, interpreting, and applying laws to information, evidence, and other data compiled.
• Evaluating technical and legal documents, and evaluating compliance with regulatory requirements and municipal government activities. 
• Explaining City policies and procedures while exercising the highest degree of confidentiality.
• Exercising judgment and discretion, negotiating agreements, and mediating difficult situations.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with employees, officials, other government agencies and the general public. 
• Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands.
• Strong oral communication and advocacy skills.
• Communicating knowledge clearly and concisely to staff in writing.

Physical Demands

• Standing & Walking – Primarily sedentary classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required.
• Sitting - Ability to work in a seated position at a computer station for extended periods of time.
• Lifting - Ability to safely lift up 20 pounds to waist level; these requirements include bending at knees to facilitate proper lifting techniques.
• Manual Dexterity - Ability to perform multiple work activities requiring a significant level of physical and mental coordination, such as operating a computer keyboard; copying, and adding machines.
• Visual – Ability to read printed materials and view a computer screen for long periods.
• Hearing and Speech - Ability to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone.
• Mobility – Ability to work in a standard office setting and operate a motor vehicle to visit various meeting sites, reach, carry, push, pull, stoop, and bend.

Environmental Elements

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.  Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
 DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

All City of Monterey employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.