Deputy City Attorney I/II

THE POSITION: Deputy City Attorney I-Under general direction, performs legal work involving a wide range of municipal and criminal law topics; handles routine professional legal tasks; attends meetings of various Boards and Commissions in an advisory capacity; performs related work as required. Deputy City Attorney II- Under general direction, performs legal work involving a wide range of municipal and criminal law topics; handles routine professional legal tasks; attends meetings of various Boards and Commissions in an advisory capacity; performs related work as required.

 The following typical tasks and responsibilities are representative of all positions in the class.  They are descriptive, not limiting. Deputy City Attorney I-  Conducts legal research as needed; Prepares and prosecutes criminal matters; Prepares, assists, and handles civil litigation cases; Prepares or assists in administrative hearings and represents the city in such hearings; Reviews and interprets federal, state, county and city statutes, ordinances, rules, regulations, court decisions, laws, and other legal authority; Drafts ordinances, charter amendments, resolutions, contracts, deeds, leases, permits, licenses, and other legal instruments; Represents the City in court cases, including all phases of pretrial, trial, and appellate work; May conduct criminal prosecutions for the City and/or other agencies as required; Acts as legal advisor to a variety of City Boards and Commissions, and attends meetings and hearings as necessary; Assists in providing legal advice to City departments. Deputy City Attorney II-  In addition to above, Represents the City administrative hearings before City Boards and Commissions and federal agencies; Prosecutes litigation where the City Plaintiff; Assists other attorneys in all phases of legal work; Attends meetings of the City Council Boards and Commissions as requested by the City Attorney; Recommends selection of consultants; Monitors and prepares comments on proposed federal and state legislation and regulation; Answers correspondence and public inquiries on legal matters related to City business.

For Full Job Description: Deputy City Attorney I, Deputy City Attorney II

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Applications will only be accepted from those applicants who clearly demonstrate on the COMPLETED City application, supplemental questionnaire, and resume that they have:  

DEPUTY CITY ATTORNEY I and II:  

• Graduated from an accredited American Bar Association law school with a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree
• Minimum of two (2) years’ experience in the practice of law, preferably with a governmental agency; AND demonstration of civil litigation experience, which includes the representation of either a plaintiff or defendant throughout a civil lawsuit process. 
• Substantial experience in the representation of municipal clients may be substituted for lack of experience in civil litigation
• Active member of the California State Bar Association
• Possession of a valid California Class "C" driver's license.  
• Must be able to pass a police background

DEPUTY CITY ATTORNEY II:  

• In addition to the above, must have an additional two (2) years’ experience in the practice of law, preferably in a municipal setting and substantial civil litigation.

 Desirable: Ties to Kern County, strong written and oral communication skills, and work well under pressure.

OTHER MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Full Job Specifications Linked Above 

ORAL APPRAISAL INTERVIEW (WEIGHTED: 100%) Week of December 2, 2024 (TENTATIVE):  The exam will be announced but may include one or more of the following:  written exam; oral exam; evaluation of education, training, experience, or other qualifications as shown by the application, or by other information submitted, or by the record; questionnaires submitted to references; or any other appropriate measure of fitness.  A minimum passing score of 70% is required.   **NOTE: Admission to the Examination may be limited to those applicants who demonstrate the best combination of qualifications. Applicants possessing the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed admittance to the Examination. The City employment applications must be properly completed in accordance with instructions on face of application form. All pertinent information needed to determine that the applicant meets the minimum qualifications must be shown on the City Application, Supplemental Questionnaire, and Resume; otherwise, the application will be rejected. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completed application**.