Deputy City Attorney II/III (Labor & Employment Option)

The City Attorney's Office is seeking a highly motivated labor and employment attorney to be filled at either Deputy City Attorney II or Deputy City Attorney III, based on the evaluation of candidate's qualifications by the City Attorney. If hired as Deputy City Attorney II, movement to Deputy City Attorney III is neither implied nor guaranteed.

Annual Salary Range
Deputy City Attorney II: $145,163.98 - $183,266.20
Deputy City Attorney III: $169,867.88 - $206,475.10 (Salary range will increase to $178, 361.30 - $216,798.92 effective 7/11/25)

Please Note: (1) This is an unclassified at-will position.  (2) Final candidates must pass a thorough criminal background investigation and pre-employment physical prior to starting employment.  (3) This announcement does not constitute an expressed or implied employment contract.

Description
The Deputy City Attorney II/III will perform legal work as a member of the Advisory Division of the Office of the City Attorney.  This position will primarily serve as a legal advisor to City departments, officials, and employees in the area of labor and employment law.

The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will have at least three years of legal experience advising governmental agencies as to labor and employment law matters.  Knowledge and experience regarding public agency employment, employee rights and employer obligations, wage, benefits, and tax laws, and personnel policies is highly desired. Candidate should have knowledge and experience advising regarding Federal and state laws such as Title VII, ADA, FEHA, FLSA, FMLA, CFRA, and the California Labor Code. The candidate will independently perform legal research using computer research and other legal sources, and work collaboratively and proactively with City staff to identify and mitigate risks, including assisting in the development of best practices, policies, and training materials. An energetic problem-solver who works well in a collegial, team-oriented environment and can be available as needed to meet client demands will be well suited to the position. Experience in either a governmental agency or in private practice that involves representation of a governmental agency is preferred. 

Essential Functions
Functions may include, but are not limited to: advising City departments on matters relating to all aspects of employment, including hiring, backgrounding, employee performance and conduct, fact-finding investigations, drug and alcohol testing, employee discipline and terminations, employee complaints, appeal and grievance processes, disability accommodation, protected leaves of absence, workplace safety, employee rights, training, posting, and notice requirements, and wages and benefits, to ensure compliance with City policy and procedure, agreements, and applicable law; advising City departments concerning labor relations with the recognized employee organizations; drafting, revising, and advising City management concerning the City's civil service rules, ordinances, resolutions, policies, procedures, memoranda of understanding, contracts, and similar documents relating to labor and employment issues; draft legal memoranda and opinions on labor and employment-related topics; defend the City in regard to administrative complaints filed with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commision, State of California Civil Rights Department, or Department of Labor Standards Enforcement.The City reserves the right to modify the job duties.

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school AND:

Deputy City Attorney II: A minimum of three years of responsible experience as a practicing attorney, either in a governmental agency or in private practice involving representation of governmental agencies pertaining to public law advisory matters. 

Deputy City Attorney III:  A minimum of seven years of responsible experience as a practicing attorney, either in a governmental agency or in a private practice involving representation of governmental agencies pertaining to public law advisory matters.

A qualified candidate must also be a member in good standing of the State Bar of California and possession of a current, valid California driver's license.      

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 
Knowledge of: legal principles, legal research, legal advocacy, and basic civil litigation techniques; State and Federal statutory and case law applicable to public entities in California; rules and procedures for California and Federal courts; English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation; modern office methods, procedures, computer equipment, and computer software applicable to legal assignments such as legal research platforms, word processing, virtual meeting software, and email.  Ability to: read, understand, interpret and communicate legal issues to both attorneys and lay people; thoroughly analyze and research legal issues and take all facts and findings into consideration; apply legal principles to practical situations in the context of business, economic, social and political considerations; attend and present in court, administrative proceedings, and in community settings; interpret and apply cases, statutes, regulations, and legal principles to government policies and practices; effectively apply, in a transactional and advisory context, existing and/or extrapolated law to the variety of legal issues facing the City; negotiate and write complex legal agreements, regulatory schemes, or public policy statements; consistently provide clear and sound legal advice to City departments; communicate effectively in writing, in a clear, concise, logical, and thorough manner when preparing opinions, memoranda, briefs, reports, correspondence, or other written communications of a legal nature; communicate effectively with a variety of individuals representing diverse cultures and backgrounds and function calmly in stressful situations that require a high degree of sensitivity, tact, and diplomacy; work multiple matters simultaneously and be service-oriented; use initiative and sound independent judgment within established guidelines; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; and operate standard office equipment.
 
Physical Demands and Working Conditions
On a continuous basis, sit at a desk, walk and/or stand for varying periods of time, and use hands and fingers to grasp tools.   Typical tools used are pencil, pen, telephone, calculator, computer, printer, and fax machine which require motor skills sufficient to repetitively twist head, upper body, arms, grasp, write, keyboard, and handle papers. Hearing and speech acuity sufficient to communicate in person and by means of a telephone.  Ability to attend and present in court and in community settings.   Visual acuity sufficient to read alphabetical and numerical data from desk and other nearby areas.  Work is mostly performed within an even-floored, carpeted, and air-conditioned building environment with fluorescent lighting and a moderate noise level.  Some movement is required from office-to-office and driving to offsite locations.  There is occasional to routine exposure to the external environment when going to outlying offices or meetings and offsite locations.  Work is frequently disrupted by the need to respond to in-person and telephone inquiries.

Recruitment No. 25241103
To be considered, applicants must submit an online City Application with Supplemental Questionnaire by 12:00 p.m. on the closing date listed. Candidates whose applications indicate education and experience most directly related to the position will be invited to participate in the selection process as noted below. All notices will be sent via e-mail.