Job Abstract

Deputy City Attorney I-II: Under general supervision (Deputy City Attorney I) to direction (Deputy City Attorney II), provides professional legal services and representation, advice, and assistance to City departments, employees, the City Council, and various committees and commissions; conducts legal research and prepares and reviews opinions, contracts, ordinances, resolutions, and other legal documents; provides responsible and complex administrative support to the City Attorney and Assistant City Attorneys; and performs related duties as assigned.

Sr. Deputy City Attorney: Under general direction, leads, oversees, reviews, and participates in the work of staff providing professional legal services and representation, advice, and assistance to City departments, employees, the City Council, and various committees and commissions; serves as a technical resource and provides consulting services to City departments on complex legal matters; conducts legal research and prepares and reviews opinions, contracts, ordinances, resolutions, and other legal documents; provides highly responsible and complex staff assistance to the City Attorney and Assistant City Attorney; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Deputy City Attorney I-II: Receives general supervision (Deputy City Attorney I) to direction (Deputy City Attorney II) from the Assistant City Attorney and/or City Attorney. Exercises no direct supervision over staff, but does provide technical and functional direction to professional administrative staff.

Sr. Deputy City Attorney: Receives general direction from the Assistant City Attorney and/or City Attorney. Exercises technical and functional direction over and provides training to professional administrative staff.


CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
Deputy City Attorney I: This is the entry level classification in the Deputy City Attorney series. Incumbents may have some professional legal experience and learn and perform the less difficult and less controversial assignments related to municipal law under the direction and guidance of the Assistant City Attorney or more senior attorneys. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied and complex. Close supervision and frequency of work review lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently.

Deputy City Attorney II: This is the journey level classification in the Deputy City Attorney series. Incumbents at this level are distinguished from the I-level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the City Attorney’s Office.

Positions in the Deputy City Attorney class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the II-level are normally filled by advancement from the next lower level upon management approval, after gaining the knowledge, skill, and experience which meet the qualifications for and after demonstrating the ability to perform the work of the higher-level class, subject to budgetary restrictions.

Sr. Deputy City Attorney: This is the advanced journey and/or lead level classification in the Deputy City Attorney series responsible for performing the most complex work assigned to the series. Incumbents regularly work on tasks which are varied and complex, requiring considerable discretion and independent judgment, and, for lead positions, provide lead direction to a work unit of lower-level staff. Positions in the classification rely on experience and judgment to perform assigned duties and ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Assignments are given with general guidelines and incumbents are responsible for establishing objectives, timelines and methods to complete assignments. Work is reviewed on an as needed basis upon completion for soundness, appropriateness, and conformity to policy and requirements.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only) Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Deputy City Attorney I-II:

Positions at the Deputy City Attorney I and Deputy City Attorney II level may perform some of these duties and responsibilities in a learning capacity.

• Performs legal research and provides legal opinions on various issues for the City Attorney, Assistant City Attorney, City management and staff, City Council, boards, commissions, and committees.
• Prepares, reviews, and provides legal advice on City staff reports, ordinances, resolutions, contracts, deeds, leases, permits, licenses, policies, pleadings, applications, and other legal documents and instruments; reviews documents and provides opinions to legal acceptability.
• Represents the City in litigation and administrative proceedings; may perform all phases of pretrial, trial, and appellate work; develops litigation strategy, prepares briefs, drafts pleadings, motions, and arguments, and conducts discovery and depositions; files motions and briefs; represents the City in court.
• Reviews, evaluates, investigates, and consults on claims filed against the City; determines legal impact of specific cases on City operations.
• Examines and analyzes court opinions and legislation regarding its legal effect on municipal, state, and federal issues; recommends changes in City policies and practices to comply with legal requirements.
• Attends and participates in various meetings; may serve as legal advisor, offer legal advice, and respond to questions from City Council, City staff, and various boards, commissions, and committees of the City.
• Responds to public, City staff, outside agencies, and other interested parties’ requests for information; assists with resolutions and alternative recommendations.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays informed of new trends and innovations in the practice of municipal law; attends City Council meetings as requested.
• Acts as liaison between City departments and outside litigation counsel.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

• Provides input for personnel decisions such as performance evaluations, promotions, hiring, and disciplinary actions for professional and paraprofessional legal support staff.
• Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, work standards, new or revised programs, systems, methods of operation, and administrative control systems for assigned projects and programs.
• Participates in annual budget preparation; identifies resource needs; prepares detailed cost estimates with appropriate justifications; monitors expenditures.
• Continuously evaluates City Attorney programs, policies, procedures and practices to identify areas in need of improvement; develops recommendations for improvements.
• Performs legal research and provides legal opinions on various issues for the City Attorney, Assistant City Attorney, City management and staff, City Council, boards, commissions, and committees.
• Prepares, reviews, and provides legal advice on City staff reports, ordinances, resolutions, contracts, deeds, leases, permits, licenses, policies, pleadings, applications, and other legal documents and instruments; reviews documents and provides opinions to legal acceptability.
• Represents the City in litigation and administrative proceedings; may perform all phases of pretrial, trial, and appellate work; develops litigation strategy, prepares briefs, drafts pleadings, motions, and arguments, and conducts discovery and depositions; files motions and briefs; represents the City in court.
• Reviews, evaluates, investigates, and consults on claims filed against the City; determines legal?impact of specific cases on City operations.
• Examines and analyzes court opinions and legislation regarding its legal effect on municipal, state, and federal issues; recommends changes in City policies and practices to comply with legal requirements.
• Attends and participates in various meetings; may serve as legal advisor, offer legal advice, and respond to questions from City Council, City staff, and various boards, commissions, and committees of the City.
• Responds to public, City staff, outside agencies, and other interested parties’ requests for information; assists with resolutions and alternative recommendations.
  
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays informed of new trends and innovations in the practice of municipal law; attends City Council meetings as requested.
• Acts as liaison between City departments and outside counsel.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Deputy City Attorney I-II:

Knowledge of:

• Practices, principles, and methods of application related to municipal, civil, criminal, constitutional, administrative, and statutory law, and legal research.
• Pretrial, trial and administrative hearing rules of evidence and procedures.
• Legal principles, practices, facts, evidence, precedents, and sources of legal reference to common government agency legal problems.
• Organization, duties, powers, limitations, and authority of the City Attorney’s Office.
• Methods and techniques of case analysis, legal research, writing and report preparation.
• Principles and practices of contract administration and management.
• Principles and practices of municipal government administration.
• Recordkeeping principles and procedures including record destruction according to rules and regulations.
• Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to the operations of the assigned division.
• Methods and techniques of preparing technical and administrative reports, and general business correspondence.
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging concepts and principles, including their significance in organizational dynamics and the functioning of the City and their impact on fostering innovation and collaboration.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Current equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

• Analyze, appraise and/or draft a variety of legal documents and instruments, including ordinances, resolutions, contracts, and other legal documents; present law, facts, and arguments clearly and logically in written and oral form; and explain and write reports on legal matters.
• Analyze and apply complex legal principles, facts and evidence to legal problems and make recommendations and/or determinations concerning the advisability to prosecute, compromise or dismiss civil litigation.
• Follow pretrial, trial, and administrative hearing rules and procedures.
• Interview and prepare witnesses for testimony.
• Evaluate alternatives and make judgments within established policy and procedural guidelines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural and legal guidelines.
• Engage with a diverse public and workforce, facilitating inclusive service delivery, and implementing equitable city policies.
• Establish, maintain, and foster professional and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Demonstrate understanding of, sensitivity to, and respect for the diverse socio-economic, racial, ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, diverse abilities, gender, gender identity and expression, and sexual orientation of City staff and community served.

• Principles of providing functional direction and training to assigned staff.
• Principles and practices of leadership.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances, as well as industry standards and best practices relevant to the assigned area of responsibility.
• Principles and practices of contract administration and evaluation, budget development and administration, and sound financial management policies and procedures.
• Principles of program and project planning, development, implementation, and evaluation.?
• Practices, principles, and methods of application related to municipal, civil, criminal, constitutional, administrative, and statutory law, and legal research.?
• Pretrial, trial and administrative hearing rules of evidence and procedures.
• Legal principles, practices, facts, evidence, precedents, and sources of legal reference to common government agency legal problems.?
• Organization, duties, powers, limitations, and authority of the City Attorney’s Office.?
• Methods and techniques of case analysis, legal research, writing and report preparation.?
• Principles and practices of municipal government administration.
• Recordkeeping principles and procedures including record destruction according to rules and regulations.?
• Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to the operations of the assigned division.
• Methods and techniques of preparing technical and administrative reports, and general business correspondence.
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging concepts and principles, including their significance in organizational dynamics and the functioning of the City and their impact on fostering innovation and collaboration.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Current equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

• Plan, organize, and coordinate the work of assigned staff.
• Effectively provide staff leadership and work direction.
• Assist in developing and implementing goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
• Develop, coordinate, and implement assigned City Attorney programs and projects.
• Prepare and administer complex budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost-effective manner.
• Resolve or provide staff support for complex, sensitive or difficult legal issues and/or services requiring a high level of independent judgment, strong analytic skills, and sophisticated knowledge of applicable laws, regulations and contractual agreements.
• Analyze, appraise and/or draft a variety of legal documents and instruments, including ordinances, resolutions, contracts, and other legal documents; present law, facts, and arguments clearly and logically in written and oral form; and explain and write reports on legal matters.
• Analyze and apply complex legal principles, facts and evidence to legal problems and make recommendations and/or determinations concerning the advisability to prosecute, compromise or dismiss civil litigation.
• Follow pretrial, trial, and administrative hearing rules and procedures.
• Interview and prepare witnesses for testimony.
• Evaluate alternatives and make judgments within established policy and procedural guidelines.
• Conduct meetings, give presentations, and accurately convey messages.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural and legal guidelines.
• Engage with a diverse public and workforce, facilitating inclusive service delivery, and implementing equitable city policies.
• Establish, maintain, and foster professional and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

• Deputy City Attorney I/II and Sr. Deputy City Attorney: Bachelor’s Degree and Juris Doctor Degree from an accredited college or university.
• Deputy City Attorney II: Two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience as a practicing attorney in California.
• Sr. Deputy City Attorney: Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience as a practicing attorney in California including three (3) years in an area of law applicable to municipal government operations.

• Possession of, or ability to obtain by the time of appointment, an appropriate, valid California driver’s license. This requirement may be waived for individuals who are unable to obtain a driver’s license due to a disability.
• Active license, in good standing, with the State Bar of California.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 10 pounds.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

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 divisional policies and procedures.

The information listed above is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract. The City of Elk Grove is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and professionalism. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, should special accommodations be necessary at any stage of the selection process, please contact the Human Resources Department at (916) 478-2230.