SENIOR TRIAL COUNSEL (Senior Deputy City Attorney)

Description

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 outstanding career opportunities available, as we're looking for the "right people" to serve as Senior Trial Counsel (Senior Deputy City Attorney) in our LITIGATION Division.

The Ideal Candidate has been practicing law in California for at least 2 years, with civil trial experience, either in prosecuting or defending lawsuits. The Ideal Candidate also has very strong legal research and writing experience, with experience researching and writing Writs, researching and writing Appeals, and preparing written discovery, dispositive motions, and preparing trial documents and briefs. Having represented other government or public agencies at trial is a significant plus and experience with State laws involving housing, planning and zoning, and State environmental laws is desirable.

City Attorney's Office
The Office of the City Attorney represents the City in all aspects of legal representation. In addition to handling all lawsuits in-house, and prosecuting crimes at the local level, the City Attorney's Office advises the City Council and all City officials in all matters of law pertaining to the business of the City of Huntington Beach. Among other things, generally the City Attorney defends the City in every lawsuit, including Writs and Appeals, prepares and/or reviews all City Ordinances, Resolutions, contracts and other legal documents. The City Attorney also prosecutes criminal cases arising from violation of the provisions of the City Charter or Huntington Beach Municipal Code, and such State misdemeanors as the City has the power to prosecute.

Please note: This recruitment may close at any time, and will close when the hiring manager determines that a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received.

Examples of Essential Duties

Trial Counsel Position

• Performs the full range of litigation work;
• Responsible for Writs, Appeals, civil litigation, trials, damage or other civil suits in State and federal courts, including advanced 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 Attorney;
• Occasionally represents management in hearings involving City employee disciplinary matters, as directed by the City Attorney or the Chief Assistant City Attorney;
• 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 Attorney;

Please click here to review the full job description for Senior Deputy City Attorney.

Minimum Qualifications

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.

License/Certifications: Possession of a valid California Class C driver license and an acceptable driving record are required by time of appointment and throughout employment.

Current member in good standing with the California State Bar Association.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:

• Application Review - Please attach to your online application 1. a cover letter, and 2. an updated resume.
• Examination(s) - An oral exam (weighted 100%) will be scheduled when a sufficient number of qualified applications has been received.
• Selection Interview
• Background Investigation
• Appointment

Supplemental Information

The City of Huntington Beach offers a comprehensive benefit package to Management Employees' Organization members including:

The SALARY RANGE is composed of seven steps. Merit step increases are based on satisfactory performance.

PROMOTIONS within the City are based upon the merit system principles emphasizing individual ability and utilizing competitive examinations.

TWELVE PAID HOLIDAYS provided per year.

GENERAL LEAVE with pay of 176 hours is granted to regular employees. After four years' service additional general leave hours are earned, up to 256 hours after fifteen years' service.

ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE with pay is granted in the amount of 60 hours per calendar year.

EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE PLANS are available for eligible employees to develop their knowledge and abilities.

GROUP INSURANCE PROGRAMS are available to eligible City employees. These programs include medical, dental, vision, long-term disability, life and accidental death and dismemberment insurances.

FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS are available where employees use pre-tax salary to pay for regular child care, adult dependent care and/or medical expenses.

RETIREMENT BENEFITS are provided by the California Public Employee's Retirement System. Every regular employee becomes a member immediately upon employment. Effective January 1, 2013, the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act will apply to new members of CalPERS. A new member is defined as a new hire who is brought into CalPERS membership for the first time on or after 1/1/13 and has no prior membership in a California public retirement system; is not eligible for reciprocity with another California public retirement system; or is rehired by a different CalPERS employer after a break in service of greater than six (6) months. All employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 will be subject to CalPERS membership review for applicability of PEPRA. Employees enrolled in CalPERS prior to January 1, 2013 are considered classic members.

The benefit formula, final compensation period, and member contribution rate is as represented below:

Classic Miscellaneous Members:
Benefit Formula Miscellaneous 2.5% at age 55
Final Compensation Period 1-year Final Compensation
Member Contribution Rate 9.0% of Reportable Compensation

New Miscellaneous Members under PEPRA:
Benefit Formula Miscellaneous 2% at age 62
Final Compensation Period 3-year Final Compensation
Member Contribution Rate 8.25% of Reportable Compensation (eff. 7/1/23)

DEFERRED COMPENSATION: Two voluntary deferred compensation 457 plans are available.

CREDIT UNION membership is available to all City employees and provides access to low interest loans.

FLEXIBLE WORK SCHEDULES: Employees will have the option of working a 5/40 or 9/80 work schedule with Supervisor and Department Head approval. Employees assigned to the Police Department shall retain the option of working the 4/10 work schedule with Supervisor and Department Head approval. In order to maintain service to the public, departmental effectiveness, productivity and/or efficiency, a Department Head may assign an employee a different work schedule that is in compliance with the requirements of FLSA with City Manager approval.

NOTE: The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute a contract expressed or implied, and any provisions contained herein may be modified or revoked without notice.

For a more detailed overview of the benefits, review the Memorandum of Understanding and Side Letters at: MEMORANDA OF UNDERSTANDINGS Click on the links under "Management Employees' Organization".

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• City of Huntington Beach

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