Assistant City Attorney / Junior/Senior Deputy City Attorney (20559174)

If you are interested in this position, please submit your application package via the following link: https://www.calopps.org/lincoln/job-20559174.  

Location

600 Sixth Street Lincoln, 95648

Description

We are pleased to announce an exciting career opportunity within the City Attorney's Office for a dedicated legal professional. This single position will be filled at one of the following levels based on qualifications: Junior Deputy City Attorney, Senior Deputy City Attorney, or Assistant City Attorney. This role offers the chance to contribute meaningfully to our city’s legal affairs, working on diverse legal matters that impact our community. We invite applicants who are passionate about public service and committed to excellence in the legal field to apply.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

The City of Lincoln is a growing community rich with history.  It maintains the charm of a small-town feel despite the growing population of approximately 50,000.  Near the Sacramento area and wine country, it is a desired location to live in with tree-lined streets, quaint shopping and dining and a town square filled with community events and festivities.

We are a team of over 200 dedicated employees providing quality services including police, fire, library, utilities, parks and recreation programs.  Our mission is to provide the highest level of service responsive to our community's expectations and to enhance the quality of life and economic vitality.

Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply promptly for consideration. The position will be filled within the class series at the Junior Deputy City Attorney, Senior Deputy City Attorney, or Assistant City Attorney level, based on the candidate's qualifications. Annual salaries for each level are listed below, with placement within the range determined by qualifications:

• Junior Deputy City Attorney: $123,259.05 - $165,178.91
• Senior Deputy City Attorney: $151,854.78 - $203,499.93
• Assistant City Attorney: $153,007.32 - $205,044.44

TO APPLY

Applications are being accepted for this position until the close of business on December 6, 2024.

Applications will be screened in relation to the requirements and duties of the position.  The more qualified applicants will be invited to interview.  Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation.  Highly-qualified candidates will be asked to provide references and may be invited to other related assessments.  The selected candidate will complete a pre-employment process consisting of a live scan, physical and drug-screen, and/or other related components.  For further information or questions on the recruitment process, please contact Claire True at (916) 434-3209 or claire.true@lincolnca.gov.

Human Resources will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate persons with disabilities. Please advise Human Resources of any special needs a minimum of five days in advance of the selection process exam by calling (916) 434-3229 or emailing hr@lincolnca.gov. The City of Lincoln is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  The information contained herein is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Junior Deputy City Attorney is the entry level class in the Deputy City Attorney series. This class is distinguished from the Senior Deputy City Attorney by the amount of experience attained in the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities. Since this class is typically used as a training classification, employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience. Advancement to the senior level is based on demonstrated proficiency and experience gained in the performance of assigned functions and is at the discretion of the City Attorney.

The Senior Deputy City Attorney is the journey level class within the Deputy City Attorney series. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Junior Deputy City Attorney by the amount of experience attained in the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities. Employees at this level are assigned the full range of duties, handle the more complex legal matters and litigation, and receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed, and are normally filled by advancement from the junior level, or when filled from the outside, have prior experience.

The Assistant City Attorney is a single-position classification where the incumbent is fully experienced in civil and public agency law, and performs complex legal work including advising departments, commissions, and the City Council on a variety of legal matters. The incumbent is expected to carry out the full realm of duties with minimal supervision, utilizing initiative, and exercising independent judgment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Include but are not limited to the following:

Junior/Senior Deputy City Attorney

• Performs legal research and provides legal opinions on various issues for the City Attorney, City management and staff, boards, commissions, and committees.
• Prepares and provides legal advice on City ordinances, resolutions, contracts, deeds, leases, permits, licenses, policies, and other legal instruments; reviews documents and provides opinions to legal acceptability.
• Represents the City in civil litigation; under direction of the City Attorney, performs 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 all claims filed against the City; determines legal impact of specific cases on City operations.
• Examines and analyzes court opinions and legislation with regard to its legal effect on municipal, state, and federal issues; recommends changes in City policies and practices in order to comply with legal requirements.
• Attends and participates in a variety of meetings; offers legal advice and responds to questions from department staff and board members.
• Responds to citizen inquiries regarding all types of legal issues including those concerning City business; reviews public requests for City information and/or documents.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; maintains awareness of new trends and developments in the field of municipal law; incorporates new developments as appropriate.
• Performs related duties as required.

Assistant City Attorney

• Assists the City Attorney in planning, directing, coordinating, and controlling the work of the City Attorney’s Office; develops, implements and monitors long-term plans, goals, and objectives focused on achieving the City’s mission and City Council priorities; participates in managing and directing the development, implementation, and evaluation of plans, policies, systems, and procedures to achieve department goals and work standards.
• Plans, directs, coordinates, and reviews the work plan for assigned staff; assigns work activities, projects, and programs; reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems.
• Participates in the selection, training, motivation, and evaluation of assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures.
• Assists in overseeing and participating in the development and administration of the department’s annual budget; participates in the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitors and approves expenditures; implements adjustments.
• Provides legal advice to City Planning Commission, City departments, City Council, and other boards and committees on a wide range of municipal law; conducts research and provides opinions and advice regarding the duties, powers, functions, and obligations of City departments and related bodies.
• Researches legal issues and statutory and case law; drafts and reviews opinions, ordinances, resolutions, contracts, leases, deeds, and other legal documents and instruments; approves ordinances, resolutions, and contracts as to form and legality.
• Represents the City in civil and criminal litigation, including performing all phases of pretrial, trial and appellate work; develops strategy, prepares briefs, drafts pleadings, motions and arguments, and conducts discovery and depositions in preparation for presentation of the City’s case; files motions and briefs; represents the City in court.
• Conducts legal review of all claims filed against the City and determines appropriate courses of action; reviews contracts, agreements, and bonds; responds to motions for pre-trial discovery.
• Advises on legal aspects related to annexation, eminent domain proceedings, elections, and special district formation proceedings.
• Assists the City Attorney in making decisions on when to prosecute, compromise, or dismiss civil litigation and violations of the municipal code; advises department heads, City Manager, and City Council on such matters.
• Responds to citizen inquiries regarding all types of legal issues including those concerning City business.
• Provides staff assistance to the City Attorney; completes special projects as assigned; represents the City at various meetings and events; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Maintains effective relationships with a variety of community organizations, groups, and individuals to promote positive public relations; coordinates assigned activities with those of other departments and outside agencies and organizations.
• Maintains current knowledge of legal issues and precedents, in particular related to civil and administrative law; attends and participates in professional group meetings; participates in professional development activities; reads publications relevant to area of assignment.
• Serves as acting City Attorney as assigned; acts on behalf of the City Attorney in the absence of same.
• Performs related duties as required.

Job PDF: 

 Assistant City Attorney.pdf

Additional Job PDF: 

 Junior - Senior Deputy City Attorney.pdf

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The following are minimal qualifications necessary for entry into the classification.

Junior/Senior Deputy City Attorney

Education and/or Experience:
Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for a Junior/Senior Deputy City Attorney. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess the equivalent of:

Junior Deputy City Attorney
One year or more of experience in city or local government law is desirable, either in an in- house city attorney’s office or with a law firm practicing municipal law. Litigation experience is desirable, but not required. Equivalent to a Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university.

Senior Deputy City Attorney
Two or more years of experience in city or local government law is desirable, either in an in- house city attorney’s office or with a law firm practicing municipal law. Litigation experience is desirable, but not required. Equivalent to a Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university.

License/Certificate
Membership in good standing with the State Bar of California. Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid class C California driver’s license.

Assistant City Attorney

Education and/or Experience:
Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for an Assistant City Attorney. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess the equivalent of five years of increasingly responsible experience in the practice of law, preferably in a municipal setting. Equivalent to a Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university.

License/Certificate:
Membership in good standing with the State Bar of California. Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid class C California driver’s license.

Benefits

The Junior Deputy City Attorney, Senior Deputy City Attorney, and Assistant City Attorney classifications are at-will positions.

City of Lincoln offers benefits that deliver value and provide options when planning for retirement. Below are the highlights of our employee benefits.  The benefits for the Junior Deputy City Attorney, Senior Deputy City Attorney, and Assistant City Attorney classifications are established through an individual employment agreement.  These benefits are aligned with those of the Mid-Management/Confidential employee group. Specific benefit information for this group can be found at the links below:

• Memoranda of Understanding
• Benefits and Compensation

RETIREMENT

PERS 2% at 60 for classic members and 2% at 62 for new members. Members pay employee portion plus 3% employer share.  The City participates in Social Security and offers voluntary deferred compensation accounts.

HEALTH AND LIFE INSURANCE

Lincoln offers medical plans through CalPERS.  The City pays the majority of the premiums and offers a cash benefit for waiving medical coverage.  Employees are eligible for full retiree health through the Public Employee Medical and Health Coverage Act (PEMHCA) vesting schedule per GC 22893.

Dental premiums are paid by City for employee and dependents; the City pays vision premium for employee, any dependent premiums paid by employee.  Voluntary medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts are available.  Employer-sponsored life insurance benefit paid by City and optional voluntary life insurance, critical illness and accident plans available for employee purchase.

ANNUAL PAID LEAVES

Vacation accrues based on years of service and starts at 88 hours.  Sick leave accrues at 96 hours. The City offers 10 city-paid holidays and 16 hours of floating holiday; floating holiday has a cash out option if unused.

Recruitment Contact

Contact phone: (916)434-3229

Contact email: hr@lincolnca.gov

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• City of Lincoln

• 9164343229