Description

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is a multi-level, at-will class where incumbents perform the full range of duties and may be assigned to Litigation oract as an Advisory. Both perform work related to any of a number of civil areas, some criminal prosecution, and legalservices for one or more City departments and their associated elected or appointed boards, committees, andcommissions. While expertise may be gained in a specialized area, incumbents may direct or assist with legal matters inany area of municipal law. Employees at this level receive occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusualsituations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.
The Deputy City Attorney (“DCA”) class series is distinguished from Assistant City Attorney in that the latter is the fullsupervisory class with responsibility for a major area of the City’s legal matters and may act as the City Attorney on arelief basis.
DCA IV is the senior level and is distinguished from DCA I – III by the level of responsibility assumed, complexity ofduties assigned, independence of action taken, by the amount of time spent performing the duties, and by the nature ofthe public contact made.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES (Illustrative Only)
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Both Assignments
Must become familiar with City operations to identify and address legal issues in a proactive manner, andcontinually manage and adjust workload to accommodate changing needs and priorities of City staff.
Represents the City with dignity, integrity, and the spirit of cooperation in all relations with staff and the public.
Fosters an environment that embraces integrity, service, inclusion and collaboration.
Builds and maintains positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and the public usingprinciples of good customer service.
Performs related duties as assigned.
Litigator
Represents the City, and its officers and employees in their official capacities, in court cases encompassing a widevariety of civil and criminal subject matters, including personal injury; property damage; dangerous conditions;police and other 1983 matters; motor vehicle accidents; constitutional claims; inverse condemnation; employmentlawsuits; challenges to City ordinances, resolutions, and policies; and cases challenging City’s compliance with theAmericans with Disabilities Act, Brown Act, California Public Records Act, and other laws.
Handles court appearances, including dispositive motion hearings, settlement conferences, and mediations incomplex cases.
Investigates claims and complaints by or against the City; gives advice on action to be taken and prepares cases forhearings and represents the City in such hearings.
Represents the City in administrative hearings before City Boards, Committees, and Commissions as well asFederal and State Agencies.
Initiates Code Enforcement proceedings as necessary and prepares all required documents; prepares cases forcondemnation proceedings.
Performs all discovery tasks, including fact and expert discovery; strategically develops and implementscomprehensive discovery plans in complex cases.
Directs and effectively manages heavy caseload of complex civil litigation files from inception to disposition.
Identifies necessary deposition witnesses; takes and defends percipient witness, party, and expert depositions.
Presents recommendations to the City Council in Closed Session.
Advisor
Monitors legal developments, including proposed legislation and court decisions; evaluates their impact onexisting litigation and/or City operations and recommends appropriate action.
Performs complex legal research and prepares opinions on various legal problems for the City Council, and theCity’s boards, committees, commissions, departments, and city staff.
May act as a liaison with outside counsel.
Prepares and offers advice/opinions on ordinances, resolutions, contracts, leases, and other legal documents;confers with and assists City departments by analyzing and applying legal points and procedures and makesnecessary recommendations regarding existing policies and procedures in order to meet legal requirements.
Applies legal knowledge to varied problems.
Reviews and approves contracts.
Presents or supports client on items at Council and Committees or other public hearings.
Researches and prepares oral and written memoranda, opinions and reports; recognizes when issues requirealternative analysis and approaches.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of
:
Municipal, State, Federal, and Constitutional laws affecting city government;
Principles, methods, and techniques of legal research and investigation;
Court and Administrative Agency procedures, including pleading requirements, rules of court, presentationtechniques, and evidentiary rules;
Municipal government organization, structure, and functional responsibilities;
Ethical and other Rules of Professional Conduct that regulate the practice of law;
Principles and practices of contract administration;
Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment including relevant technology and software programs;
Oral and written communication skills; business English including vocabulary, spelling, and correct grammaticalusage and punctuation;
Safe work practices; and
Principles and practices of excellent customer service.
Skill in
:
Defining issues, performing legal research, analyzing problems, evaluating alternatives, and making soundrecommendations;
Presenting statements of fact, law, and argument clearly and logically;
Utilizing effective techniques in the presentation of court cases;
Exercising sound, independent judgment within general policy guidelines and legal parameters;
Utilizing in a proficient manner, available computer equipment and software, and other law office technology toformat prepare, and process documents in a reasonably efficient manner;
Interpreting state and federal laws and constitutional provisions affecting municipal operations;
Understanding and carrying out oral and written instructions and prioritize workload to meet deadlines;
Reading, writing and comprehending the English language at a level necessary for effective job performanceexercising correct English usage, vocabulary, spelling, grammar and punctuation;
Communicating effectively, tactfully and positively in both oral and written form;
Operating and using modern office equipment and technology, including computers and applicable software;
Utilizing appropriate safety procedures and practices for assigned duties;
Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; and
Contributing effectively to the accomplishments of City goals, objectives and activities.
Education/Experience:
All Levels - Possession of a Juris Doctorate from an accredited college or university.
DCA-IV: Three years of professional legal experience comparable to a Deputy City Attorney with the City of Stockton.
Other Requirements for All Levels:
Must possess a valid California driver’s license.
Be an active member in good standing with the State Bar of California and if selected for the position, mustpromptly apply for admission to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California, if not alreadyadmitted to that court.
Ability to travel to locations outside the office for legal proceedings or meetings.
Physical/Mental Abilities:
Mobility – Constant sitting for long periods of time while operating a keyboard; frequent walking, bending,stooping, kneeling, reaching, pushing and pulling;
Lifting – Constant lifting and frequent carrying of 10 pounds or less;
Vision – Constant use of overall visual capabilities; frequent need for use of color perception, hand/eyecoordination, reading and/or close up work;
Dexterity – Constant holding, grasping, typing, repetitive motion and writing;
Hearing/Talking - Frequent hearing and talking of normal speech in person and on the telephone; Frequentspeaking in front of large groups of people;
Special Requirements – May require weekend or evening work and frequent driving an automobile;
Emotional/Psychological – Constant concentration, decision making and public contact; occasional ability toexercise sound judgment, especially under stressful situations; and working alone;
Environmental Conditions – Occasional exposure to noise and indoor cold and heat conditions; and
Working Conditions – Primarily performed in an office environment which is typically quiet but may be loud attimes and at some locations.
This class specification should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions andrequirement of this job. Incumbents may be requested to perform job related responsibilities and tasks other than thosestated in this specification. Any essential function or requirement of this class will be evaluated as necessary should anincumbent/applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the Americanwith Disabilities Act (ADA). Reasonable accommodation for the specific disability will be made for theincumbent/applicant when possible.