Deputy City Attorney III or IV (Police/Code Enforcement Advisor)

Deputy City Attorney III

$148,823.00 - $223,235.00

Deputy City Attorney IV

$156,264.00 - $234,396.00

5% Salary Increase June 2025

The City of Anaheim seeks a dynamic and dedicated Deputy City Attorney III or IV for the City Attorney's Office to support the Anaheim Police Department and Planning and Building/Community Preservation and Licensing Division. The Deputy City Attorney will advise the Anaheim Police Department on law enforcement personnel matters and civil liability issues arising from police operations, will handle administrative proceedings, and will draft contracts, policies and responses to subpoenas and Public Records Act requests. This position will also advise the Code Enforcement Division on application of the Anaheim Municipal Code, state law, and other legal remedies and methods for bringing non-complaint properties into conformance with the Code. In addition, this position will assist the City Attorney on various city matters as needed. 

The ideal candidate will have experience providing legal advice to municipal law enforcement agencies and code enforcement entities. All candidates must have a Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school and be in good standing with the State Bar of California. Technical acumen and strong verbal presentation and writing skills are also highly desired.  

Note: The City of Anaheim reserves the option to hire at either Deputy City Attorney III or IV level based on the candidate’s qualifications and the selection process.

The following functions are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed functions and/or may be required to perform additional or different functions from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

For the full scope of duties: Deputy City Attorney III

For the full scope of duties: Deputy City Attorney IV

Act as a legal advisor to the Anaheim Police Department on a variety of legal topics, including constitutional law, contract law, employment law, privacy issues, the Peace Officer’s Bill of Rights Act, court processes and Public Records Act requests. 

Train and advise the Police Department on labor and employment issues, including performance evaluations, disciplinary matters, grievances and arbitrations; participate in grievance and arbitration hearings.

Advise and assist the Police Department in implementing its Blueprint and program of Constitutional Policing.

Prepare and review contracts and policies for the Police Department.

Act as a legal advisor to the Community Preservation and Licensing Division of the City’s Planning and Building Department. Conduct legal research and prepare written and oral opinions related to Code Enforcement and License and Transient Occupancy Tax Collection, including on due process protections, property access rights, and enforcement options and protocols.

Provide counsel and participate in legal and administrative proceedings related to Code Enforcement and Business Licensing, including civil and/or criminal actions, abatement proceedings and receivership actions.

Draft ordinances, resolutions, notices, staff reports, memoranda, briefs, and other legal documents.

Prevent and minimize legal exposure by providing advice to City officers and employees on matters related to the area of assignment/specialty. 

Attend and participate in professional group meetings; maintain awareness of new trends and developments in the field of municipal law; incorporate new developments as appropriate.

Perform related duties as required.

Deputy City Attorney III

Deputy City Attorney IV

Experience and Education: Six years of responsible experience directly related to area of assignment/specialty, including two years of advanced journey-level experience within the area of assignment. 

License/Certification Required: Membership in the State Bar of California and license to practice in the federal courts. Possession of an appropriate, valid CA driver’s license.

Knowledge of: 

• General Municipal law, Civil Rights and Constitutional law as applied to government actors (particularly 42 U.S. Code section 1983 and the First, Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments), the California Peace Officers’ Bill of Rights Act, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the California Public Records Act.
• Municipal, state, and federal laws relevant to law enforcement and code enforcement operations, ordinances and codes affecting City government.
• Legal research methods and local court rules and procedures.
• Public contact and community relations.

Ability to: 

• Advise department heads and City staff on complex issues related to police and code enforcement operations, examine potential legal impacts and risks.
• Effectively communicate one-on-one, in internal and public meetings that require clear, concise, and objective responses to complex legal questions.
• Creatively and efficiently research and analyze complex legal issues.
• Prepare organized, persuasive, and nuanced legal opinions and briefs.
• Work independently in investigating facts, researching legal precedents, defining legal and factual issues, drafting necessary legal documents and developing conclusions and recommendations.
• Maintain very high ethical standards.
• Navigate California's local government political/financial/legal landscape.
• Work as a member of a team and devise collaborative solutions to issues and problems.
• Meet deadlines and work in a challenging and fast-paced legal environment.

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTION

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. The deadline for the first review of applications is on April 10, 2025 at 5:00PM. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. Applicants that apply after the first review are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review date. 

Applicants must attach to the application an interest cover letter and resume. Please submit in Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat format.

 The selection process will consist of a minimum of an oral interview.

The eligibility list established from this recruitment may also be used to fill the current and/or additional vacancies throughout the City.

Candidates must be specific and complete in describing their qualifications for this position.  Failure to state all pertinent information may lead to elimination from consideration.  Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application.  
 
 The successful candidate will be required to undergo a reference / background check (to include a conviction record) and pass a post-offer pre-employment medical examination (which will include a drug/alcohol screening).  The City of Anaheim utilizes E-Verify and new employees must provide documentation to establish both identity and work authorization.
 
 Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application.  Please check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as you will not receive communications by any other method.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Salary : $156,264 - $234,396