CHIEF TRIAL COUNSEL (Chief Litigation Counsel)

Salary : $172,764.80 - $231,504.00 Annually

Location : Huntington Beach, CA

Job Type : Full-Time

Job Number : 0777-0924

Department : City Attorney's Office

Division : Litigation

Opening Date : 09 / 18 / 2024

Description

The City of Huntington Beach is located in northwestern Orange County, 35 miles southeast of Los Angeles and 90 miles northwest of San Diego. With a population of about 202,265 residents, Huntington Beach is the fourth largest city in Orange County and the 24th largest city in California. Known as "Surf City," Huntington Beach features nearly 8.5 miles of spectacular beaches and one of the largest recreational piers in the world. The City is home to a thriving beach community and is consistently named as one of the top ten beaches in California. The City hosts an annual visitor population of over 11 million people, featuring numerous large-scale special events, surf competitions, and festivals. Even with its swell of summer visitors, Huntington Beach has been listed for decades as among the FBI's safest cities in the nation. In 2021, WalletHub ranked Huntington Beach as the best-run city in California. The City is supported by nearly 1,500 employees and has a General Fund budget of $285 million (total budget $508 million).

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 an outstanding career opportunity available, as we're looking for the "right person" to serve as Chief Trial Counsel ( Chief Litigation Counsel).

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

The Position

The City of Huntington Beach offers a truly unique opportunity for experienced California municipal attorneys, as it is one of the few cities with an elected City Attorney. The Chief Litigation Counsel leads the City's trial and litigation efforts in all civil lawsuits, either for prosecution of or in the defense, on behalf of the City of Huntington Beach, and works with other attorneys who are litigating cases on behalf of the City.

Minimum Qualifications

Education : Graduation from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association with a Juris Doctorate degree.

Experience : Minimum of five (5) years increasingly responsible experience in the litigation and trying of cases in the State of California with a minimum of taking lead role in five (5) jury and three (3) bench trials to verdict in Superior Court. Admission to practice in the State and Federal jurisdictional courts.

License / Certification : Active membership in the State Bar of California.

Possession of a valid California Class C driver license with an acceptable driving record by time of appointment and throughout period of employment required.

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

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 : Click on the links under "Management Employees' Organization".

Did you graduate from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association with a Juris Doctorate Degree?

Are you a current member in good standing with the California Bar Association?

Indicate your level of experience as a practicing trial attorney in the State of California within a municipal law office, or a private firm that has contracted with a public agency for legal services.

Have you taken the lead role in at least five (5) jury and three (3) bench trials to verdict in Superior Court?

List the case names of the jury trials you have tried and describe your role with each one of them. (If you do not possess this experience, enter "N / A".)

Do you possess State AND Federal jury trial experience?

Are you a CalPERS RETIRED Annuitant?

Required Question

Salary : $172,765 - $231,504