Deputy City Attorney I/II

Location : Lodi City Hall 221 West Pine Street Lodi, CA

Job Type : Full Time

Job Number : 1520.1.2025

Department : City Attorney

Opening Date : 01 / 31 / 2025

Job Description

DEPUTY CITY ATTORNEY I / II - ONE POSITION AVAILABLE

Deputy City Attorney I Salary Range $125,563.62 - $152,623.37

Deputy City Attorney II Salary Range $150,681.53 - $183,154.29

CalPERS Retirement, Deferred Compensation - Three percent (3%) Match, Excellent benefits, 9 / 80 Work Schedule, and more...

The Lodi City Attorney's Office is recruiting to fill the immediate need for a Deputy City Attorney. This position is open to either a Deputy City Attorney I or Deputy City Attorney II candidate that has experience and proficiency in municipal law to assist in a dynamic public agency legal office.

Our ideal candidate will be a California licensed attorney who has one or more years of public sector legal experience as a dedicated professional that excels in a team-oriented environment, seeks input from other stake holders, and establishes positive relationships with staff, department heads, elected officials and the community. Applicants must have demonstrated sound judgement and decision making, strong organizational, analytical, writing, research and communication skills. Courtroom experience is an added bonus.

To be considered for this position, applicants must complete and submit an online application for employment with detailed information in each section of the application : Work Experience, Education, Certificates and Licenses, and Skills.In addition to submitting a detailed application, applicants are required to respond to the supplemental questions associated with the application. The City will use responses to the supplemental questions to help us evaluate candidate's qualifying knowledge, skills, and abilities. Resumes may be attached but will not be accepted in lieu of a complete, detailed application.

This is a continuous recruitment and is open until filled. You are encouraged to apply as soon as possible as the recruitment may close without notice. Applications will be reviewed as received.

Job descriptions are intended to present a broad and general range of duties which includes purpose, responsibilities, and scope of work. Job descriptions are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

DEFINITION :

Under the general supervision of the City Attorney and Assistant City Attorney, the Deputy performs legal work of a routine to complex nature representing the City, providing advice and counsel to City staff, boards and commissions, and performing related work as may be assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS :

This is a flexible class, in which incumbents may be assigned to either the Deputy City Attorney I or Deputy City Attorney II level depending upon experience and proficiency gained involving all aspects of the municipal function. The work may be related to any number of civil or criminal areas and may include providing legal services for one or more City departments and their associated elected or appointed boards and commissions. Involvement in formal litigation, discretionary powers and overseeing efforts of other staff or contract employees, will be progressive. While the Deputy may gain expertise in specific areas of law, incumbents must be fully capable of working independently in any number of areas of municipal law, and may be asked to direct or assist with a wide variety of legal issues. This position involves the responsibility for major areas of City legal matters and may involve acting as the City Attorney or Assistant City Attorney on a relief basis.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED :

Receives general direction from the City Attorney or Assistant City Attorney.

Examples of Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following :

• Monitors legal developments, including proposed legislation and court decisions;
• Evaluates impacts on City operations and recommends appropriate action;
• Researches legal issues and prepares opinions, ordinances, resolutions, contracts, leases, permits and other legal documents;
• Advises City departments concerning their respective duties, powers, functions and obligations;
• Represents the City on a wide variety of civil and criminal cases, including all phases of pretrial, trial, and appellate work;
• Attends meetings of City boards and commissions as assigned;
• Represents the City in administrative hearings before boards, commissions, and state and federal agencies;
• Investigates and prepares reports on claims against the City;
• Maintains records and compiles reports of work performed;

Performs other duties related to the operation of the department and the City, including additional duties that enable the department and City to meet the diverse needs of its community.

Knowledge of :

Municipal government organizational structure and functional responsibilities; and state and federal laws and constitutional provisions affecting municipal operations.

Ability to :

Prepare clear, concise, and legally sufficient resolutions, ordinances, contracts, leases, permits, reports, correspondence, and other written materials.

Typical Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE :

Any combination equivalent to experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical combination is :

Education :

A Juris Doctorate degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association or the California Bar Association.

Experience :

Deputy City Attorney I : No experience is required.

Deputy City Attorney II : Three or more (3 ) years increasingly responsible experience in the practice of civil or municipal law.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES :

Possession of an appropriate, valid Driver's License from the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

Must be a current member in good standing of the California State Bar Association.

Supplemental Information

Interested applicants must submit an online application at www.lodi.gov. No paper applications will be accepted. For technical difficulties with your online application, please call the Neogov helpline at 855-524-5627.

Telephone : 209-333-6704. Persons with hearing impairment, please call the California Relay Service 7-1-1.

TESTING PROCESS : Candidates considered to be among the most qualified will be required to participate in a qualification appraisal testing process. This may include oral interviews, assessment exercises, and physical exercises. Passing scores will determine placement on an established eligible list. Eligible lists last approximately 2 years unless abolished sooner. Fingerprints and / or background clearance is part of the testing process.

EVALUATION of Qualifications : Application materials and resumes will be screened to determine if applicants are considered to be among the most qualified as outlined on the job announcement. Only applicants who are among the most qualified will be invited to participate in the testing process. Resumes may not be substituted for a completed application.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER - The City of Lodi is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a policy of fair employment practices regardless of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex or sexual orientation, marital status, age, mental or physical disability or perceived disability, medical condition, pregnancy, political affiliation or belief, or other unlawful discrimination.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITY ACT - In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the City of Lodi provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities. Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations must contact the Human Resources Division upon application submittal to confirm the request.

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND INFORMATION - City of Lodi is authorized and required by the state of California to access Local, State, and / or Federal criminal history as part of the testing process. This process can be completed by initial fingerprinting and / or a full Background investigation pursuant to Penal Code §11105(b)(10), §11105.3, §13300(b)(10); Education Code §10911.5; Public Resources Code §5164) and in compliance with the City of Lodi's Fingerprinting Policy and Procedure. As a future employee or volunteer, you are required to be fingerprinted and processed through the Department of Justice and cleared before you can begin employment. All information obtained will be kept in strict confidentiality.

HIRING PROCEDURE - Applicants must possess the minimum qualifications by the final filing date. Eligible lists are established upon successful completion of the selection process. The candidates must be successful in each part of the testing. To fill each vacancy the hiring department will request names to be certified from the eligible list and will make a selection from this certification list.

CONDITIONAL JOB OFFERS - Conditional job offers are subject to successful completion of a medical drug screen and / or physical. Candidates should not quit or give notice to their current employer until final notification has been awarded by the Human Resources Division.

MEDICAL-DRUG SCREENING - All positions may be subject to a physical or drug screen issued by a qualified medical physician assigned by the Human Resources Division. Under the requirements of the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, the City of Lodi has been designated as a drug-free workplace.

APPOINTMENT - At the time of appointment all candidates will be required to complete Form 700 Statement of Economic Interests, execute an oath of allegiance, and complete Form I-9 - Employment Eligibility Verification in compliance with the Immigration and Naturalization Act. United States citizenship is not required. All new appointees are required to successfully complete a probationary period of twelve months.

EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

SALARY - The starting salary is the first rate shown on the job announcement. Advancement to the higher steps of the salary range is based upon merit in accordance with the Salary Ordinance and Rules for Personnel Administration. Eligibility for the first merit increase is effective after 12 months and for additional merit increases after one year intervals until the employee has reached the maximum step.

HOLIDAY, VACATION, SICK, AND ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE - Holiday - An average of 14 paid holidays per year. Vacation - 2 weeks paid vacation annually, increasing with length of service depending upon the appropriate labor agreement. Sick Leave - 10 days per year depending upon the appropriate labor agreement. Administrative Leave - Management / Mid-Management positions receive 80 hours per calendar year, and specified professional / technical positions receive 40 hours per fiscal year (Pro-Rated).

HEALTH INSURANCE - Medical, Dental and Vision plans are available for employee and dependents. A portion of the premiums may be the employee's responsibility.

LIFE INSURANCE AND LONG TERM DISABILITY - The City pays the full premium for employee and dependent life insurance, and offers a long-term disability plan that provides up to approximately 2 / 3 of an employee's salary.

RETIREMENT AND DEFERRED COMPENSATION - The City of Lodi is a member of the Public Employees' Retirement System (P.E.R.S.). Lodi is not a member of the Social Security System except for the required medical contribution. Employees may participate in a 457 Deferred Compensation program.

FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT - Employees may participate in a Section 125 Flexible Spending Account.

IMPORTANT NOTE : This bulletin does not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provisions or job duties contained in this bulletin may include modifications pending labor agreements and / or council approval.

BARGAINING UNIT : Lodi City Mid-Management Association

NOTE : Employee Benefits stated herein are subject to change through the collective bargaining process and are not guaranteed.

ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE :

10 Days / year

VACATION :

0-5 years = 10 days / year.

6 years & over = 15 Days / year

SICK LEAVE : 12 days / year

HOLIDAYS :

13 ½ holidays per year.

HEALTH BENEFITS :

All employees are offered medical insurance for themselves and dependent(s) through CalPERS Medical Plans. Effective January 1, 2023, City shall pay a monthly maximum towards medical premiums as follows :

771.35 per month for Employee Only

1,542.71 per month for Employee 1

2,005.52 per month for Family.

If employee selects a higher cost plan, employee will pay the difference as a payroll deduction.

If an employee elects not to be covered by medical insurance through the City of Lodi, an additional :

692.81 per month for family

532.92 for employee 1 dependent

305.22 for single

will be added to either the employee's deferred compensation account or cash. In order to qualify for this provision, proof of group insurance must be provided to the City.

The City shall pay the full cost for the employee and their dependents dental premium for the term of this agreement. The City agrees to provide a vision care plan, equivalent to the VSP Plan B, with a $25.00 deductible for the employee and dependents; the entire premium to be paid by City.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION :

A deferred compensation plan is available at the employee's option. The City matches up to 3% of the employee's base salary, subject to Federal Tax laws.

EDUCATION ALLOWANCE :

Tuition Reimbursement up to $3000 per fiscal year as per City policy.

LIFE INSURANCE :

Employees are provided with term life insurance. In general, the benefits will be effective as soon as administratively possible to 2 times the annual salary to a maximum of $250,000.

LONG TERM DISABILITY :

After a 60 day waiting period, coverage is 66 2 / 3% of salary, employer covers 100% of premium.

RETIREMENT :

New employees into the CalPERS retirement system are enrolled in the 2%@62, three-year average retirement formula. Employees hired after January 1, 2013 with less than a six-month break in CalPERS (or reciprocal agencies) are enrolled in the 2%@55, three-year retirement formula.

Employees contribute seven percent (7%) towards the employee portion of their CalPERS retirement costs and three percent (3%) of the employer portion. If additional information is needed regarding CalPERS retirement plans / costs, please contact Human Resources.

Please select which position you are applying for :

Please indicate the various government experience you may have.

This position requires a Juris Doctorate degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association or the California Bar Association. Do you possess a Juris Doctorate from an accredited Bar Association?

This position requires that you are a member in good standing of the California Bar Association. Are you a member in good standing of the California Bar Association?

Please provide your active California State Bar Association membership number.

As part of the selection process you will be required to provide a writing sample. The writing sample should be a legal brief, a staff report, or other document in which you provide legal advice to include research and analysis. You may attach your writing sample to your application. If you have problems attaching your writing sample, please contact Human Resources for assistance at 209-333-6704. Do you understand this requirement and agree to provide the writing sample in order to continue in the selection process?

Required Question

Salary : $125,564 - $152,623