Deputy City Attorney

Salary : $156,984.00 - $190,824.00 Annually

Location : City of Monterey, CA

Job Type : Full-Time

Job Number : 24-0101

Department : CITY ATTORNEY

Division : CITY ATTORNEY

Opening Date : 02 / 11 / 2025

Closing Date : 3 / 11 / 2025 11 : 59 PM Pacific

Description

About the Position :

The Deputy City Attorney is a Management level position that, under the supervision of the City Attorney and Assistant City Attorney performs a wide range of legal duties, including civil litigation, criminal prosecution, code enforcement, drafting and reviewing contracts, ordinances, and other documents, and providing legal advice to the City related to land use, real estate, personnel, conflicts of interests, California Public Records Act, law enforcement and public safety, and housing and economic development issues.

ABOUT THE CITY OF MONTEREY :

Nestled along California's Central Coast, the City of Monterey is known for its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, hospitality, and sense of community. The City of Monterey is a full-service charter city operating under a Council-Manager form of government. The City of Monterey is a full-service city that provides police, fire, public works, planning, recreation, and parks services and operates its own conference center, sports center, parking, and marina facilities.

WE TAKE CARE OF OUR EMPLOYEES :

The City of Monterey offers a competitive benefits package to full-time employees. Some of these benefits include a Health Spending Fund, Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance, Vacation Accruals, Sick Leave, 14 Paid Holidays, Education Incentive Pay, Tuition Reimbursement Programs, CalPERS Retirement, and more!

Application Process

A limited number of applicants who clearly show that they most closely meet the needs of this position in terms of training, experience, education, and other job-related characteristics will be accepted to participate in the selection process. This process will include evaluation and initial screening of the standard on-line City application to determine which candidates progress to the next phase of the recruitment process. The subsequent selection process may include a written test / written exercise, performance exercise, panel interview, and a final departmental interview. As a condition of employment, the selected candidate may be required to successfully pass a physical exam including a drug screen, a Livescan fingerprint background check, and a reference check. The Human Resources Department reserves the right to make changes to components of the examination process.

Candidates who successfully complete all phases of this recruitment process will be placed on an eligibility list. The eligibility list is active for 12-months and may be used to fill additional positions including lower-level positions determined to have similar duties and requirements.

SUMMARY : Under general supervision, provides a wide range of professional legal services to City Council, the City Manager, Department Heads, and Boards and Commissions; under direction of the City Attorney or Assistant City Attorney, represents the City in trials, hearings, administrative proceedings and legal actions.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS : This is the first level in a 3-level series of professional attorneys. Incumbents perform assigned duties under direction, while learning related policies and procedures. Deputy City Attorney is distinguished from the Assistant City Attorney by the performance of less than the full range of duties assigned to the Assistant City Attorney

Examples of Duties

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS : Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following :

• Resolve legal issues within City policy guidelines; research and evaluate pertinent decisions, policies, regulations, claims, civil actions, and other legal matters; assure effective communication of issues and strategies with the City Attorney.
• Prepare written or oral opinions on various legal issues for the City Attorney, Assistant City Attorney, City Manager, Council, and City departments.
• Provide legal advice and counsel to City officials, boards, commissions, and City staff, including professional legal work, contracts, risk management, and legal and technical documents.
• Assist with case preparation and resolution of litigation, negotiations, settlements, prosecutions, and other municipal legal proceedings within scope of authority; develop legal assessments and strategies under the direction or guidance of the Assistant City Attorney; conduct factual and legal analysis to determine whether legal issues should be prosecuted or defended, based on the facts of law and evidence; conduct conferences with opposing parties concerning settlement of cases.
• Negotiate, draft, and review contracts; develop drafts of resolutions, ordinances, and proposed legislation; represents the City in court and administrative hearings.
• Assist Code Enforcement to prepare code violation cases for hearing or prosecution.
• Review meeting agenda items, attend public meetings to provide legal advice and information, and present findings, recommendations, and effective solutions.
• Exercise independent judgment within policy guidelines; recognize and analyze potential liability and legal issues, evaluate complex legal issues, and recommend and implement solutions to minimize risk and safeguard the City's operations.
• Monitor changes in state and Federal regulations, standards, and legislation governing municipalities.
• Support the relationship between the City of Monterey and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and City staff;
• Maintain confidentiality of work-related issues and City information;
• Perform other job-related duties within the scope of this job classification as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :

Education : Completion of Juris Doctor Degree from a law school.

Experience : Three (3) years' experience in the practice of law. Government legal practice and courtroom experience is preferred.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION :

Supplemental Info

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS :

Knowledge of :

Skill in :

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT :

Physical Demands

Environmental Elements

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and / or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

All City of Monterey employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

Tuition Reimbursement : $2,000 per fiscal year.

Deferred Compensation : City will match employee paid contributions to a maximum of $150.00 per month.

Retirement : CalPERS 2.7% @ 55 with highest year formula is provided for current City of Monterey employees or new employees who were hired prior to January 1, 2013 and who are currently active or have been active within six months of the date of hire in the CalPERS retirement system. The employee retirement contribution for these employees is 11% and is deducted on a pre-tax basis. The CalPERS retirement formula for new employees who do not meet the criteria stated above is 2% @ 62 with highest three year compensation. The employee retirement contribution is 7.75% and is deducted on a pre-tax basis. The City participates in the Medicare portion of Social Security.

Health Plan Spending Fund : A minimum of $914.82 per month up to $2,540 per month, dependent upon level of participation (cash-in-lieu of benefits is $300) may be used to purchase medical benefits for the employee and dependents through the PERS Health Plan Program, dependent dental, additional life insurance, dependent care, and / or health care expenses through a Section 125 Flexible Spending Account.

Dental : Fully paid employee premium by the City.

Vision : Fully paid premium for employee and eligible dependents.

Life Insurance : $50,000 policy paid by the City, with an option to purchase additional coverage up to $350,000.

Short Term / Long Term Disability Plan : The City provides a Short Term / Long Term Disability Plan.

Flexible Spending Account : The Section 125 Plan provides for an employee to set pre-tax dollars aside, through a payroll deduction, for reimbursement of health care and dependent care expenses.

Group Legal : Subject to provider limitations, the City will continue to provide a Group Legal Services Plan for employees represented by GEM through an employee-paid premium. Participation in the program shall be voluntary and consistent with the provider's requirements that the potential pool of participants must include a minimum of 200 employees

City Recreation Program Fees : Resident Rates for City Recreation classes and programs for employees and immediate family household members.

Voluntary Unpaid Leave : With advance approval, an employee may take up to forty (40) hours of unpaid leave per calendar year.

Fitness Pass : Fitness Pass Program available to use the City of Monterey Sports Center.

Fitness Activity Plan : Employees are eligible to participate in a Fitness Activity Plan where they work out off-duty in exchange for leave time accrued in a Fitness Leave bank. Each year, a maximum of 40 hours can be accrued (10 hours per quarter) with a maximum of 80 hours allowed in the bank. The Fitness Leave bank does not have cash value, and time accrued has no expiration date.

Employee Assistance Program : Fully paid confidential counseling and referral service for employee and eligible dependents.

Management Leave : Management employees shall be provided with 80 hours of management leave at the beginning of each calendar year. Newly hired managers will be awarded leave on a prorated basis depending on hire date.

Holidays : 14 paid days annually plus 1 floating holiday.

Sick Leave : 12 days per year.

Vacation : 1-5 years / 10 days; 6-10 years / 15 days; 11-15 years / 17 days; 15 years / 20 days.;20 years / 23 days per year.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Do you possess a Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school?

Are you a current member of the California State Bar Association, licensed to practice law in the state of California, and are active with all California Bar annual requirements?

Please select the option that best describes your municipal law and / or litigation experience in the State of California.

In 500 words or less, please answer the following supplemental question to the best of your ability. "See Resume" it not an acceptable response and will result in a disqualification. Note : The text box below does NOT provide you with the word count. It is your responsibility to track your usage and stay within the 250-word limit. Copy and pasting your response into a Microsoft Word Document is recommended for obtaining your word count. Failure to stay within the above stated word limit may result in your disqualification from this recruitment process.Describe your legal research and experience advising clients in the area of Affordable Housing. Include in your answer the types of clients, the nature & scope of the issues and any relevant public agency experience.

In 500 words or less, please answer the following supplemental question to the best of your ability. "See Resume" it not an acceptable response and will result in a disqualification. Note : The text box below does NOT provide you with the word count. It is your responsibility to track your usage and stay within the 250-word limit. Copy and pasting your response into a Microsoft Word Document is recommended for obtaining your word count. Failure to stay within the above stated word limit may result in your disqualification from this recruitment process.Describe your legal research and experience advising clients in the area of Planning and Economic Development. Include in your answer the types of clients, the nature & scope of the issues and any relevant public agency experience.

In 500 words or less, please answer the following supplemental question to the best of your ability. "See Resume" it not an acceptable response and will result in a disqualification. Note : The text box below does NOT provide you with the word count. It is your responsibility to track your usage and stay within the 250-word limit. Copy and pasting your response into a Microsoft Word Document is recommended for obtaining your word count. Failure to stay within the above stated word limit may result in your disqualification from this recruitment process.Describe your legal research and experience advising clients in the area of Law Enforcement and Public Safety Issues. Include in your answer the types of clients, the nature & scope of the issues and any relevant public agency experience.

In 500 words or less, please answer the following supplemental question to the best of your ability. "See Resume" it not an acceptable response and will result in a disqualification. Note : The text box below does NOT provide you with the word count. It is your responsibility to track your usage and stay within the 250-word limit. Copy and pasting your response into a Microsoft Word Document is recommended for obtaining your word count. Failure to stay within the above stated word limit may result in your disqualification from this recruitment process.Describe your legal research and experience advising clients in the area of Employment Law. Include in your answer the types of clients, the nature & scope of the issues and any relevant public agency experience.

In 500 words or less, please answer the following supplemental question to the best of your ability. "See Resume" it not an acceptable response and will result in a disqualification. Note : The text box below does NOT provide you with the word count. It is your responsibility to track your usage and stay within the 250-word limit. Copy and pasting your response into a Microsoft Word Document is recommended for obtaining your word count. Failure to stay within the above stated word limit may result in your disqualification from this recruitment process.Describe your legal research and experience advising clients in the area of Litigation and Administrative Hearings. Include in your answer the types of clients, the nature & scope of the issues and any relevant public agency experience.

In 500 words or less, please answer the following supplemental question to the best of your ability. "See Resume" it not an acceptable response and will result in a disqualification. Note : The text box below does NOT provide you with the word count. It is your responsibility to track your usage and stay within the 250-word limit. Copy and pasting your response into a Microsoft Word Document is recommended for obtaining your word count. Failure to stay within the above stated word limit may result in your disqualification from this recruitment process.Describe your legal research and experience advising clients in the area of Contracting Issues. Include in your answer the types of clients, the nature & scope of the issues and any relevant public agency experience.

Provide one writing sample where you were the primary author that would be a sample of any of the experiences in Question #4. Redact any identifying information if necessary. You will have the ability to attach your writing sample when applying online. You will use the "Add Attachment(s)" function in the "Confirmation Application" stage of the application process to upload your writing sample. Please title your writing sample "Supplemental Writing Sample."Have you attached a writing sample that is titled "Supplemental Writing Sample?"

Required Question

Salary : $156,984 - $190,824