What are the responsibilities and job description for the Deputy City Attorney position at County of Monterey?
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 ProcessA 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. 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.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 : Must possess a valid California Driver’s License upon time of appointment and be insurable with the City’s standard insurance rate, unless otherwise approved by appointing authority.Must be a member of the California State Bar Association, licensed to practice law in the state, and remain active with all California Bar annual requirements.KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS : Knowledge of : City organization, operations, policies, and procedures.California criminal and civil statutes, rules, case law, administrative orders, policies and procedures, and applicable Federal rules and regulations.Legal precedents and court decisions impacting municipal government.Legal research methods, techniques, sources, databases, and other research tools.Principles and protocols for the evidentiary gathering of information, documents, financial records, and other data that may be used in court and legal hearings.City protocols and strategies of prosecution, negotiation, and litigation.Duties, powers, authorities, and limitations of a City Attorney’s office.Principles and practices of legal, ethical, and professional rules of conduct.Business and personal computers, and specialized software applications.Skill in : Analyzing legal, administrative, and operational data and issues, interpreting laws and regulations, evaluating alternatives, and developing strategies for effective resolution of issues.Representing the City in legal hearings and negotiations.Effectively assessing, interpreting, and applying criminal and civil laws to information, evidence, and other data compiled.Evaluating technical and legal documents, and evaluating compliance with regulatory requirements and municipal government activities.Explaining City policies and procedures while exercising the highest degree of confidentiality.Exercising judgment and discretion, negotiating agreements, and mediating difficult situations.Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with employees, officials, other government agencies and the general public.Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands.Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT : Physical DemandsStanding & Walking – Primarily sedentary classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required.Sitting - Ability to work in a seated position at a computer station for extended periods of time.Lifting - Ability to safely lift up 20 pounds to waist level; these requirements include bending at knees to facilitate proper lifting techniques.Manual Dexterity - Ability to perform multiple work activities requiring a significant level of physical and mental coordination, such as operating a computer keyboard; copying, and adding machines.Visual – Ability to read printed materials and view a computer screen for long periods.Hearing and Speech - Ability to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone.Mobility – Ability to work in a standard office setting and operate a motor vehicle to visit various meeting sites, reach, carry, push, pull, stoop, and bend.Environmental ElementsEmployees 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 WORKERSAll 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.#J-18808-Ljbffr
