Deputy City Attorney

Summary

Description Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job. This is the entry and training position in the professional Deputy City Attorney class series.

About the Role

Reports to the City Attorney, Chief Deputy City Attorney, or designee. Supervises no one. Performs professional legal assignments and research; receives and reviews legal cases and potential litigation, examining evidence, interviewing witnesses, and performing requisite investigations to determine the proper course of City legal action. Authorizes and drafts appropriate legal documents to support legal cases; prepares and conducts trial work, as necessary. Appears in court, preparing and presenting cases at preliminary hearings, trials, and legal administrative hearings; analyzes the facts of cases and legal precedents for motions, stipulations, or waivers; confers with judges and/or opposition attorneys regarding modifications to cases; and negotiates case settlements. Provides briefings and oral arguments; anticipates and prepares for legal reasoning of opposition attorneys; drafts jury instructions; presents opening statements; interrogates and cross examines witnesses; and argues points of law; presents final arguments and summations. Reviews court records, analyzes evidence, and prepares appellate briefs. Works with other agencies on cases; may prepare legal opinions for other City staff. May serve as legal advisor for assigned City departments, boards, or commissions.

Responsibilities

• Performs professional legal assignments and research
• Receives and reviews legal cases and potential litigation
• Examines evidence, interviews witnesses, and performs investigations
• Authorizes and drafts legal documents
• Prepares and conducts trial work
• Appears in court, preparing and presenting cases
• Analyzes facts and legal precedents for motions, stipulations, or waivers
• Confers with judges and/or opposition attorneys regarding modifications to cases
• Negotiates case settlements
• Provides briefings and oral arguments
• Drafts jury instructions
• Presents opening statements, interrogates, and cross examines witnesses
• Argues points of law; presents final arguments and summations
• Reviews court records, analyzes evidence, and prepares appellate briefs
• Works with other agencies on cases
• May prepare legal opinions for other City staff
• Serves as legal advisor for assigned City departments, boards, or commissions

Requirements

Typical Qualifications: Graduation from a college or law school accredited by the American Bar Association or the California State Bar Association with an advanced degree in law. Experience: Some legal experience is desirable. License or Certificate: Possession of an appropriate California Driver License. Active membership in the California State Bar.

Qualifications

Knowledge: Principles of criminal, Constitutional, civil, and administrative law. California codes and statutes applicable to criminal and civil law. Judicial procedures and the rules of evidence in the conduct of hearings in court and before administrative bodies. Legal research methods. Interviewing techniques. Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

Skills

Ability: Perform professional legal and legal research work. Analyze facts and apply legal precedents and principles to assigned cases. Prepare and present cases at all levels of the court system. Prepare and present a variety of special reports. Operate a computer and use appropriate software in the performance of professional legal work. Effectively represent the City and City Attorney's Office with the public, courts, law enforcement agencies, and other government jurisdictions. Maintain confidentiality. Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Benefits

• Medical – Choice of Anthem Blue Cross plans
• Dental – Choice of Delta Dental plans
• Vision – Choice of VSP vision plans
• Life – Pays amount equal to one year's salary up to $50,000
• Disability – Choice of Long Term Disability coverage
• Vacation
• Sick Leave
• Longevity Pay
• ICMA-RC 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Other Merced School Employees Federal Credit Union membership
• "Healthy Life, Wealthy Life" Wellness Program