• JD degree from an accredited law school.
• Significant research and personal computer experience is required.
• Experience with a variety of subject areas in municipal law is highly desirable.
• Experience as a law clerk is in a municipal law office is highly desirable
• Experience with the California Codes and the California Code of Regulations and some familiarity with research using online legal databases is highly desirable.

This is the entry-level class in the Deputy City Attorney series. This class is distinguished from the Deputy City Attorney II by the performance of  more routine professional legal tasks, with instruction and assistance as needed on the more difficult and complex tasks.

As a member of the City’s Unclassified Service, this is an “at-will” position.  The incumbent serves at the discretion of the City Manager.  An incumbent in this classification:  demonstrates strong ethical, professional, and service-oriented leadership and interpersonal skills; sets a good example; and correctly applies the tenets of the City's Code of Ethics and Values.

• Prepares court pleadings, briefs, and other documents; Assists in the preparation and approval of ordinances, resolutions, contracts, leases, specifications, and other legal documents; Provides legal advice to various City departments and staff;
• Performs legal research and prepares opinions on various legal problems for City Council, Boards and Commissions, and City Departments;
• Interprets and applies laws, court decisions, ordinances, resolutions and other legal sources in advising City staff I on legal matters;
• Prosecute misdemeanor and infraction violations of City Ordinance, represents City in Civil litigation and on appellate matters and represents City in administrative hearings;
• Investigate claims and complaints by or against the City; recommend appropriate action to be taken;
• Prepare cases for administrative hearings and represent the City in such hearings;
• Act in an advisory capacity at meetings of City boards and commissions and the City Council as needed;
• Prepare or assist in preparing and revising briefs before appellant courts and administrative boards; and
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• The principles and practices of civil and criminal procedure;
• Constitutional law;
• Rules of evidence; and
• Legal research resources and research techniques.

• Analyze and apply principles of law;
• Conduct thorough research on legal issues;
• Present statements of law, fact, and argument clearly and logically;
• Draft and prepare legal documents;
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing;
• Exercise independent judgment and discretion;
• Handle stressful or sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work;
• Work as team player and provide excellent customer service to internal l City clients; and
• Work effectively in time-sensitive situations and meet deadlines; coordinate multiple projects and complex tasks simultaneously.