Deputy City Attorney I/II

$92,484 - $112,416/Yr

City Of Escondido - Escondido, CA

Full-time - Entry Level

Escondido, CA

Justice, Public Order, and Safety Activities

About the position

The Deputy City Attorney I/II position at the City of Escondido involves providing legal counsel on a variety of legal matters, including litigation, legal consultation, and trial work. The role is designed for attorneys with varying levels of experience, where the Deputy City Attorney I is an entry-level position under supervision, while the Deputy City Attorney II operates with greater independence and responsibility. The position requires a commitment to delivering high-quality municipal services and involves working closely with other city departments and legal professionals.

Responsibilities

• Assists in representing the City in assigned administrative, criminal, and/or civil litigation cases; handles all aspects of assigned cases/claims including pleadings, discovery, motion practice, trial, and writs and appeals.
• Advises City Departments, City Council, and City Boards and Commissions on a variety of legal matters including the legal implications of any action, inaction, or decision.
• Assists in criminal prosecution of all municipal, fire, and building code violations within the City including filing criminal charges, arraignment, trial, sentencing, and appeals; advises Code Enforcement, Building, Police, and Fire Departments regarding all criminal enforcement.
• Prepares, reviews, and examines contracts and other legal documents for City departments.
• Assists in preparing cases for administrative hearings and proceedings.
• Performs legal research and provides legal opinions for special projects for the Office of the City Attorney as assigned.
• Responds to citizen inquiries regarding all types of legal issues including those concerning City business.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of law.

Requirements

• Graduation from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association with a Juris Doctor degree.
• Active membership in the State Bar of California.
• Deputy City Attorney I: One year of experience in city or government law is desirable.
• Deputy City Attorney II: Two years of increasingly responsible experience in city or government law at a level comparable to a Deputy City Attorney I.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in written discovery practices; taking and defending depositions.
• Courtroom experience including writing and arguing motions (summary judgment motions preferred).
• Federal court experience is preferred but not required.
• Expertise in the Government Tort Claims Act and case law regarding alleged dangerous conditions of public property, as well as regarding 42 U.S.C § 1983 civil rights law.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Dental insurance coverage
• Vision insurance coverage
• Retirement savings plan (401k)
• Paid holidays
• Paid vacation
• Flexible scheduling options
• Professional development opportunities