Job Descriptions

Under policy direction, acts as legal advisor to the City Council, City Administrative Staff, and various boards and commissions of the City; represents the City in litigation; directs the City's legal services; and to do related work as required. Is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the City Council.

This position is designated as Management for Labor Relations purposes and is considered exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Exercises policy interpretation and application for assigned program/functional area. The incumbent is expected to demonstrate technical competence while working as a team member and exercise independent judgment in a number of confidential and sensitive assignments. Duties and responsibilities are performed in accordance with municipal codes, ordinances, City policy, and related regulating entities.

Policy direction is provided by the City Council. The job incumbent may provide general supervision to subordinate level technical and clerical staff as assigned.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS - INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING:

• Renders legal opinions to the City Council, City Manager, and Department Heads as requested
• Analyzes legislation affecting the City
• Prepares legislation, contracts, agreements and other legal documents
• Reviews the legality or sufficiency of contracts, bonds, bids, leases, insurance, and claims
• Attends meetings of the City Council, Planning Commission, and various committees and boards as required and renders legal advice on matters on the agenda
• Represents the City in litigation and administrative hearings
• Prosecutes criminal violators of City laws and civil remedies to abate public nuisance, recover for damages to City property, condemns private property for public purposes and other matters
• Supervises and reviews the work of legal and secretarial staff
• Researches, interprets, and applies laws, court decisions, and other legal authority in the preparation of opinions and briefs.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

• Organizations, duties, powers, limitations and authority of City government and the City Attorney's office.
• California codes and principles of administration and constitutional law
• Methods of legal research
• Purposes and functions of governmental agencies, boards, commissions and other governmental bodies

• Conduct legal research
• Evaluate facts and interpret the law
• Investigate and prosecute civil complaints
• Analyze and apply legal principles, facts and precedents to legal problems
• Present laws, facts and arguments clearly and logically in written and oral form
• Supervise legal and clerical staff and establish effective and cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Three years of experience in the practice of law for a governmental jurisdiction, preferably a municipality.

Possession of a juris doctorate degree from an accredited law school.

Admission to the Bar of the State of California and ability to maintain it as a condition of continued employment.

Maintain the following physical abilities: See well enough to operate vehicles and equipment, read instructions and follow directions; hear well enough to distinguish mechanical noises, to converse on the radio, telephone and in person; use of hands and fingers for writing, typing, and other computer related functions; and be able to lift equipment as necessary.

FLSA Status: Exempt Bargaining Unit: Management