Deputy City Attorney I

City of Hayward; Hayward (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Alternative Work Schedule and/or Tele-

Vacation - 80 hours minimum

15.5 Paid Holidays

Health, Dental and Vision coverage

Tuition Reimbursement

Flexible Spending Accounts

Professional Development Reimbursement

Job summary

The City of Hayward seeks an entry-level Deputy City Attorney I who will support municipal governance, provide legal research and drafting for city departments, and assist in representing the City in hearings and civil actions.

Ideal candidates have a Juris Doctor and a willingness to grow in public sector employment law, with strong writing and analytical skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Valid California driver’s license and membership in the State Bar of California.
• Public sector employment law interest and strong research/writing skills are valued.

Responsibilities

• Confers with City departments, boards, and commissions; performs legal research and prepares opinions for presentation to City Council and others.
• Prepares and drafts ordinances, resolutions, contracts, deeds, leases and other documents; reviews and offers opinions as to legal acceptability.
• Represents the City in hearings and civil actions; responds to information requests including Public Records Act requests.
• May coordinate with outside counsel on complex litigation matters.
• Fosters diversity, equity, inclusion, and collaboration; maintains professional relationships with staff and the public.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Communication

Analytical skills

Education

Juris Doctor

Tools

Word processing

Spreadsheets

Job description

DEADLINE TO APPLY: 11:59PM on Monday, August 31, 2026

Provides a wide range of professional legal services to all City departments, City Council, and various boards and commissions; conducts legal research and prepares opinions, memoranda, contracts, ordinances, and other legal documents; advises City departments, boards, and commissions; and represents the City in a variety of litigation matters.

You are:

The ideal candidate is a motivated, ethical, and service-oriented attorney who is committed to public service and eager to develop a career in public sector employment law. While prior litigation or government experience is not required, the successful candidate demonstrates strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills, sound judgment, and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.

The ideal candidate is intellectually curious, learns quickly, and is receptive to feedback and mentorship. They are organized, adaptable, and capable of managing multiple assignments while meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment. They approach challenges with professionalism, integrity, and a collaborative mindset.

Deputy City Attorney I

This is an entry level class in the Attorney series. Positions in this classification perform less difficult tasks and receive on-the-job training in the performance of more complex duties. Incumbents may advance to the higher-level class after gaining experience and demonstrating proficiency that meets the qualifications for that classification.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Confers with and advises City departments, boards, and commissions concerning their duties, powers, and functions; performs legal research and prepare written and oral opinions on various legal issues for presentation to the City Council, City departments and various boards and commissions.
• Prepares and drafts ordinances, resolutions, contracts, deeds, leases and other legally binding documents; reviews such documents and offers opinions as to legal acceptability when presented to the City for consideration by an outside agency.
• Reviews and analyzes court rulings and legislation relative to their effect on municipal government operations; recommends changes in policies and procedures to meet current legal requirements.
• Investigates claims and complaints by or against the City and recommends action to be taken.
• May coordinate with outside legal counsel regarding complex litigation matters.
• Prepares cases for administrative hearings and represents the City in such hearings; represents the City in civil actions brought by or against the City.
• Responds to requests for information, including California Public Records Act requests.
• Represents the City in the community and at professional meetings as required.
• May represent the City Attorney at various City Council, board, and commission meetings and in court when necessary.
• Represents the City with dignity, integrity, and the spirit of cooperation in all relations with staff and the public.
• Fosters an environment that embraces diversity, equity, inclusion, and collaboration.
• Be an integral team player, which involves flexibility, cooperation, tolerance, and communication.
• Builds and maintains positive working relationships with co-workers, City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of

• Legal principles and practices, including civil, criminal, and administrative law and procedures.
• Judicial procedures and rules of evidence.
• Methods of legal research.
• Statutes and court decisions relating to municipal government operations; Public Records Act; Brown Act and conflict of interest laws; tort law and liability insurance litigation.
• Modern office equipment and methods including use of computer applications in word processing, spreadsheet, database, and visual presentation.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.

Ability to:

• Perform professional legal work related to municipal government operations.
• Analyze and prepare a wide variety of legal documents.
• Conduct research on legal issues and prepare sound legal opinions.
• Learn ordinances, statutes and court decisions relating to municipal corporations.
• Learn the organization, operating procedures, duties, powers, limitations and authority of City government and the City Attorney's Office.
• Learn established precedents and sources of legal reference applicable to municipal activities.
• Represent the City in a wide variety of judicial and administrative proceedings; prepare and present cases.
• Analyze a wide variety of legal issues; organize, interpret, and apply legal principles and knowledge of legal problems; analyze and prepare a wide variety of legal documents.
• Apply legal knowledge and principles in court; conduct research on legal problems and prepare sound legal opinions.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience

None.

Education

Possess a Juris Doctor Degree from an accredited law school.

Licenses and Certifications

Possess and maintain a valid California Driver's License. Membership in the State Bar of California.

Supplemental Information

Depending on employee group, some of these benefits may include:

• Alternative Work Schedule and/or Telecommuting
• Vacation - 80 hours minimum
• 15.5 Paid Holidays
• Generous employer contribution for Health, Dental and Vision coverage
• CalPERS Defined Benefit Retirement Plan (2.5% at 55 for Classic CalPERS members | 2.0% at 62 for New CalPERS members | 3.0% at 50 for Classic Safety members | 2.7% at 57 for New Safety Members) - No Social Security participation.
• Life and Disability Insurance and Paid Leave
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Health and Wellness Reimbursement
• Professional Development Reimbursement
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan (employee paid)

The City of Hayward is an Equal Opportunity Employer

A Certified Age Friendly Employer

Learn more about the mission of the Age Friendly Institute here

Paper applications can be obtained by visiting the Human Resources Department at Hayward City Hall located at 777 B Street, Hayward, CA 94541. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.