Senior City Attorney — Litigation & Legislation Lead

City-of-Escondido; Escondido (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Escondido is seeking a Senior Deputy City Attorney to join the City Attorney's Department. The attorney will advise city departments and the City Council, assist in drafting ordinances and contracts, and represent the City in litigation and administrative matters.

Candidates should have knowledge of civil, criminal, constitutional and administrative law, with emphasis on contracts and public agencies. A law degree from an ABA-accredited school and bar admission are required.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of civil, criminal, constitutional, and administrative law.
• General and public contract law.
• Methods and techniques of legal research.
• Duties, powers, and limitations of a city government.
• Legal principles and developments.
• Appellate practices.
• Judicial procedures and rules of evidence.
• Legal precedents and court decisions impacting assigned litigation area.
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications.
• Public relations.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Represents the City Attorney's Office with the Planning Commission and Planning Department; prepares ordinances, resolutions, and other legislation.
• Advises City Departments, City Council, and City Boards on a variety of legal matters.
• Represents the City in assigned litigation; handles discovery, motions, and trial practices.
• Investigates claims for or against the City; prepares cases for hearings and trials.
• Prepares and reviews contracts, agreements, briefs, bid protests, change orders, and other legal documents.
• Assists in administering City programs and liaises with the public and City Council.
• Participates in legislative development; researches and prepares proposed ordinances and policies.
• Prepares cases for administrative hearings and proceedings.
• Provides legal opinions for special projects as assigned.
• Responds to citizen inquiries regarding legal issues including City business.
• Attends professional group meetings and stays abreast of legal trends.

Skills

Legal research

Contracts law

Public law

Appellate practices

Evidence rules

City governance

Legal analysis

Office software

Public relations

Federal/state/local laws

Job description

The City of Escondido is seeking a Senior Deputy City Attorney to join the City Attorney's Department. The attorney will advise city departments and the City Council, assist in drafting ordinances and contracts, and represent the City in litigation and administrative matters.

Candidates should have knowledge of civil, criminal, constitutional and administrative law, with emphasis on contracts and public agencies. A law degree from an ABA-accredited school and bar admission are required.