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Posted March 22, 2024

Assistant City Attorney II

City of Alameda
San Francisco, CA Full Time
Reference: CityofAlameda4422710

.The Alameda City Attorneys Office is seeking an experienced land use attorney to join its civil advisory and litigation team. Under general direction...

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.The Alameda City Attorneys Office is seeking an experienced land use attorney to join its civil advisory and litigation team.

Under general direction of the City Attorney or designee, the Assistant City Attorney II assists in administering all phases of City legal work, including supervision of assigned staff and functions; performs specialized and complex legal work in connection with significant legal issues or critical areas; performs other related work as required. The selected attorney is expected to advise the Planning, Building/Code Enforcement, & Transportation Department; staff related Boards and Commissions; and attend City Council meetings. Accordingly, it is critical that applicants have experience in California land use laws, including the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The selected attorney is further expected to handle general Municipal Law assignments, including, but not limited to, assignments relating to the Brown Act, Public Records Act, Conflicts, Propositions 26/218, and general contracting. This position is expected to work in the Office, at City Hall, four days a week, and attend in-person work functions outside of normal work hours, such as evening City Council/Commission/Board meetings.

Depending upon the experience and qualification level of the chosen candidate, this position may be underfilled as an Assistant City Attorney I (minimum 4 years of relevant experience; $164,321 - $199,733 annually) or Deputy City Attorney II (minimum 3 years of relevant experience; $141,953 - $172,544 annually). For more information on classification specification and salary information, please visit the following links:
Or by visiting the City's Human Resources website at https://www.alamedaca.gov/HR

When applying for this position please attach your current resume, cover letter, and a writing sample to your application.

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Tentative interviews scheduled for May 2024.
Targeted start date in July 2024.
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Compensation Ranges
36 Hours, 4 Days a Week: $176,796 - $214,896 annually (exempt)
37.5 Hours, 5 Days a Week: $184,162 - $223,850 annually (exempt)

Benefits of Employment
For a comprehensive listing of benefits, see the Benefit Matrix here.
  • 36 hours, 4 day work week or 37.5 hours, 5 day work week. See above for compensation ranges
  • Salary: 2.5% base salary increase effective July 2024.
  • CalPERS Retirement: Classic Members: 2% at 55 formula, 8.868% contribution; New Members 2% @ 62 formula, 8.25% contribution.
  • Medical: The City contracts with CalPERS to provide comprehensive health coverage to employees. Multiple HMO and PPO plans available, with a generous City contribution towards medical premiums.
  • Dental: Comprehensive dental coverage provided to employees and their eligible dependents.
  • Vacation: Starting with 75 hours annually and increasing with years of service.
  • Management Incentive Leave: 27 hours of management leave per fiscal year.
  • Holidays: 11 City Holidays
  • Floating Holidays: 3.5 days
  • Sick Leave: 90 hours annually; unused sick leave is converted to service credit at retirement.
  • Deferred Compensation: Up to 1% 457(b) matching City contribution after 1 year of continuous service.

This classification is established above other attorney classification series, providing for an elevated level of decision making associated with complex and specialized legal services, Specialized legal services may be in areas such as: employment law, public contracting, planning, zoning and environmental laws, complex transactions, tidelands, Brown Act, first amendment, public records act, conflicts of interest, finance, real estate, public housing, records retention, state election laws, redevelopment law, federal law and regulations pertaining to development of former military bases, and /or risk management. Work may involve assigning, supervising and reviewing the work of subordinate attorneys.
  1. Acts as principal counsel in specialized legal matters such as those pertaining to litigation and claims liability, human resources, employment law, public contracting, planning, zoning and environmental laws, complex transactions, police, fire, tidelands, Brown Act, first amendment, public records act, conflicts of interest, finance, real estate, public housing, information technology, records retention, state election laws, public utilities, redevelopment, development of former military bases, and /or risk management.
  2. Directs specified program area activities of the City Attorneys Office.
  3. Represents the City and its officers and employees in litigation as necessary, including preparation of pleadings, briefs, motions and other documents; appears before federal and state courts and administrative agencies.
  4. Negotiates and drafts and/or approves complex and routine ordinances, resolutions, contracts, deeds, leases and other legal documents and instruments.
  5. Performs legal research and prepares complex and routine opinions considering the actions, powers, duties, functions and obligations of the City Council, City officials, City departments and various agencies, boards and commissions.
  6. Provides legal assistance to various agencies or boards
  7. Confers with and renders assistance to department heads in establishing departmental policies by applying legal points and procedures; recommends changes in policies and procedures to meet legal requirements.
  8. Assists in or prepares cases for administrative and judicial hearings and represents the City in such hearings.
  9. Coordinates and supervises the work of outside counsel engaged by the City for special legal issues and litigation matters.
  10. Represents the City Attorney at various City Council, board and commissions meetings and in court as assigned.
  11. Responds to citizen complaints and requests for information.
  12. Serves as Acting City Attorney as required.
  13. Assists in budget preparation and administration as assigned.
  14. Supervises, trains and evaluates assigned staff attorneys and support staff.
  15. Represent the City and/or the People of the State of California in prosecuting violations of state and/or local laws through criminal, civil and/or administrative proceedings.
  16. Conduct public meetings, workshops and training session to provide community education.
Possession of the employment standards does not guarantee advancement to the examination or placement on the eligible list. This is a competitive examination where a candidate's performance in the examination will be evaluated in comparison with the core competencies required of the job.

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

Education: Equivalent to a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.

Experience: Five years of progressively responsible experience as a practicing attorney. Substantial experience in a lead or supervisory capacity, and in specialized legal matters such as those employment law, public contracting, planning, zoning and environmental laws, complex transactions, police, fire, tidelands, Brown Act, first amendment, public records act, conflicts of interest, finance, real estate, public housing, records retention, state election laws, redevelopment, development of former military bases, and /or risk management is highly desirable

Knowledge
Knowledge of legal principles and practices including civil, criminal and administrative laws and procedures; judicial procedures and rules of evidence; methods of administrative laws and procedures; judicial procedures and rules of evidence; methods of legal research; law and practices related to municipal government; principles and practices of public administration; specialized knowledge in areas such as litigation and claims liability, employment law, public contracting, planning, zoning and environmental laws, complex transactions, police, fire, tidelands, Brown Act, first amendment, public records act, conflicts of interest, finance, real estate, public housing, information technology, records retention, state election laws, state and federal law pertaining to public utilities , redevelopment, development of former military bases and /or risk management.

Ability:
Ability to effectively perform and administer all phases of City legal work including those requiring specialized knowledge; analyze, appraise, and apply legal principles and precedents to difficult legal problems; conduct legal research, prepare sound legal opinions and a variety of legal documents; demonstrate effective leadership; develop and implement goals, objectives, policies, procedures, work standards and internal controls; review and analyze complex and technical information; draw valid conclusions and project consequences of decisions and recommendations; set priorities and meet deadlines; interpret, apply and explain rules, laws, regulations, policies and procedures; issue instructions, directions and orders; analyze situations and make quick decisions requiring sound judgment; maintain level of knowledge required for satisfactory job performance; establish and maintain accurate records; prepare concise, comprehensive reports; communicate effectively; act with resourcefulness, courtesy and initiative; exercise independent judgment; establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, public officials, community organizations and the general public; assist in budget preparation and administration; supervise, train and evaluate assigned staff.

Other Requirements
Bar admission in any US state or territory OR the ability to obtain membership with the State Bar of California within 12 months of employment.

Possession of a valid California Driver's License and satisfactory driving record at the time of appointment is required as a condition of initial and continued employment only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than the employee's ability to get to/from various work locations in a timely manner, is necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.
SELECTION PROCESS:
Tentative interviews scheduled for May 2024.
The examination process may include an application and supplemental questionnaire evaluation, a written exam, a performance exam, and/or an oral interview. The examination process may test for, but is not limited to, the essential knowledge and abilities listed in the job specification and announcement and will be designed to provide a comprehensive review of each candidate's technical knowledge and overall suitability for the position. Qualified applicants will be notified of the exact date, time, and location of examinations. Targeted start date in July 2024.

Candidates passing all components of the examination process will be placed on an Eligible List. A list of names is certified to the department(s) having vacancies based on the type of examination conducted pursuant to the provision of the City's Civil Service Rules. Final selection will be made from the Eligible List by the City Attorney. The City Attorney may utilize additional selection procedures to make a final hiring decision. Placement on an Eligible List does not guarantee employment. Prior to appointment, a thorough reference check will be conducted which will include a credit and background check. The selection process may be evaluated and revised based on the number of qualified applicants. Federal law requires that prior to employment, you must furnish proof of your identity and eligibility for employment in the United States, as required the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
VETERAN'S PREFERENCE CREDIT: A job applicant qualifies as a veteran if honorably discharged from active military, reservist, or National Guard duty of at least 18 consecutive months within the past five (5) years of the date of application. In case of discharge attributable to service-connected injuries or illnesses, the 18 months active duty requirement need not be fulfilled. An applicant claiming veteran's preference credit must attach to their application, a legible copy of their DD-214 verifying the type of discharge and date(s) of active service. NO OTHER DOCUMENTATION WILL BE ACCEPTED.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: The City of Alameda is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative action employer. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law. In compliance with local, state and federal laws and regulations, the City of Alameda will employ and promote qualified individuals without regard to disability. The City is committed to making reasonable accommodations in the examination process and in the work environment. Individuals requesting reasonable accommodations in the examination process must do so no later than the final filing date for receipt of applications, otherwise it may not be possible to arrange accommodations for the selection process. Such requests should be addressed to the Human Resources Department | 1-510-747-4900 | [email protected] | 2263 Santa Clara Avenue, Rm. 290, Alameda, 94501. Requests can be made via email, phone, or in writing via U.S. mail.

The information contained herein is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

This listing expired on Apr 29. Applications are no longer accepted.

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