DEPUTY CITY ATTORNEY II or SENIOR DEPUTY CITY ATTORNEY - LITIGATION DIVISION

Job Description

The Position

The City of Riverside is accepting applications for the position Deputy City Attorney II or Senior Deputy City Attorney to fill one (1) vacancy in the Litigation Division. The eligibility list established may be used to fill the current and/or upcoming vacancies within this classification for up to six (6) months. This job posting may be closed without prior notice.

The position in the Litigation Division will defend the City of Riverside in civil lawsuits that involve employment law, alleged dangerous conditions of public property, wrongful deaths, traffic collisions involving City employees working within the course and scope of their employment, breach of contract, police liability, and civil rights cases. In addition to trying cases, the trial attorney will be responsible for all pretrial phases of litigation, including depositions and discovery, retaining experts, law and motion, presentations to City Council in closed session regarding pending litigation, and mediation. An individual that is self-motivated, reacts well to change, and can adjust to a fast-paced legal environment is desired.

The City of Riverside is a Charter city. The City Attorney's Office is a fast-paced and exciting environment where attorneys provide comprehensive legal services to the agency and often deal with novel legal issues. Dedication to public service, a strong work ethic, solid analytical skills, creativity, flexibility, judgment, and strong emotional intelligence are essential. The successful candidate will be perceptive, confident and a team-player who is willing to learn new areas. As an agency and as an office, we are committed to recognizing the value that each member of the team brings based on their unique perspective and experiences. We are a full-service law firm, that represents and defends all City departments, including Human Resources, City Clerk, City Manager, Police, Fire, Public Utilities, Public Works, Airport, General Services, Library, Museum, Community and Economic Development, Parks and Recreation, and Information Technology. We have a dedicated team of civil trial lawyers who handle litigation in-house.

The City Attorney's Office has several options to provide employees with some flexibility to promote work-life balance. Currently, most employees are allowed to telecommute up to two (2) days per week. In addition, the City Attorney's Office offers a flexible work schedule. Employees can work a 9/80 schedule in which employees can work nine (9) hour days in order to have alternating Fridays off or a 4/10 schedule in which employees can work ten (10) hour days and have Fridays off. The City Attorney's Office also allows employees to select their work schedule start time in 15-minute intervals between 6:00 am to 9:30 am.

Vision Statement : Our vision is to be the preeminent City Attorney's Office in the region with a talented team committed to public service and an engaged office environment.

Mission Statement : The Riverside City Attorney’s Office is dedicated to providing professional, ethical, high-quality legal services to the City Council, Boards and Commissions, and City staff for the benefit of all. Working as a team with individual strengths and collaborative efforts, we strive to achieve our united goal of serving our community and making the City of Riverside a better place to live, work and play.

Values : Our core values are TACT (Teamwork/ Accountability/ Collaboration/ Trust) and PRIDE (Professionalism/ Respect/ Integrity/ Dedication/ Ethics). The City Attorney’s Office is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive work environment. We value diversity and believe in fostering a culture of respect, collaboration and professional growth. While our vision and mission statements guide our work for today and tomorrow, our core values are the guiding principles and the fundamental driving forces on how we engage with each other and what you can expect when you engage with us.

As a vital part of our office, the selected candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to the success of our City by supporting our Litigation Division. The City Attorney's Office seeks ideal candidate(s) who are passionate about the law, possess current legal experience, have a positive work ethic, and possess the ability to work independently and harmoniously as a member of a team in a fast-paced legal environment.

Deputy City Attorneys under general direction provide a wide range of professional legal services related to municipal government operations; conduct legal research, prepare opinions, memoranda, administrative rules and regulations and other legal documents; advise City Council, City departments, boards and commissions; represent the City in a variety of litigation that involves administrative hearings and employment arbitrations; provide staff assistance to the City Attorney; and perform related duties as assigned.

Appointment may be made at the level of Deputy City Attorney II, or Senior Deputy City Attorney based on the level commensurate with the education and experience.

Senior Deputy City Attorney: $149,856 - $230,928 annually

The Senior Deputy City Attorney is an advanced journey level in the Deputy City Attorney series. An incumbent is distinguished from the Deputy City Attorney II by the amount of experience attained in the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities. In addition to requiring only occasional instruction and assistance the incumbent is assigned the most complex legal work on a wide variety of topics and functions as a highly experienced practitioner. The incumbent may be assigned to provide general direction and assistance to attorneys at the Deputy City Attorney I and II levels.

Deputy City Attorney II: $129,852 - $174,024 annually

The Deputy City Attorney II is a journey level in the Deputy City Attorney series. Incumbents receive occasional instruction or assistance and is fully knowledgeable of operating procedures and policies of the work unit. A Deputy City Attorney II is assigned general and specialized legal work on a variety of topics and functions as a full and experienced practitioner.

Work Performed

Senior Deputy City Attorney: Typical duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Perform legal research and prepare written and oral opinions on various legal problems for the City Council, City departments and various boards and commissions.
• Confer with, and render assistance to department heads in establishing departmental policies by applying legal points and procedures; recommend changes to policies and procedures in order to meet legal requirements.
• Prepare, draft and review ordinances, resolutions, contracts, deeds, leases and other legal documents, agreements and instruments; offer opinions as to legal acceptability when presented to the City for consideration by an outside agent or agency.
• Investigate claims and complaints against the City and take or recommend appropriate action to reduce the City’s potential exposure to litigation.
• Prepare and represent the City in litigation including preparing written discovery, taking depositions, retaining experts, drafting law and motion, participating in mediation, and defending the City at trial.Review and approve agreements, and various other official documents.
• May represent the City Attorney at various City Council committees, board and commission meetings and in court as needed.
• Provide positive mentorship, guidance, and motivation to newer Deputy City Attorneys.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Deputy City Attorney II: Typical duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Perform legal research and prepare written and oral opinions on various legal problems for the City Council, City departments and various boards and commissions.
• Confer with and render assistance to department heads in establishing departmental policies by applying legal point and procedures; recommend changes to policies and procedures in order to meet legal requirements.
• Prepare, draft and review ordinances, resolutions, contracts, deeds, leases and other legal documents, agreements and instruments; offer opinions as to legal acceptability when presented to the City for consideration by an outside agent or agency.
• Investigate claims and complaints against the City and take or recommend appropriate action to reduce the City’s potential exposure to litigation.
• Prepare and represent the City in litigation including preparing written discovery, taking depositions, retaining experts, drafting law and motion, participating in mediation, and defending the City at trial.
• Review and approve agreements, and various other official documents.
• May represent the City Attorney at various City Council committees, board and commission meetings and in court as needed.
• May cross-train other staff in the performance of specific duties.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

SENIOR DEPUTY CITY ATTORNEY
Education: Juris Doctorate Degree.

Experience: A minimum of seven years of experience in municipal or government law, or equivalent practice.

DEPUTY CITY ATTORNEY II
Education: Juris Doctorate Degree.

Experience: A minimum of five years of experience in municipal or government law, or equivalent practice.

Highly Desired Qualifications:

• Civil litigation experience
• Trial experience.
• Team player and problem-solver approach.
• Federal court experience is a plus but not required.
• Employment law experience

Necessary Special Requirements:

• Active membership in the State Bar of California.

Selection Process

TO BE CONSIDERED, THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS ARE REQUIRED AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION:

1) Completed Employment Application
2) Supplemental Questionnaire
3) Cover Letter that highlights why you are the ideal candidate
4) Resume
5) Three (3) Professional References
6) A Recent Legal Writing Sample or Deposition/Trial Transcript

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON SCHEDULING ASSESSMENTS:
If you are selected to move forward in the assessment process, you may be required to self-schedule your appointment. You will be notified via email of your status and provided with self-scheduling instructions. Please check your email regularly following the closing date of this recruitment.

The selection process will begin with an employment application package screening, with the best qualified candidates being invited to participate further in the assessment process. This process may include any combination of written, performance, and oral assessments to evaluate job-related education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. Those who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on the eligibility list for this classification.

It is the responsibility of candidates with a disability requiring accommodation in the assessment process to contact the Human Resources Department in writing to request such accommodation prior to the closing date of this recruitment.

Appointment may be subject to the successful completion of a pre-employment background investigation, drug screen, and/or medical/physical examination.

The City of Riverside does not provide sponsorship for employment-based work visas. Candidates must be legally authorized to work permanently in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future.

An exception may be made if the selected candidate is eligible to work in the United States as a USMCA professional in the TN nonimmigrant classification .

NOTE: The City reserves the right to modify selection devices and test instruments in accordance with accepted legal, ethical, and professional standards. Candidates may reapply when there is a posting to establish an eligibility list.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Proof of education listed in your application will be requested at the time of conditional offer. Acceptable documentation consists of transcripts or degree, if applicable, by the accredited U.S. college or university.

Education obtained outside the United States (US) require one of the following options:

A. An equivalency statement from an evaluation company certified by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) at http://www.naces.org/members.html or the Association of International Credential Evaluators Inc. (AICE) at http://aice-eval.org/members/ .
B. An advanced-level degree from an accredited US college or university.

All applicants will be notified via e-mail or telephone of their application status and the assessment dates/times/locations after the closing date of this announcement.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS JOB ANNOUNCEMENT DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT.

Benefit Level II includes Senior Management, Management and Professional classifications (Exempt)

The City offers an attractive benefits package, the central provisions of which are as follows:

• Retirement for Classic Members - For employees hired after 1/1/2013 who are CLASSIC MEMBERS of California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) or a reciprocal agency as of 12/31/12 and have not been separated from service from such agency for six months or more, the retirement benefit shall be 2.7 % @ age 55; 3-year final compensation. The required employee contribution is 8%. The City does not participate in Social Security; thus, employees do not bear this additional 6.2% expense.
  
• Retirement for New Members - For employees hired 1/1/2013 or later and who ARE NOT a member of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) or a reciprocal agency as of 12/31/12, or those who have been separated from a public agency which contracts with CalPERS or a reciprocal agency for six months or more, the retirement benefit shall be 2% at age 62; 3 year final compensation. The required employee contribution is 50% of the normal cost. And is subject to change per CalPERS every fiscal year. The City does not participate in Social Security; thus, employees do not bear this additional 6.2% expense.
  
• Health Insurance - The City offers six health insurance plans and contributes up to $1,734 per month for HMO plans (family coverage).
  
• Dental Insurance - The City provides three dental insurance plans and contributes up to $85 per month.
  
• Vision Insurance - The City provides vision coverage through Vision Service Plan (VSP) for employees and their dependents that are enrolled in medical coverage.
  
• Life Insurance - The City provides and pays for term life insurance with accidental death and dismemberment equal to two times the annual salary rounded to the next highest $1,000 (up to $700k) plus AD&D. Additional Life Insurance is available and voluntary for employee and eligible dependents (up to $300k).
  
• Deferred Compensation - The City will contribute the following amounts per month, with a minimum employee contribution of $12.50 per check:
  
  • Management and Professional Units: $150/month
  • Senior Management Unit: $175/month
  
  
  
• Leave Benefits - Includes vacation leave, sick leave, bereavement leave, and holiday benefits. Please refer to the Fringe Benefits and Salary Plan for specific details.
  
• Flexible Spending Account - The City offers a Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Plan for optional participation.
  
• Long Term Disability - The City offers optional enrollment in the Long-Term Disability Plan.
  
• LegalEase Plan - Optional legal services plan for employees and eligible dependents.
  
• Critical Illness Plan - Optional critical illness insurance plan for employees and eligible dependents.
  
• Vacation Accrual - 0-9 yrs. = 144 hrs., 10+ yrs. = 184 hrs.
  
• Administrative Leave -
  
  • Management and Professional Units: 64 hrs. per fiscal year.
  • Senior Management Unit: 80 hrs. per fiscal year.

For additional benefits information, please visit the following website: https://www.riversideca.gov/human/employee-hub/benefits/about-1

For part-time, benefitted positions the insurance and other benefits (leave accruals, holidays, etc.) are pro-rated based on ½ or ¾ time status.