The City of Alameda is seeking an experienced, efficient, solutions-focused licensed attorney with five (5) yeas of relevant land use litigation and risk management experience to fill the role of Deputy City Attorney II/Risk Manager in the City Attorney's Office. The successful candidate serving as the Deputy City Attorney II/ Risk Manager will, under general direction, manage and personally handle complex land use litigation, oversee the City's risk management program, and perform other duties as assigned.

The Deputy City Attorney II serves as legal counsel for the City under general direction  of the City Attorney and assists the City Attorney  in administering all phases of City legal work. The Deputy City Attorney II performs specialized and complex legal work in connection with significant legal issues or critical specialty areas and performs other related work as required.

To apply, visit their website.

Distinguishing Features

This is a journey level classification in the City Attorney series.  Work in the class is distinguished from that of lower classes by the greater complexity of assignments received and by the greater independence with which an incumbent is expected to operate.  Incumbents may represent the City in litigation, may negotiate on behalf of the City and  may coordinate and oversee the work of lower level attorneys and support staff.  

1. 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.
2. Negotiates and drafts and/or approves ordinances, resolutions, contracts, deeds, leases and other legal documents and instruments.
3. Performs legal research and prepares opinions considering the actions, powers, duties, functions and obligations of the City Council, City officials, departments and various agencies, boards and commissions.
4. 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.
5. Investigates claims and complaints against the City and may take or recommend appropriate action.
6. May attend meetings of City Council, Council Committees, Commissions, Boards, and Committees to advise on legal matters.
7. Represents the City Attorney at various board and commission meetings and in court as assigned.
8. Responds to citizen complaints and requests for information.
9. Assists with planning and organizing activities of the City Attorney's Office.
10. Plans, organizes, conducts and coordinates a comprehensive risk management program.
11. Coordinates, oversees, and provides guidance to all City departments and assigned agencies on safety program development and implementation, and on identifying, evaluating, eliminating, or reducing risks.
12. Develops systems, procedures, policies, and programs to reduce risk exposure and develop accident prevention programs; serves on all accident review committees.
13. Analyzes current insurance developments; reviews current insurance legislation; analyzes, develops and recommends new and improved risk management procedures and programs.
14. May assist in the supervision, training and evaluation of lower level attorneys and support staff.

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
Three years of progressively responsible experience performing legal work in California including substantial experience in the practice of municipal or other government law one of which shall have been in a lead capacity. Five years of experience in land use litigation and experience in risk management is highly desirable, experience in a municipal agency not required.
 
Knowledge
Knowledge of legal principles and practices including civil, criminal and 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.
 
Ability
Ability to effectively negotiate on behalf of and represent the City in a variety of legal matters; perform difficult and responsible legal work; provide legal advice and counsel; 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; set priorities, meet deadlines and make sound decisions; establish and maintain accurate records; maintain level of knowledge required for satisfactory job performance; communicate effectively; establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, public officials, other departments and agencies and the general public; assist in the supervision, training and evaluation of designated staff.
  
Other Requirements
Membership in the State Bar of California.
 
Selected positions may require possession of a valid California Driver's License and satisfactory driving record as a condition of initial and continued employment.