City of San José

DEPUTY CITY ATTORNEY (2191) (2192)
DEPUTY CITY ATTORNEY (U) (2150) (2151)

CLASS PURPOSE

Under general supervision, performs work of moderate difficulty in the provision of a variety of legal services to the City. Performs related work as required.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESULTS (Any one position may not include all the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all the duties which may be performed.)

· Performs legal research and prepares opinions on various legal problems for City departments, the City Council, and various boards and commissions.
· Confers with and renders assistance to City departments in establishing departmental policies by developing and applying legal points and procedures, recommends changes in policies and procedures in order to meet legal requirements.
· Prepares and drafts ordinances, resolutions, contracts, deeds, leases and other legal documents and instruments, reviews such documents and offers opinions as to legal acceptability when presented to the City for consideration by an outside agent or agency.
· Prepares cases for condemnation.
· Prepares and tries cases in court.
· Prosecutes misdemeanor violations of City ordinances.
· Participates in or prepares cases for hearings and represents the City in such hearings.
· Represents the City and the City Attorney at meetings and in court when necessary.
· Coordinates legal activities with other City departments and divisions, and with outside agencies.
· Responds to citizen complaints and requests for information.
· Analyzes and interprets legislation and court decisions.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This class differs from that of Research Attorney in that the incumbents of the latter do not have direct client responsibility. This class differs from Senior Deputy City Attorney in that incumbents of the latter perform at an advanced journey level.

QUALIFICATIONS

· Minimum Knowledges, Skills and Abilities
· Knowledge of legal research methods.
· Knowledge of civil and criminal court procedures.
· Knowledge of rules of evidence and general statutory and case law.
· Knowledge of governmental organization.
· Ability to prepare cases, secure necessary information, and interview witnesses.
· Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in English. Ability to set forth persuasive written arguments.
· Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with a variety of people, including City Officials, departments managers, attorneys and others.
· Ability to resolve problems in difficult and complex interpersonal situations.

Competency Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

· Knowledge of policies and procedures as they relate to the Office of the City Attorney.
· Ability to perform complex legal research.

Training and Experience

Successful completion of the State Bar Examination and at least one (1) year of experience as an attorney.