(U) Added 3/97
City of San José
SENIOR DEPUTY CITY ATTORNEY (2195) (2196)
SENIOR DEPUTY CITY ATTORNEY (U) (2152) (2153)
CLASS PURPOSE
Under direction, performs work of considerable difficulty in the provision 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 the more complex 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.
- May serve as the principal legal staff to a City board or commission.
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, tries, and argues the more difficult civil and criminal law
suits in court.
- Prosecutes misdemeanor violations of City ordinances.
- Investigates claims and complaints by or against the City and recommends
action to be taken.
- Participates in or prepares cases for hearings and represents the City in
such hearings.
- May represent the City Attorney at various City Council and board and
commission meetings and in court when necessary.
- Provides guidance and advice, when appropriate, to the legal personnel of
the section to assist them in the performance of their duties, especially in
the more difficult and complex legal problems.
- Participates in the development and implementation of training programs
for the professional personnel in the section to increase their ability to
perform effectively with a minimum amount of supervision.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Incumbents of this class are responsible for performing the more complex
legal research and representing the City in difficult legal situations. This
class differs from that of Deputy City Attorney in that incumbents of the latter
perform work of lesser scope and difficulty and may receive lead guidance from
the former. Incumbents are supervised by a Chief Deputy or an Assistant City
Attorney. This class differs from the Chief Deputy City Attorney in that
incumbents of the latter are responsible for the supervising of a section in the
office of the City Attorney.
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Knowledge of general statutory and case law, with reference to municipal
government functions.
- Knowledge of the principles of legal research.
- Knowledge of court and administrative agency procedures, methods and
practices of pleading and rules of evidence.
- Knowledge of the principles of governmental organization.
- Ability to prepare difficult cases for trial and to try such cases before
courts, boards and commissions.
- Ability to draft and prepare legal documents of significant impact.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in English.
Competency Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Knowledge of the San Jose City Charter, Municipal Code, ordinances, and
regulations.
- Ability to represent the City Attorney at various City Council, board, and
commission meetings.
Training and Experience
Member in good standing of the State Bar of California and (4) years of
relevant experience as an attorney.
Formerly Class (2114)
(7/80), (Rev 8/83), (Rev 2/86), (Rev 2/92), (Rev 10/23/92), (U Added 3/97)
2195s001.doc