With a population of close to 500,000 residents and another 100,000 in the metro area, Bakersfield is the ninth largest city in California, ranked between Oakland and Anaheim. Uniquely placed geographically, the successful candidate will be no more than a couple of hours drive from all things California, whether that’s Disneyland, the Pacific Ocean, Sequoia’s Big Trees, Yosemite’s waterfalls, or the thrill of skiing at Mammoth Mountain. Right here at home, the 30-mile paved Kern River Parkway Trail winds through preserved riparian habitat where you might see kit foxes, rabbits, roadrunners, and other protected wildlife. Sunny year round, Bakersfield may get hot in the summer, but this region’s dry climate provides for an all-seasons lifestyle. Bakersfield remains one of the most affordable and family-friendly cities in California. For more information on things to do in Bakersfield, please visit The Visit Bakersfield Website.
THE POSITION: Deputy City Attorney I-Under general direction, performs legal work involving a wide range of municipal and criminal law topics; handles routine professional legal tasks; attends meetings of various Boards and Commissions in an advisory capacity; performs related work as required. Deputy City Attorney II- Under general direction, performs legal work involving a wide range of municipal and criminal law topics; handles routine professional legal tasks; attends meetings of various Boards and Commissions in an advisory capacity; performs related work as required. REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES: The following typical tasks and responsibilities are representative of this class. They are descriptive, not limiting. Deputy City Attorney I-Conducts legal research as needed; Prepares and prosecutes criminal matters; Prepares, assists, and handles civil litigation cases; Prepares or assists in administrative hearings and represents the city in such hearings; Reviews and interprets federal, state, county and city statutes, ordinances, rules, regulations, court decisions, laws, and other legal authority; Drafts ordinances, charter amendments, resolutions, contracts, deeds, leases, permits, licenses, and other legal instruments; Represents the City in court cases, including all phases of pretrial, trial, and appellate work; May conduct criminal prosecutions for the City and/or other agencies as required; Acts as legal advisor to a variety of City Boards and Commissions, and attends meetings and hearings as necessary; Assists in providing legal advice to City departments. Deputy City Attorney II- In addition to above, Represents the City administrative hearings before City Boards and Commissions and federal agencies; Prosecutes litigation where the City Plaintiff; Assists other attorneys in all phases of legal work; Attends meetings of the City Council Boards and Commissions as requested by the City Attorney; Recommends selection of consultants; Monitors and prepares comments on proposed federal and state legislation and regulation; Answers correspondence and public inquiries on legal matters related to City business. For Full Job Description: Deputy City Attorney I, Deputy City Attorney II
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Applications will be accepted only from those applicants who clearly demonstrate on the COMPLETED application, supplemental questionnaire, and resume that they meet the below requirements: • Graduated from an accredited American Bar Association law school with a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree • Minimum of two (2) years’ experience in the practice of law, preferably with a governmental agency; AND demonstration of civil litigation experience, which includes the representation of either a plaintiff or defendant throughout a civil lawsuit process. • Substantial experience in the representation of municipal clients may be substituted for lack of experience in civil litigation • Active member of the California State Bar Association • Possession of a valid California Class "C" driver's license. • Must be able to pass a police background DEPUTY CITY ATTORNEY II: • In addition to the above, must have an additional two (2) years’ experience in the practice of law, preferably in a municipal setting and substantial civil litigation. EXAMINATION: ORAL APPRAISAL INTERVIEW (Weighted 100%): (Tentative) An appraisal will be made of the applicant's experience, education, training, certification, knowledge, skills, abilities, and personal qualifications for the position. A minimum passing score of 70% is required.