The City of Vacaville is seeking a talented and motivated attorney to join the City Attorney’s Office. The City is recruiting for the flexibly staffed classification series of Deputy City Attorney I, Deputy City Attorney II, or Assistant City Attorney, with final placement determined based on the selected candidate’s qualifications, experience, and demonstrated expertise.

Attorneys in this series provide legal counsel on a wide range of municipal matters impacting City operations, policy development, and governance. The selected candidate will collaborate closely with the City Council, City leadership, and department staff to provide practical, strategic legal guidance that promotes sound decision-making and ensures compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Attorneys in this role advise on a wide range of municipal matters, including Brown Act compliance, Public Records Act requests, conflict of interest and ethics laws, land use and planning, public contracting, personnel and labor issues, risk management, drafting and reviewing ordinances and policies, representing the City in civil litigation and administrative proceedings, and providing real-time legal advice to City staff and officials. At the Assistant City Attorney level, the position carries increased responsibilities and operates with a high degree of independence in handling complex and sensitive legal matters and may also be called upon to act on behalf of the City Attorney when necessary. Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

Providing timely and practical legal counsel to the City Council, City leadership, and department staff to support informed decision-making and effective municipal operations.
Performing complex legal research and analysis and preparing written memoranda, legal opinions, and advisory materials addressing emerging legal issues and operational challenges.
Preparing, reviewing, and negotiating a variety of transactional legal documents, including public contracts, interagency agreements, regulatory documents, policies, and other legal instruments necessary to implement City programs and initiatives.
Managing and supporting civil litigation and administrative matters involving the City, including drafting pleadings and motions, coordinating discovery, preparing legal briefs, and working with outside counsel when specialized representation is required.
Assisting City departments with the development of programs, policies, and procedures to ensure they are legally sound and aligned with the City’s strategic objectives.
Advising City management on sensitive or complex matters involving legal risk, operational impacts, or policy considerations, and employment and labor matters, including disciplinary actions, grievances, and administrative hearings.
Drafting and reviewing staff reports, resolutions, and ordinances.
Collaborating with City leadership and staff to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
Attending meetings and public hearings to provide real-time legal guidance and support City decision-making.
Supporting the City Attorney in addressing high-priority legal matters and assisting with special projects that require advanced legal analysis and cross-departmental coordination.
See the class specifications for a more detailed listing of duties and responsibilities.