CHIEF ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY

In Huntington Beach, we believe passionately that the key to becoming the best beach City in the world starts and ends with finding the right people to join our team. At this time, we have an outstanding career opportunity available, as we're looking for the "right person" to serve as Chief Assistant City Attorney. 
  The Office of the City Attorney represents the City in all aspects of legal representation.  In addition to handling all lawsuits in-house, and prosecuting crimes at the local level, the City Attorney's Office advises the City Council and all City officials in all matters of law pertaining to the business of the City of Huntington Beach. Among other things, generally the City Attorney defends the City in every lawsuit, including Writs and Appeals, prepares and/or reviews all City Ordinances, Resolutions, contracts and other legal documents. The City Attorney also prosecutes criminal cases arising from violation of the provisions of the City Charter or Huntington Beach Municipal Code, and such State misdemeanors as the City has the power to prosecute.
 The City of Huntington Beach offers a truly unique opportunity for experienced California municipal attorneys. As one of the few cities with an elected City Attorney, the Chief Assistant serves an oversized role, with a great deal of autonomy and prestige but without the negative aspects of the top spot. Additionally, the next Chief Assistant will have the opportunity to be part of a City that is leading the way in its efforts to protect its local control. The Chief Assistant City Attorney supervises and oversees the operations of the City Attorney's Office; manages the day-to-day activities, attornies, and support staff. This classification is designated as “at will” which excludes it from the competitive service of the city and the City’s Classification Plan.  

Please note: This recruitment may close at any time, and will close when the hiring manager determines that a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. 

• Assists the City Attorney in administering the city’s legal functions
• Serves as senior counsel in handling serious, controversial and complex litigation and in providing advice and counsel to and on behalf of the City
• Supervises professional and support staff; provides and coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements disciplinary actions and recommends termination procedures
• Oversees all important litigation matters that encompass a variety of complex legal issues, including monitoring all phases of pretrial, trial and appellate work in state and federal courts and before administrative agencies
• Analyzes and researches legal problems; prepares opinions; confers with and advises City officials, staff, departments, advisory bodies and commissions on legal questions pertaining to their respective powers, duties and functions and obligations
• Monitors proposed legislation and court decisions related to municipal law and activities; evaluates the impact to City operations
• Implements cost control procedures for outside counsel
• Performs the duties of the City Attorney in the absence of the City Attorney; 
• Maintains effective and extensive professional relationships with representatives of other local, state and federal agencies
• Performs other such legal duties consistent with the City Charter as may be required of him/her by the City Council

 Any combination of education, training, and experience that would likely provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in the position is qualifying.  A typical combination includes:

Education: Graduation from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association with a Juris Doctorate degree.
 
Experience:  Five years of increasingly responsible experience in city or related government law, including trial experience, and two years of administrative or supervisory responsibility.
 
License/Certification:  Active membership in the State Bar of California.  Valid California Driver’s License
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:

• Application Review -  Please attach to your online application 1. a cover letter, 2. an updated resume.
• Examination(s) - An oral board exam (weighted 100%) will be scheduled when a sufficient number of qualified applications has been received. 
• Selection Interview
• Background Investigation
• Appointment  

Salary : $190,819 - $255,736