Assistant City Attorney

Description:

This recruitment is open until filled.

The first review of applications is anticipated to occur on or around February 23, 2024, and subsequent reviews may be conducted until sufficient applications are received to meet business needs. Early submissions are encouraged.

The City of Oxnard's City Attorney's Department is seeking a well-qualified, highly motivated Assistant City Attorney to provide sound and ethical legal advice. The ideal candidate will possess both a broad base of knowledge and experience advising on Public Sector labor (employment) law and employee relations matters as well as a deep understanding of Public Safety laws and processes.

What You'll Do:

• Work closely with the Human Resources Department to handle employment and labor law issues.
• Litigate employment and labor law issues in administrative tribunals and in state and federal courts.
• Thoroughly research and analyze problems, evaluate risks, and develop sound conclusions and recommendations.
• Present statements of fact, law and argument clearly and logically all while exercising sound and independent judgment that follows the general policies, guidelines and legal parameters of federal and state laws, regulations, and constitutional provisions applicable to municipalities.

Payroll Title: Assistant City Attorney

Under general direction, provides a wide range of professional legal services to all City departments and divisions, City Council and various boards, commissions, committees; may assist in coordinating the work of contract attorneys on complex or specialized matters; performs related duties as assigned.

Distinguishing Characteristics:
The Assistant City Attorney is the advanced journey level in the professional legal series. This class is distinguished from the next lower class of Deputy City Attorney II by the level of difficulty and complexity of responsibilities performed. An incumbent in this class is expected to frequently use a high degree of independent judgment and is expected to represent the City Attorney at various meetings, functions and proceedings as required.

Supervision Received/Exercised:
General direction is provided by the City Attorney. The Assistant City Attorney may exercise technical or functional supervision over Deputy City Attorneys, paralegals and clerical staff.

Work Schedule:
The normal work week is Monday-Thursday, 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., and alternating Fridays, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. This position may be required to be available to work additional hours as needed to respond to workload needs. This position is not eligible for overtime pay.

Essential Functions:
This class specification represents only the core areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the needs of the Department.

• Provides practical and proactive legal advice to all departments on labor and employment related matters including discrimination, harassment and retaliation claims, employee discipline and performance management, labor relations, employee benefits, employee accommodations and recruitment.
• Defends the City and City management in employment litigation matters before administrative tribunals and in state and federal court and oversees employment cases handled by outside counsel.
• Writes position papers in response to charges filed with the Department of Civil Rights and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
• Represents the City in arbitration and grievance matters derived from discipline and labor issues and any ensuing writ litigation in state court.
• Supports HR led employment investigations and oversees investigations conducted by outside counsel.
• Represents and litigates workplace violence restraining orders and gun violence restraining orders.
• Works closely with the Police Department providing advice on operational and personnel matters and provides representation in connection with Pitchess motions and other court matters.
• Helps oversee public liability litigation and the prosecution of misdemeanor violations of City ordinances.
• Attends meetings of boards, commissions and committees as may be required; renders legal advice as requested.
• Investigates claims and complaints by or against the City, recommends action to be take.
• Represents the City Attorney at various meetings, functions and proceedings when necessary.
• Responds to citizen complaints and requests for information.

Minimum Qualifications:
The following are minimal qualifications necessary for entry into the classification:

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