Confer with and render assistance to department directors in establishing departmental policies by applying legal points and procedures; recommend changes in policies and procedures to meet legal requirements.
Review and analyze all liability claims. Consult and assist risk manager in management and resolution of claims.
Coordinate and supervise the work of outside counsel engaged by the City for special legal issues and litigation matters.
Represent the City Attorney at various City Council, board and commissions meetings and in court as assigned, and render legal advice on agenda items.
Assist in or prepare cases for administrative and judicial hearings and represent the City in such hearings.
Draft and review documents with legal implications including ordinances, resolutions, reports, contracts, leases, bids, permits, easements, deeds, etc.
Act as Lead Attorney in representing the City in Court proceedings including motions, mediations and settlement conferences.
Manage the in-house legal department and staff.
Respond to citizen complaints and requests for information.
Assist in budget preparation and administration as assigned; review and approve all invoices for payment.
Supervise, train and evaluate assigned staff attorneys and support staff.
Represent the City in administrative proceedings such as personnel disciplinary mediations and arbitrations.
Perform related duties as required.
Knowledge of:
Constitutional, tort, administrative, and employment law.
Land use law and regulations.
Judicial procedures and rules of evidence.
Ordinances, statutes, and court decisions relating to municipal corporations.
Organization and operating procedures, duties, powers, limitations and authority of City government and the City Attorney's office.
Municipal government operations, including zoning, planning, real estate, real property, labor and employment, environmental, public contracting, public safety, code enforcement and civil and criminal procedures.
Statutes and court decisions relating to municipal government operations; Public Records Act; Brown Act and conflict of interest laws; tort law and liability insurance litigation.
Law and practices related to municipal government and public administration.