Assistant City Attorney
Apply NowCompany: City of Oceanside, CA
Location: Oceanside, CA 92057
Description:
Salary : $166,092.00 - $226,092.00 Annually
Location : City of Oceanside, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 25-104
Department: City Attorney
Opening Date: 03/26/2025
Closing Date: 4/2/2025 5:00 PM Pacific
Introduction
THE CITY OF OCEANSIDE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
3.5% base salary increase effective 7/6/25
The City of Oceanside invites applications for Assistant City Attorney. The City is seeking an experienced advisory attorney, who is detail and team-oriented, solutions driven with energy, focus, strong ethics, as well as the ability to make decisions independently while keeping the City Attorney informed.
Examples of Duties
THE POSITION
The Assistant City Attorney is a key member of the City's Management Team reporting to the City Attorney. The position is responsible for assisting the City Attorney in planning and directing the work of professional attorneys; conducting administrative hearings; rendering legal opinions to the City Manager and department directors; conferring with citizens, and their representatives on wide array of municipal legal matters; preparing pleadings/ briefs and arguing cases in state and federal courts; drafting ordinances, resolutions, contracts and other legal documents; and supervising subordinate professional and support staff as directed by the City Attorney. The incumbent may provide direction and assistance to less experienced attorneys at the Deputy City Attorney levels and are assigned to handle high exposure advice principally in areas of land use, personnel, municipal finance and public works contracting. Employees at this level receive minimal instruction or assistance and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the City.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The City is seeking an Assistant City Attorney to focus on assigned high level, advisory assignments with emphasis in complex transactions, advising departments on environmental and land use issues, including CEQA, Subdivision Map Act, Coastal Act as well as in-depth knowledge of the Brown Act, Public Records Act, Political Reform Act and Roberts Rules of Order to serve as staff counsel to City boards, commissions and committees.
Moreover, the City is seeking a highly qualified individual with technical expertise and strong interpersonal and creative problem solving skills. The ideal candidate will have strong oral advocacy, and research and writing skills. Qualified candidates will also be able to communicate in a clear, concise, and direct manner, including conveying technical information in a non-technical manner both orally and in writing. The Assistant City Attorney develops creative solutions to complex issues and will have the ability to effectively communicate directly with the City Council in closed session.
Candidates for this position must possess at least five years of experience as a practicing attorney, either in a governmental agency or in a private practice involving representation of local governmental agencies or pertaining to government-related civil law and be a member in good standing in the California State Bar.
Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge of:
Ability to:
Experience and Training
Experience: At least five years of experience as a practicing attorney, either in a governmental agency or in a private practice involving representation of local governmental agencies or pertaining to government-related civil law.
License/Certificate: Member in good standing in the California State Bar.
NOTE: PLEASE ATTACH YOUR CURRENT RESUME TO THE APPLICATION.
Working Conditions and Selection Process
Environmental Conditions: Office environment; exposure to computer screens. This position also requires occasional to routine travel to off-site locations for meetings, depositions, and court appearances, which may include exposure to the external environment or industrial type facilities. Extended hours may be required including evenings and weekends.
Physical Conditions: Essential functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting and standing for prolonged periods of time; speaking and hearing to exchange information; visual acuity to read and interpret information. May require occasional to frequent walking of up to .5 miles to off-site locations.
Selection Process: All properly completed applications will be reviewed and a limited number of those applicants deemed to be the most qualified for the position will be invited to continue in the selection process.
Note: Prospective employees will undergo, and must successfully pass, a background investigation, and a medical examination, which may include drug screening.
RESUMES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED IN LIEU OF COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS.
CANDIDATES WHO REQUIRE A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION IN THE SELECTION PROCESS SHOULD STATE THEIR NEEDS IN WRITING WHEN SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION.
THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. ANY PROVISION CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.
CITY OF OCEANSIDE
Unrepresented Executive (Non-Safety)
Benefit Summary
The following is a highlight of benefits
Retirement
Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS)
Additional Retirement Credit Purchase Options
Health Insurance
Medical:
Dental:
Vision:
Pre-Tax Benefits
Health benefits are offered on a pre-tax basis and employees cannot add or delete coverage or benefits unless a qualifying event has occurred.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The Anthem EAP is paid for by the City.
Disability and Life Insurances
The STD/LTD/LIFE and AD&D Voya premiums are paid for by City.
Short-Term Disability (STD) Insurance:
Long-Term Disability Insurance:
Executive Life and AD&D Insurance:
Voluntary Benefits
Benefits are employee paid.
Supplemental Life Insurance through Voya:
Flexible Spending Accounts through BCC:
Deferred Compensation - 457 and Roth IRA through ICMA-RC:
Hyatt Legal
GotZoom Student Loan Relief
ScholarShare 529
Leave Benefits
Vacation:
1 - 5 years: 4.62 hours
6 - 10 years: 6.15 hours
11 - 15 years: 6.65 hours
16 + years: 8.19 hours
Maximum accrual:
Holidays:
Sick Leave:
Max accrual: Unlimited
Annual pay off: Up to 50% based on annual usage
Sick Leave pay off at separation:
Bereavement Leave:
Tuition Reimbursement
Up to $2,000 per fiscal year.
Car Allowance
Dependent upon the position either monthly allowance or use of City vehicle
Term of Compensation Plan
Effective July 1, 2022
This is a summary of available benefits. It is not intended to provide full details of all programs. The appropriate Memorandum of Understanding, Compensation Plan and/or Benefit Plan Documents will govern any discrepancies and provide program specifics.
01
Do you possess at least five years of experience as a practicing attorney, either in a governmental agency or in a private practice involving representation of local governmental agencies or pertaining to government-related civil law.
02
Are you a member in good standing with the California State Bar?
03
Describe your civil litigation experience, including the types of trial and/or appellate cases, the number of years of experience and employer(s) where this experience was gained.
04
Describe your experience drafting ordinances involving significant changes or amendments to local law.
05
Describe your experience in relation to negotiation and/or review of public works contracts or other significant public undertakings.
06
CERTIFICATE OF APPLICANT: I certify that all statements and information provided in this application and anyattachments are true, and I understand that any false or misleading statements or omission of material facts may forfeit my right to employment considerations by the City of Oceanside.
Required Question
Location : City of Oceanside, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 25-104
Department: City Attorney
Opening Date: 03/26/2025
Closing Date: 4/2/2025 5:00 PM Pacific
Introduction
THE CITY OF OCEANSIDE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
3.5% base salary increase effective 7/6/25
The City of Oceanside invites applications for Assistant City Attorney. The City is seeking an experienced advisory attorney, who is detail and team-oriented, solutions driven with energy, focus, strong ethics, as well as the ability to make decisions independently while keeping the City Attorney informed.
Examples of Duties
THE POSITION
The Assistant City Attorney is a key member of the City's Management Team reporting to the City Attorney. The position is responsible for assisting the City Attorney in planning and directing the work of professional attorneys; conducting administrative hearings; rendering legal opinions to the City Manager and department directors; conferring with citizens, and their representatives on wide array of municipal legal matters; preparing pleadings/ briefs and arguing cases in state and federal courts; drafting ordinances, resolutions, contracts and other legal documents; and supervising subordinate professional and support staff as directed by the City Attorney. The incumbent may provide direction and assistance to less experienced attorneys at the Deputy City Attorney levels and are assigned to handle high exposure advice principally in areas of land use, personnel, municipal finance and public works contracting. Employees at this level receive minimal instruction or assistance and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the City.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The City is seeking an Assistant City Attorney to focus on assigned high level, advisory assignments with emphasis in complex transactions, advising departments on environmental and land use issues, including CEQA, Subdivision Map Act, Coastal Act as well as in-depth knowledge of the Brown Act, Public Records Act, Political Reform Act and Roberts Rules of Order to serve as staff counsel to City boards, commissions and committees.
Moreover, the City is seeking a highly qualified individual with technical expertise and strong interpersonal and creative problem solving skills. The ideal candidate will have strong oral advocacy, and research and writing skills. Qualified candidates will also be able to communicate in a clear, concise, and direct manner, including conveying technical information in a non-technical manner both orally and in writing. The Assistant City Attorney develops creative solutions to complex issues and will have the ability to effectively communicate directly with the City Council in closed session.
Candidates for this position must possess at least five years of experience as a practicing attorney, either in a governmental agency or in a private practice involving representation of local governmental agencies or pertaining to government-related civil law and be a member in good standing in the California State Bar.
Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge of:
- Duties, powers, limitations and authority of municipal corporations;
- Performs full range of advisory work on diverse legal issues principally in areas of land use, personnel, municipal finance and public works contracting;
- Performs legal research, analysis, interpretation of statutes, cases, contracts, and other documents and provides legal opinions to departments, boards, commissions, agencies, and committees, as directed by the City Attorney or Chief Assistant City Attorney;
- Attends meetings with City staff and/or members of the public on behalf of the City and serves as legal advisor during meetings of public bodies.
Ability to:
- Research and draft opinions;
- Analyze and draft legal documents and instruments;
- Appraise and organize facts and present evidence and other material clearly and logically in written or oral form;
- Analyze and apply principles of statutory and case law to difficult and/or complex legal questions;
- Prepare, present and conduct lawsuits and appeals effectively;
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with officials and employees of the City, court officials and the general public;
- Trains deputies and others on legal and procedural issues.
Experience and Training
Experience: At least five years of experience as a practicing attorney, either in a governmental agency or in a private practice involving representation of local governmental agencies or pertaining to government-related civil law.
License/Certificate: Member in good standing in the California State Bar.
NOTE: PLEASE ATTACH YOUR CURRENT RESUME TO THE APPLICATION.
Working Conditions and Selection Process
Environmental Conditions: Office environment; exposure to computer screens. This position also requires occasional to routine travel to off-site locations for meetings, depositions, and court appearances, which may include exposure to the external environment or industrial type facilities. Extended hours may be required including evenings and weekends.
Physical Conditions: Essential functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting and standing for prolonged periods of time; speaking and hearing to exchange information; visual acuity to read and interpret information. May require occasional to frequent walking of up to .5 miles to off-site locations.
Selection Process: All properly completed applications will be reviewed and a limited number of those applicants deemed to be the most qualified for the position will be invited to continue in the selection process.
Note: Prospective employees will undergo, and must successfully pass, a background investigation, and a medical examination, which may include drug screening.
RESUMES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED IN LIEU OF COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS.
CANDIDATES WHO REQUIRE A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION IN THE SELECTION PROCESS SHOULD STATE THEIR NEEDS IN WRITING WHEN SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION.
THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. ANY PROVISION CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.
CITY OF OCEANSIDE
Unrepresented Executive (Non-Safety)
Benefit Summary
The following is a highlight of benefits
Retirement
Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS)
- Employees hired after January 1, 2013 are subject to the State laws of the California Public Employees Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA) in regard to retirement benefits. Each individual's benefits may differ. Consult with Employee Benefits for further details.
- Third Level 1959 Survivor Credit
- Survivor Continuation option
Additional Retirement Credit Purchase Options
- Buy additional Service Retirement Credit prior to membership
- Service Credit for unused Sick Leave
- Buy additional Military Service Credit
Health Insurance
Medical:
- Kaiser HMO
- Blue Shield HMO
- Blue Shield PPO
Dental:
- Delta Preferred Option (DPO)
- Delta Care USA (DHMO)
Vision:
- Vision Service Plan (VSP)
Pre-Tax Benefits
Health benefits are offered on a pre-tax basis and employees cannot add or delete coverage or benefits unless a qualifying event has occurred.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The Anthem EAP is paid for by the City.
- Available to all members of your household
- 6 free confidential counseling visits per incident
- Self-service support online or by phone
Disability and Life Insurances
The STD/LTD/LIFE and AD&D Voya premiums are paid for by City.
Short-Term Disability (STD) Insurance:
- First 90 days - benefits paid at 55% of weekly salary to a maximum weekly benefit of $700 for non-work related disability only
- Seven day waiting period unless hospitalized
- All sick leave must be exhausted before STD is used
Long-Term Disability Insurance:
- After 90 days - benefits paid at 66.7% of monthly salary to a maximum monthly benefit of $6,000 for any disability
Executive Life and AD&D Insurance:
- 1 times annual base salary; minimum of $30,000 and maximum of $350,000 of Basic Life and AD&D
Voluntary Benefits
Benefits are employee paid.
Supplemental Life Insurance through Voya:
- Premiums are determined by age
- Purchased up to a maximum $500,000 for employees
- Spousal coverage up to the employee amount
- Dependent coverage up to $10,000
Flexible Spending Accounts through BCC:
- Utilizes a debit card as a form of payment
- Health Care Spending Account - maximum annual deferral is $2,850
- Dependent Care Spending Account - maximum annual deferral is $5,000
Deferred Compensation - 457 and Roth IRA through ICMA-RC:
- 457 - Maximum annual pre/post-taxed amount is $22,500 for 2023; over age 50 may contribute an additional $7,500
- Roth IRA - Maximum post-taxed amount is $6,500; over age 50 may contribute an additional $1,000
Hyatt Legal
- Telephone and office consultations are avialable for an unlimited number fo personal legal matters with an attorney of your choice.
GotZoom Student Loan Relief
- Provides a no-obligation benefit analysis for federal student loans to identify, maximize and enroll employees into Federal Loan Repayment and Forgiveness Programs.
ScholarShare 529
- An easy to manage plan that helps make the most of your or a designated beneficiary's college savings with tax benefits.
Leave Benefits
Vacation:
1 - 5 years: 4.62 hours
6 - 10 years: 6.15 hours
11 - 15 years: 6.65 hours
16 + years: 8.19 hours
Maximum accrual:
- 360 hours for those hired before 7/1/95
- 300 hours for those hired 7/1/95 or after
Holidays:
- New Years' Day
- Martin Luther King Jr Day
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Veterans' Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Friday after Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- 48 hours Floating Holidays per fiscal year
- 70 hours of Executive leave per fiscal year
Sick Leave:
- 12 days per year
Max accrual: Unlimited
Annual pay off: Up to 50% based on annual usage
Sick Leave pay off at separation:
- Sick leave paid out depends on years of service and whether an employee retires or terminates
Bereavement Leave:
- Three days for death of employee's immediate family member
- Two additional days may be charged to sick leave upon approval
Tuition Reimbursement
Up to $2,000 per fiscal year.
Car Allowance
Dependent upon the position either monthly allowance or use of City vehicle
Term of Compensation Plan
Effective July 1, 2022
This is a summary of available benefits. It is not intended to provide full details of all programs. The appropriate Memorandum of Understanding, Compensation Plan and/or Benefit Plan Documents will govern any discrepancies and provide program specifics.
01
Do you possess at least five years of experience as a practicing attorney, either in a governmental agency or in a private practice involving representation of local governmental agencies or pertaining to government-related civil law.
- Yes
- No
02
Are you a member in good standing with the California State Bar?
- Yes
- No
03
Describe your civil litigation experience, including the types of trial and/or appellate cases, the number of years of experience and employer(s) where this experience was gained.
04
Describe your experience drafting ordinances involving significant changes or amendments to local law.
05
Describe your experience in relation to negotiation and/or review of public works contracts or other significant public undertakings.
06
CERTIFICATE OF APPLICANT: I certify that all statements and information provided in this application and anyattachments are true, and I understand that any false or misleading statements or omission of material facts may forfeit my right to employment considerations by the City of Oceanside.
- Yes
- No
Required Question