Senior Deputy City Attorney

Job Description:

Senior Deputy City Attorney

Description

Summary

This position is open until filled.

A first review of applications will take place during the week of November 2, 2026. Applicants that apply after the first review are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review date.

If you want to join a hardworking team that shares a commitment to provide top-quality municipal services in a prime North County location, consider a career with the City of Escondido. We have an opening for the position of Senior Deputy City Attorney in our City Attorney's Department. For a complete listing of job duties and qualifications, please refer to the corresponding job description, which can be obtained from the Human Resources Department or downloaded from the City's website.

Under direction, provides legal counsel for the City on a wide variety of legal matters requiring significant and broad expertise; conducts legal research and prepares a variety of legal documents; may function as project lead on selected legal projects; assists more experienced City attorneys on larger projects or as needed; and advises City Departments, City Council, and City Boards and Commissions on legal matters. In comparison to the Deputy City Attorney, this level is assigned more difficult and complex legal work and is expected to work with greater independence.

Key Responsibilities

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

Serves as the representative for the City Attorney's Office with the Planning Commission and Planning Department regarding legal actions; attends meetings and provides legal advice during meetings; researches and prepares proposed ordinances, resolutions, and other legislation.

Advises City Departments, City Council, and City Boards and Commissions on a variety of legal matters including the legal implications of any action, inaction, or decision.

Represents the City in assigned litigation cases; handles all aspects of assigned cases/claims including discovery, motion, and trial practices.

Investigates claims by or against the City and recommends action to be taken; assists in or prepares cases for hearings; represents the municipality in hearings; prepares cases for trial; tries cases in court as necessary.

Prepares, reviews, and examines contracts, agreements, briefs, bid protests, dispute resolutions, change orders, delay claims, ordinances and other legal documents for City departments; represents the City's interest in contract negotiation and carries out goals of such contracts.

Assists in administering City programs such as the Mobilehome Rent Control program by researching, drafting, and reviewing related documents; serves as liaison with the public and City Council; attends hearings and provides legal advice during hearings.

Assists in legislative development for the City including researching, reviewing, and preparing proposed ordinances, resolutions, policies, and other legislation.

Prepares cases for administrative hearings and proceedings.

Performs legal research and provides legal opinions for special projects for the Office of the City Attorney as assigned.

Responds to citizen inquires regarding all types of legal issues including those concerning City business.

Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of law.

Performs related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:

Legal principles, practices, and procedures of civil, criminal, constitutional, and administrative law.
General and public contract law.
Methods and techniques of legal research.
Duties, powers, and limitations of a city government.
Legal principles and developments.
Appellate practices.
Judicial procedures and rules of evidence.
Legal precedents and court decisions impacting assigned litigation area.
Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications.
Public relations.
Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.

Ability to:

Define legal issues, collect and analyze information, and recommend action.
Properly interpret and make decisions in accordance with laws, regulations and policies.
Read, understand, interpret, apply and explain codes, regulations and other written materials.
Prepare clear and concise legal documents, including but not limited to, briefs, ordinances, resolutions, correspondence and supporting documents.
Conduct research on legal problems and prepare sound legal opinion.
Negotiate with other parties.
Operate office equipment including computers and supporting software applications.
Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Minimum Requirements

Education/Training:
Graduation from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association with a Juris Doctorate degree.

Experience:
Three years (full-time equivalent) of experience at a level comparable to a Deputy City Attorney with the City .

License or Certificate:
Active membership in the State Bar of California.

Supplemental Information

NOTE: For a complete listing of job duties and qualifications, please refer to the corresponding job description, which can be obtained from the Human Resources Department or downloaded from the City's web site. The City of Escondido is committed to a drug and alcohol free workplace. All applicants will be subject to fingerprint investigation before a conditional offer of employment is extended. A pre-employment medical examination will be conducted following a conditional offer of employment for all positions. Safety sensitive positions will include a pre-employment drug screen. Positions subject to the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations will be subject to DOT pre-employment drug testing and random drug and alcohol testing.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Applications will be screened and the most qualified candidates will be invited to appear for testing. All positions require the ability to read, write and speak English. Types of tests may include written and/or oral examination, physical agility, practical exam or other appropriate job-related selection process. When testing is completed, candidates will be ranked on an eligibility list in the order of their test score. Selection for appointments is made from names certified on the eligibility list.

All appointments are subject to the successful completion of background investigation including LIVESCAN fingerprinting, and will be required to submit verification of the legal right to work in the United States. Qualification by a medical examination will be required at the time of appointment. After appointment, classified employees must satisfactorily complete a probationary period to be eligible for regular status. In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, all new employees must produce proof of eligibility to work in the United States within the first three days of their employment. The City of Escondido participates in E-Verify®.

The Loyalty Oath will be administered to all new employees on their first day of hire. New employees hired into positions that require a driver's license must provide proof of a valid California Driver's License of the appropriate class level on their first day of employment.

Additional information regarding the essential functions and physical, environmental and communication demands of the position may be obtained from the Human Resources Department. If you require reasonable accommodation in the testing process, such as an alternate means of testing, you must contact the Human Resources Department by the final filing date to complete a Request for Reasonable Accommodation form. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.

Note: Pursuant to California Civil Code section 1786.53, the City of Escondido shall provide to all job candidates a copy of any records of arrest, indictment, conviction, civil judicial action, tax lien or outstanding judgment which was obtained in the course of conducting an evaluation for employment, assignment, and/or promotion. A copy of this information, if received by the City, will be given to candidates within seven days of the City's receipt.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE

Eligible individuals are those who meet the following criteria:

• Served in the U.S. armed forces
• Received an honorable discharge
• Did not retire from military service
• Seeking employment with the City of Escondido for the first time.

Guard and Reserve active duty for training purposes does not qualify for veterans' preference. Proof of eligibility (copy of DD-214) must be submitted at time of application, or later if the promulgation of the eligibility list will not be delayed. Veterans' preference credit will only be applied to eligible applicants who attained a passing grade (total score exclusive of credit) on the final open examination.

ABOUT OUR CITY
The City of Escondido is a prominent agricultural, commercial hub and residential center of North San Diego County. Located a short 30-minute drive from the beach, the mountains or downtown San Diego, Escondido residents enjoy the pleasure of a rural lifestyle with all the benefits of suburban living. Escondido is a diverse, vibrant community with many amenities. The city offers attractive homes in a wide range of prices, two lakes, several parks, a sports center, golf courses, restaurants, wineries, shopping centers, a variety of art galleries, entertainment venues, and a state of the art hospital. Established in 1888, the city's rich past brings charm and stability to the community; yet integrated with Escondido's treasured heritage is a progressive future, bright and brimming with promise.

EOE The City of Escondido does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, disability, sex, age, national origin, or sexual orientation. We will attempt to reasonably accommodate applicants with disabilities upon request.

The City of Escondido offers a comprehensive benefit package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.

The Benefits of Choice program offers you a range of benefits. You choose the coverage that is right for you, your family and your budget. Read this e-Guide for an overview of your options, with links to additional details and forms.

For a more detailed overview of this benefits package, please visit the Management Benefit Summary

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

Salary:

$152,076.72 - $226,212.60 Annually