Deputy City Attorney V

Overview

The City of Oakland is an equal opportunity employer that values workforce diversity, inclusion, and equity. The Office of the City Attorney seeks a highly qualified, innovative, and community-oriented experienced attorney who is committed to public service. This attorney will be a Deputy City Attorney V (DCA V), the most senior deputy city attorney classification, and will handle, oversee and coordinate the most complex cases and supervise other attorneys.

Salary Range : $200,244.48 - $245,841.84 annually (Salary based upon experience)

Benefits : Health, dental, vision, retirement, telecommuting, and other competitive benefits

Initial Application Requirements : Cover letter and resume

Deadline to Apply : Open until filled

Position and Department

The Office of the City Attorney seeks a Deputy City Attorney V who will supervise and coordinate work in the Affirmative Litigation, Innovation and Enforcement Division and mentor other attorneys. The attorney will :

• Supervise the attorneys in the Community Lawyering and Civil Rights, Housing Justice Initiative, and Worker Protection units, as well as other affirmative litigation attorneys;
• Collaborate with and mentor other attorneys; and
• Serve as team leader on a number of cases.

The ideal candidate will have expertise in affirmative litigation and advocacy, including but not limited to experience in :

Additional desirable experience includes constitutional law, climate justice, housing justice, economic justice, discrimination, unfair business practices, consumer protection, building and housing codes, blight enforcement, foreclosed and vacant housing ordinances, legislative drafting, administrative procedures, writs and appeals, and responding to press inquiries. Familiarity with federal, state, and local authority for local government affirmative cases is a plus. The candidate should be able to handle complex matters and supervise others.

The attorney will report to the Chief Assistant City Attorney and may receive supervision from a Special Counsel, Chief Assistant City Attorney and / or the City Attorney. The City Attorney may assign additional duties or practice areas, including non-supervisory work. This role often involves collaboration with other City Departments, municipalities, and nonprofits.

Department and Division Description

The City Attorney's Office provides legal advice and counsel to the City in areas including land use, real estate, personnel, elections, conflicts of interest, municipal finance, retirement, housing, public contracting, and economic development. The Office drafts and reviews contracts, legislation, and other documents and may provide litigation services in defense of ordinances and other actions. It also advocates the City's interests in claims and lawsuits in state and federal courts.

AFFIRMATIVE LITIGATION DIVISION DESCRIPTION : In 2016, the City Attorney established the Affirmative Litigation, Innovation and Enforcement Division to focus on social, racial, economic and environmental justice. The four units are Neighborhood Law Corps (NLC), Housing Justice Initiative (HJI), Community Lawyering and Civil Rights (CLCR), and a Worker Protection unit.

The NLC focuses on tenant protection, substandard housing, and public nuisance. The HJI protects renters and preserves affordable housing by enforcing tenants' rights. CLCR advances systemic rights for historically marginalized communities. The Worker Protection unit enforces local and state labor laws, including wage theft, paid sick leave, misclassification, and safe working conditions.

Job Description and Responsibilities

This position focuses on litigation, legislation, and policy work related to advancing racial, environmental, housing, economic, and other forms of justice. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to :

Read the complete job description by noting the title above.

Education

Graduate of accredited school of law.

Experience

Ten years of professional experience in relevant areas of law.

License or Certificate / Other Requirements

California State Bar member in good standing; valid California Driver's License or ability to travel as required. The City will consider accommodations as appropriate. Desirable qualifications include ability to interpret government codes, language skills (Spanish, Cantonese, and / or Mandarin), and working knowledge of municipal, state, and federal laws affecting City government.

What's in it for you?

Disaster Service Workers

All employees are designated Disaster Service Workers and must complete related training and be prepared to respond in emergencies.

How to Apply

Applications are accepted online only. Apply before the closing time of the job announcement. Visit the City's employment opportunities webpage to apply. If you do not have access to a computer, computer stations are available at public libraries and city offices during business hours. GovernmentJobs provides the online system; if you have problems applying, contact GovernmentJobs Live Applicant Support. For recruitment questions, contact Mark Forte.

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