The City Attorney’s Office represents the City in all aspects of legal representation. The City Attorney's Office advises the City Council and all City officials in all matters of law pertaining to the business of the City of Hawthorne. Generally, the City Attorney defends the City in every lawsuit, including Writs and Appeals, prepares and/or reviews all City Ordinances, Resolutions, contracts and other legal documents. The City Attorney also prosecutes criminal cases arising from violation of the provisions of the City Charter or Hawthorne Municipal Code, and such State misdemeanors as the City has the power to prosecute.
THE POSITION
Under general direction from the City Attorney, the Assistant City Attorney will constitute the Litigation Division of the City Attorney's Office. The Assistant City Attorney performs routine to complex legal work, and will be assigned to handle moderate to high-exposure litigation principally in areas of State housing, personnel, police defense, personal injury and other tort defense, and may be required to provide direction and assistance to outside counsel. May assign and supervise the work of professional and clerical assistants.
Essential Functions
The following is a list of typical duties assigned to this classification. The duties included on this list are examples and not intended to be all inclusive or restrictive.
Primarily responsible for representing the City in litigation involving police misconduct, general liability and employment litigation, and housing appeals.
Oversee and assist outside counsel representing the City in complex matters including providing legal advice and direction.
Experience defending Pitchess and Brady motions and knowledge of the evidentiary guidelines pertaining to same.
Experience with the California Public Records Act and responding to complex Public Records Requests.
Review and amend contracts.
Draft liability waivers for various City programs.
Work with the Joint Powers Authority and insuring programs.
Renders Vera and written legal opinions of matters affecting the conduct of municipal affairs.
Frames contracts and legal instruments required by the City Council.
Conduct legal research incidental to the preparation of legal opinions as assigned.
Directs the prosecution of cases for violations of City ordinances or of State laws under jurisdiction of the City as assigned.
Interviews persons seeking issuance of criminal complaints, interprets the law in relation to specific cases and determines whether complaints should be issued as assigned.
Draft resolutions and ordinances as assigned.
Prepares special proceedings and civil actions for trial as assigned.
Prepares complaints and briefs.
Establishes and maintains case records.
Minimum Qualifications
Education, Training and Experience
Graduation from the law school of a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.
A minimum of four (4) years’ experience in the active practice of law in the municipal context or experience in general liability practice involving public entities.
Experience preparing civil lawsuits for trial including discovery, motions, appeals, and writs, and arguing said motions before state and federal trial and appellate courts.
Licenses, Certificate and/or Special Requirements
Membership in the California State Bar and admission to practice before the California Supreme Court.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid State of California driver's license.
Must successfully pass a background investigation.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is routinely performed in an office environment. Offsite assignments and irregular work hours are frequently required. Position may require working in the evening to attend City Council, City commission and board meetings or a range of community meetings at various sites in the community.
VETERANS’ PREFERENCE CREDIT
The City of Hawthorne provides Veterans’ Preference Credit to qualified candidates who are successful in the examination process. To be eligible for this preference, a legible copy of DD214 upon application filing with the Hawthorne Human Resources Department is required.
Compensation And Benefits
Classic Members 3% @60 and EPMC8% PEPRA Members2% @ 62 City contribution to 457 plan
City employee may be eligible to participate in a benefit program including holidays, vacations, savings and retirement plans, health programs, educational reimbursement and other benefits listed in the Hawthorne Executive Group (HEG) Memorandum of Understanding. Benefits may change due to employer-employee negotiations. Eligible City employees will participate in a defined benefit retirement plan administered by California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS). For additional details, refer to the City’s website: www.cityofhawthorne.org under MOUs & Salary Schedules.