CITY ATTORNEY

Job Description:

CITY ATTORNEY

Description

The City Attorney search is being conducted by The Hawkins Company (search consultants). They will review all written materials submitted and will screen and evaluate applicants. The most highly qualified candidates will be invited to participate in an on-site interview process. Interested and qualified individuals are invited to submit a resume and cover letter describing their interest level and key relevant professional attributes electronically to [email protected] by the first review date of September 12, 2024. Resumes received by this date will receive first consideration. The position is open until filled.

A 5% salary increase will take effect on January 1, 2025, for employees belonging to the Inglewood Executive Organization (IEO).

POSITION

Under general direction, provides legal counsel to City departments and elected officials; Directs Legal staff and outside counsel engaged in the provision of legal advice to protect the interests of the City.

TASKS

• Provides legal advice, assistance, and counsel to City departments;
• Reviews and approves the formal performance evaluation of assigned department staff;
• Interprets rules, laws, and regulations and provides legal advice to City Administration, Mayor and City Council;
• Responsible for providing guidance and leadership to City attorneys and support staff;
• Oversees cases assigned to outside counsel;
• Prepares, reviews, and approves reports and recommendations for Council agenda and attends Council meetings;
• Represents the City in court and other legal proceedings;
• Conducts research and prepares legal opinions in response to questions and issues facing the City;
• Responds to public and media inquiries and complaints;
• Reviews legal publications and participates in continuing education activities and courses.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

A typical candidate will possess at least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in the practice of civil and/or criminal law, with at least 7 years of experience as City Attorney, Assistant City Attorney or public law senior management position in a comparable California City, county or special district agency. Candidates for this position must possess a juris doctorate degree from an accredited law school and maintain active membership in the State Bar of California and admission to practice before the State of California and federal courts is required as well as a valid California Driver’s License.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

• Knowledgeable of applicable City, county, state, and Federal statutes, rules, ordinances, codes and regulations governing municipal law, judicial procedures, rules of evidence and methods of legal research, and various City and Department policies and procedures

• Skilled in understanding and interpreting laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and guidelines, preparing court documents and legal opinions, gathering, analyzing, and organizing facts and evidence, managing, delegating, and evaluating work of staff, and providing and following oral and written instructions;
• Ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships with all levels of staff and to effectively communicate verbally and in writing;
• Proficient in using a personal computer to include electronic devices and related software packages.

The City of Inglewood is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It does not discriminate by age, sex, race, religion, national origin, marital status, or handicap status in its employment actions, decisions, policies, and practices.