Assistant City Attorney

Job Description

Description

The City of Livermore is accepting applications for Senior Assistant City Attorney or Assistant City Attorney. The City may fill the vacancy at either the Senior Assistant City Attorney or Assistant City Attorney level, depending on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. For more information, please refer to the job flyer.

Candidates interested in being considered for both classifications must apply separately to each recruitment. A separate application and supplemental questionnaire are required for each position.

DEFINITION

Under general direction, performs professional legal and administrative work for the City Attorney’s Office; provides legal research, advice and counsel to City staff, City Council and boards and commissions; reviews and drafts contracts, ordinances and other documents; represents the City in court; advises the City Council in the City Attorney's absence; and performs other duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Assistant City Attorney is a journey level job classification. Incumbents in this classification have a broad range of independence within policy and procedural guidelines. This classification is distinguished from the Deputy City Attorney by the variety, scope, and complexity of assignments.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

General direction is received from the City Attorney.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

May assign work and provide direction to secretarial staff and temporary employees.

Examples of Important and Essential Functions

Performs legal research and prepares opinions regarding City business; attends Planning Commission meetings and provides advice on land use and procedural matters; provides verbal and written legal advice on a daily basis to other City departments and prepares documents, as necessary; represents the City in litigation, including preparation of court documents and appearances in court; drafts and reviews legal documents including contracts, ordinances, resolutions, leases, and deeds; responds to citizen complaints and requests for information; analyzes recent cases/legislation and recommends changes in policies and procedures to meet legal requirements; assists in organizing and coordinating the work of the City Attorney's office, including some supervision of office personnel; performs special projects/assignments; negotiates complex transactions; investigates and evaluates claims against the City in conjunction with the Risk Manager;prosecutes code enforcement actions; establishes and maintains effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work; communicates effectively both orally and in writing; uses personal computer to perform word processing and spreadsheet functions.

Job Related and Essential Qualifications

Demonstrated Knowledge of : Principles of municipal law, including: planning, land use, Subdivision Map Act, CEQA, finance, personnel and labor relations, administrative procedures; legal research methods; rules of evidence and conduct of hearings in court and administrative settings; functioning of City government and its various departments; effective supervision techniques; effective public speaking techniques personal computer operating systems and software applications.

Demonstrated Skill to :

Perform legal research; analyze and apply legal principles to complex problems; provide well-reasoned legal advice; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; maintain confidentiality; act with loyalty and integrity; work collaboratively and independently; relate effectively to those contacted in the course of work; supervise clerical staff and subordinate professionals; be tactful and courteous; distinguish between legal and policy matters; work under pressure of deadlines with little or no supervision; utilize personal computers and computer software to perform word processing and spreadsheet functions.

Ability to :

Become knowledgeable of the City’s policies and procedures such as the Municipal Code, Zoning Code, Building Code, Administrative Regulations, Personnel Rules and Regulations, and other codes and laws, policies and procedures and apply them to resolve problems and/or answer questions; and work in a dynamic team environment.

Experience, Education and Training Guidelines

Any combination of experience, education and training that would provide the best qualified candidates. A typical way of gaining the knowledge, skills and abilities would be:

Experience : Minimum of four years in the practice of law, with at least two years in California municipal law, is required. Must have some litigation experience. Ability to operate personal computer for word processing and legal research is preferred.

Education : Juris Doctorate or equivalent degree from an accredited law school and active membership in the State Bar of California.

Training : Any recent training such as academic courses and certification programs which are relevant to this job classification.

License : May require the possession of a California Driver's License and satisfactory driving record as determined by the City.

Other Requirements : Willingness and ability to work the hours necessary to accomplish the assigned duties, including evening and weekend hours; attend evening meetings; travel out of town and attend meetings, workshops, conferences, and seminars during work and non-work hours.

Special Requirements : Essential duties require the mental and/or physical ability to work in a standard office environment; attend meetings at off site locations; converse over the telephone, in person and at public meetings; and operate a personal computer.

Additional Information

The City of Livermore is an equal opportunity employer and supports workforce diversity.

CITY OF LIVERMORE
BENEFITS SUMMARY
Livermore Management Group

Please click here for a copy of the current Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Livermore Management Group. The information contained here is a summary of benefits. For a more detailed summary of benefits for all employee groups, click here . Any errors or omissions do not constitute either an expressed or implied contract. Updated 7/2026

MOU TERM
07/01/2025 - 06/30/2029

SCHEDULED INCREASES
7/14/2025 5% + 1% (in recognition of rising medical costs) = 6%
7/13/2026 3% + 1% (in recognition of rising medical costs) = 4%
7/12/2027 3%
7/10/2028 3%

CAFETERIA PLAN (MEDICAL/DENTAL/VISION)
$1,950/month towards medical, dental, vision, additional & supplemental life insurance; unused balance paid in cash.

BASIC LIFE INSURANCE & ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT INSURANCE (AD & D)
$150,000 EE coverage, ER paid
$1,000 dependent coverage, ER paid
EE option to purchase $25,000 additional life insurance & supplemental life to $500,000.

LONG TERM DISABILITY (LTD)
60% of base monthly earnings to $6,000/month max. (180 day waiting period)
ER paid

PERS
New City of Livermore EEs are enrolled in the 2% at 60 formula or 2% at 62 formula, depending on eligibility, as per AB 340.

Classic PERS Misc Member - 2% at 60

• Member Rate = 7% EE paid
• Employer Rate = 40.04% ER paid (includes unfunded liability)
• 36 consecutive months Final Comp
• Sick Leave Credit
• 4th Level 59 Survivor Ben.
• Military Service Credit

New PERS Misc Member - 2% at 62

• Member Rate = 7.5% EE paid
• Employer Rate = 40.04% ER paid (includes unfunded liability)
• 36 consecutive months Final Comp
• Sick Leave Credit
• 4th Level 59 Survivor Ben.
• Military Service Credit

MEDICARE (Hired after 3/31/86)
EE paid 1.45%
ER paid 1.45%

RETIREMENT HEALTH SAVINGS (RHS)
City contribution of 4% of base pay into RHS account.

VACATION ACCRUAL
Years of Service Total Accrual Per Year 1 80.6 hours 2-5 120.12 hours 6-10 135.98 hours 11-15 160.94 hours 16-19 180.18 hours 20+ 192.4 hours
Maximum accrual: 375 hours

HOLIDAYS
12 observed holidays

SICK LEAVE ACCRUAL
96.2 hours/year

SICK LEAVE USAGE:

• FAMILY SICK LEAVE : For immediate Family Illness - ½ Annual Sick Leave Accrual. Additional time upon approval of City Manager.
• PARENTAL LEAVE : 4 regularly scheduled workdays for non-birthing parent who becomes a parent by adoption, foster care placement, or birth of a child.
• BEREAVEMENT/ FUNERAL LEAVE (non-immediate family) : 3 regularly scheduled workdays for sister-in-law and brother-in-law.

BEREAVEMENT LEAVE
3 regularly scheduled workdays max for immediate family.

ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE
80 hours per year.

PREGNANCY LEAVE & FMLA/CFRA
EE may use accrued leaves in compliance with City Rules & Regs
Benefit provided as per regulations: Federal Family and Medical Leave Act, California Family Rights Act, and California Pregnancy Disability Act

DEFERRED COMPENSATION
ER contributes $185/per pay period, with required EE contribution of $75/per pay period

2026 Maximum :
Normal = $24,500
Age 50+ = $8,000
Catchup Limits = $49,000

SECTION 125 PLAN
No ER contribution

2026 Maximum
Dependent Care*: Up to $5,000/year -- *See IRS Pub #503
Unreimbursed Medical: Up to $3,300/year

• Pre-tax Health Care Premiums
• FSA's for Dependent Care
• Unreimbursed Medical Expenses
• Other options offered by plan administrator

SAFETY SHOE ALLOWANCE
Following are eligible for up to $200 reimbursement per fiscal year: Assistant City Engineer, Building Official, City Engineer, Construction Inspection Manager, Inspection & Neighborhood Preservation Manager; Public Works Supervisor, Senior Civil Engineer, and Water Resources Operations Manager

SUPERVISORY DIFFERENTIAL PAY
Minimum of 10% above base salary of non-mgmt subordinate, 7.5% above mgmt subordinate

ACTING PAY
If work minimum of 5 consecutive calendar days, paid @ lowest step of higher class with at least a 5% differential. If assignment > 12 months, optional increment of up to 7% or max of the range, whichever is less. An employee whose acting assignment is expected to exceed 30 calendar days, due to a vacancy or coverage for an extended leave of absence, and whose assignment includes a high degree of complexity and/or increased level of supervisory responsibilities, as determined by the department head, may be eligible to receive up to 7.5% over the employee’s base salary, subject to the approval of the Administrative Services Director

SPECIAL PROJECT PAY
If work minimum of 30 calendar days, 5%-7% differential. If full supervisory, additional % to reflect 2.5% over highest compensated subordinate. If assignment > 12 months, optional increase of up to 7%

BILINGUAL PAY
$60/pay period, certified at the conversational level
Must be identified by Department Head, approved by City Manager, and used on the job.

CELL PHONE ALLOWANCE
If approved, $40/month or $90/month.

AUTO ALLOWANCE
$350/month for Assistant Community Development Director, Building Official, City Engineer, Housing & Human Services Manager, and Planning Manager

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT
75% reimbursement for tuition & books
For undergraduate studies, $4,000 FY max; $16,000 lifetime max
For graduate studies, $5,000 FY max; $10,000 lifetime max

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS
100% reimbursement for required licenses and certifications

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Three (3) sessions per incident per family member. Unlimited telephonic consultations.

PAY PERIODS
26 pay periods per year

Benefits listed are for full-time employment. Benefits are pro-rated for part-time employment.

ER = Employer
EE = Employee
FT = Full-Time
PT = Part-Time

Closing Date/Time: 10/5/2026 5:00 PM Pacific