Neighborhood Law Corps Attorney (Continuous)



Job Details

Neighborhood Law Corps Attorney (Continuous)
Employer

City of Oakland

Salary

$48,671.16 - $67,599.96 Annually

Location

Oakland, CA

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

17-AL041-11

Department

Office of the City Attorney

Opening Date

11/17/2017

Closing Date

Continuous

The Position

The Office of the City Attorney seeks a highly qualified, innovative, and community-oriented attorney who is interested in public service for the position of Neighborhood Law Corps Attorney. California Bar required.

Description

The Neighborhood Law Corps (NLC) is a unique, innovative, and award-winning community law program that focuses on proactive, neighborhood-based, and community-directed lawyering. The program – described as a cross between Legal Aid and the Peace Corps – brings legal resources and remedies into Oakland's diverse neighborhoods to address issues affecting quality of life in those communities. The NLC attorney position is in the Affirmative Litigation, Innovation & Enforcement Division of the City Attorney's Office. NLC attorneys focus on combating blight, human trafficking, public safety, tenant protection, and other important community concerns and quality of life issues by performing litigation, policy work, and other actions. The position is responsible for representing the City in state and federal courts and will provide significant litigation-related experience. While the NLC represents the City of Oakland, it works in collaboration with residents, neighborhood and merchant groups, and other public agencies.

This is a 2-year at-will position.

Examples of Duties

  • Perform legal research, interpret and apply laws and court decisions; prepare opinions for departments, programs and activities.
  • Prepare and review legal opinions, ordinances, resolutions, contracts, deeds, leases and other legal documents; revise such documents as necessary to meet legal standards.
  • Investigate claims and complaints by or against the City; recommend action to be taken; prepare cases for hearings; represent the City in such hearings.
  • Act in an advisory capacity at meetings of City Council, City boards and commissions; advise City departments on legal matters.
  • Prepare or assist in preparing and revising briefs before appellant courts and administrative boards.
  • Prepare forms of court pleadings and ordinances, resolutions, contracts, leases, options and permits.
  • Represent the City in litigation brought by or against the City; prepare cases for trial, hearings and arbitration; take and defend depositions.
  • Meet and negotiate with outside parties in matters arising out of claims, property transactions and other City business.
 License or Certificate / Other Requirements:
 
A member in good standing of the California State Bar.
 
Individuals who are appointed to this position will be required to maintain a valid California Driver's License throughout the tenure of employment.

Minimum Requirements for Application

The following qualifications are guidelines, as the appointing authority has broad discretion in filling positions in this classification.
 
Education:
Graduation from an accredited School of Law.
 
Experience:
None required.

Qualifications, Experience & Education

We are seeking candidates who are highly motivated problem-solvers, able to communicate effectively with diverse communities, and who enjoy a high level of responsibility. We will consider new California barred law school graduates, recent federal or state law clerks, and attorneys with practice experience.  Prior litigation experience, a background in municipal law, and a demonstrated commitment to public interest law are desirable, as are superior legal research, writing, and oral argument skills. Foreign language skills – especially in Spanish, Cantonese or Mandarin – are a plus and will be a factor in selecting a candidate for the position. The applicant must be a graduate of an accredited law school and a member in good standing of the California State Bar at the time of hire. The successful applicant also will be asked to submit to and pass a background check.
 
Knowledge of:
  • Principles and practices of community organizing.
  • Municipal, state and federal laws, ordinances and codes affecting City government.
  • Legal research methods.
  • Public contact and community relations.
  • Local court rules and procedures.
Ability to:
  • Develop and maintain positive work relationships with community leaders, co-workers, organizations, businesses, citizens and other City departments Interpret and apply various government codes and ordinances.
  • Conduct research on legal problems; prepare sound legal opinions.
  • Present cases in court and administrative proceedings.
  • Analyze and prepare a wide variety of legal documents.
  • Handle stressful or sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy.
  • Communicate effectively in both oral and written form with City officials, merchant groups, representatives of outside agencies, and the public.
  • Complete varied assignments within a narrow time frame.
  • Establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties.
  • Work irregular hours, including nights and weekends.

Supplemental Information

Benefits

The City of Oakland offers an excellent benefits package. The benefits package includes:

  • PERS retirement.
  • Dental plan and orthodontics for employee and dependents.
  • Vision plan for employee and dependents.
  • Health plan fully or partially-paid, depending on your plan choice.
  • Life insurance. • Management leave, vacation leave, sick leave and holidays.
  • Deferred compensation plan and Credit Union services.
HOW TO APPLY
Submit an employment application and current résumé and complete the attached supplemental questionnaire to:
Civilrights@oaklandcityattorney.org
This job announcement and additional employment information including the application form is available on-line at:
www.oaklandcityattorney.org

The City of Oakland is an Equal Opportunity / ADA employer

Employee Benefits Information

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01
Fully describe your litigation experience, whether civil or criminal, including any trial preparation and trial experience.
02
Please describe any academic courses or clinical experience you have had in trial advocacy, civil litigation, and/or moot court.
03
Please describe your interest in this type of practice and any relevant public interest experience you have had.
04
Attach to this questionnaire two writing samples: one sample of persuasive writing (such as in a Points and Authorities memorandum), and one sample of writing neutrally assessing a point of law (such as an internal legal memorandum or research article).
05
Attach to this questionnaire a list of at least two references with experience of your legal writing, advocacy and communication, or other relevant skills.

* Required Question

Employer
City of Oakland
Address
150 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza - 2nd Floor

Oakland, California, 94612
Phone
(510) 238-3112