Assistant City Attorney(Excepted)(MM)
Salary
$135,828.00 - $201,588.00 Annually
Location
City Hall, 20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA
Job Type
Full-time
Job Number
2026-00542(LH)
Department
City Attorneys Office
Opening Date
06/29/2026
Closing Date
7/20/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit
SAMA
Description
City of Santa Ana is looking for individuals who are results-oriented, possess great attitudes, demonstrate creativity and innovation, work efficiently, show a record of success and have a passion for public service. Having the best employees provides the best service to the community.
The Assistant City Attorney assists the City Attorney and performs assigned professional legal work of varying difficulty in research, consultation, court trials, and hearings.
This vacancy with the City Attorney's Office is to provide legal services for the new Rent Stabilization division. Experience with rent stabilization laws, housing laws, landlord/tenant laws, or administrative hearings is preferred but not required.
Essential Functions Include But Are Not Limited To
Prepares contracts, agreements, leases and licenses for various City departments. Provides legal representation for the City, including trials, in State municipal, superior and appellate courts and Federal court. Represents the City in proceedings before Federal, State and local judicial and quasi-legislative commissions, including unemployment insurance hearings fair employment hearings, bankruptcy court, arbitration and workers compensation judges. Represents the City and its officers in personnel matters, including grievance procedures and hearings, before the Personnel Board. Conducts legal research and witness interview, prepares pleadings, briefs, memoranda of points and authorities, writs, motions and appeals in both civil and criminal cases. Drafts ordinances, resolutions and other legal documents. Interprets and applies statutes, ordinances, case law, and administrative regulations in issuing legal opinions for City departments. Attends meetings, conferences and planning sessions to serve as legal representative for City departments. Assists citizens by answering legal questions related to the interpretation of City ordinances. Serves as legal advisor to City commissions and boards in their meetings and hearings. Assists the City Council and department heads in policy decisions regarding Federal, State and local programs. Advises and instructs department heads and other supervisors regarding personnel practices. Advises Risk Management regarding minimizing liability exposure and processing tort claims. Performs other functions as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Possesses at minimum a degree of Juris Doctor.
Professional Licensing: Admission to membership in the California State Bar Association.
Experience: Experience in the practice of public corporation law.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of: civil and criminal law and local laws and ordinances; established precedents and sources of legal reference; the principles, methods and practices of legal research and investigations; pleadings and practices of effective presentation of court case; judicial procedures and the rules of evidence.
Ability to: manage and minimize litigation and associated costs; analyze legal documents and instruments; appraise and organize facts to present evidence and other material in written or oral form; establish and maintain effective working relationships with other officials and employees of the City, court officials and the general public; communicate well verbally and in writing. Ability to use computer equipment and appropriate software.
Selection Process
All applicants are required to complete and submit a City application form online and answer the supplemental questionnaire. Resumes or faxed copies will not be accepted in lieu of the City online application. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application. To apply, click on the "Apply" link located at the top of this page. New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time: Online Employment Application Guide.
Excepted means that this is a non-Civil Service position. Applications will be reviewed by Human Resources and the City Attorneys Office. Those applicants possessing the most pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include:
Oral Interview: Will evaluate the candidates experience, training, education and abilities in relation to those factors which are essential for successful performance on the job.
The City of Santa Ana is an equal opportunity employer. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact us regarding providing reasonable accommodation.
Please visit the following website to view the summary of comprehensive benefits!
Summary of Benefits
(under SAMA)
NOTE: A more complete set of specifications for this classification may be found on the Citys website or on file in the Human Resources Department. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. The types and levels of employee benefits provided, including City contribution toward benefit costs, are subject to change as a result of periodic contract settlements between recognized employee associations and the City of Santa Ana.
01
What is the highest level of education that you have completed?
02
Do you possess admission to membership in the California State Bar Association?
03
Do you possess experience in the practice of public corporation law?
04
If you answered "yes" in Question #3, please explain your experience that qualifies you for this role.
Required Question
Employer City of Santa Ana
Address Human Resources, M-24
PO Box 1988
Santa Ana, California, 92702
Phone 714-647-5340
Website http://www.santa-ana.org