JOB
The City of San Luis Obispo is seeking a collaborative and adaptable Deputy City Attorney I-II (0.75 FTE) passionate about public service and grounded in common sense and strong communication skills.
The City Attorney Department invites applications for the role of a ¾ time Deputy City Attorney. This position offers the right candidate a less-than-full-time schedule to balance work with the other aspects of their life while joining a highly skilled team of attorneys in support of objective, fact-based advocacy and advice to the City organization, its elected representatives, and staff. This is a partial full-time, 0.75 FTE (Full-Time Equivalent) position and is eligible for benefits, which will be prorated based on the 30-hour work week. The ideal person for this role will be able to work independently; deliver excellent and timely work product; lead through influence, rather than authority; and publicly represent the City and speak persuasively on legal matters.
If you are selected for interviews, they will take place in person on Thursday, August 6, 2026, so please hold that date. If selected to move forward, second round interviews will be held in person, tentatively on Wednesday, August 12th
JOB SUMMARY:
Performs a wide range of professional legal services and provides legal advice to assigned City departments and programs; performs legal research and renders opinions; drafts ordinances, resolutions, contracts, and other legal documents; may serve as an independent advisor to City advisory bodies or boards; may provide lead direction on assigned projects to staff in the City Attorney’s Office at the direction of the City Attorney.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:
Deputy City Attorney I This is the entry level in the Deputy City Attorney classification series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents gain experience in areas of municipal law such as land use, environmental, civil rights, labor relations, contract preparation and negotiation, code enforcement and prosecution of municipal offenses, public works projects, municipal real estate transactions, municipal finance, elections, public transparency, ethics, and conflict of interest laws related to public officials. This classification is distinguished from Deputy City Attorney II in that the latter is a journey-level classification that requires greater independent judgment and responsibility for more complex professional legal work.
Deputy City Attorney II This is the journey level in the Deputy City Attorney classification series. Incumbents are expected to exercise a high degree of professional independence and legal judgment in areas of municipal law such as land use, environmental, civil rights, labor relations, contract preparation and negotiation, code enforcement and prosecution of municipal offenses, public works projects, municipal real estate transactions, municipal finance, public works projects, municipal real estate transactions, municipal finance, elections, public transparency, ethics, and conflict of interest laws related to public officials. This classification is distinguished from Deputy City Attorney III in that the latter is an advanced journey-level classification that has broad discretion and decision-making responsibility in addition to performing the most complex professional legal work with little supervision.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:
Deputy City Attorney I
Receives general supervision from the City Attorney or Assistant City Attorney. May provide lead direction on assigned matters to administrative support staff.
Deputy City Attorney II
Receives direction from the City Attorney or Assistant City Attorney. May provide lead direction on assigned matters to paraprofessional or administrative support staff.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Deputy City Attorney I
Possession of a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited school of law.
POSSESSION AND MAINTENANCE OF:
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Must be a current member of the California State Bar Association in good standing.
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CLETS training within six months of hire and every two years thereafter.
Deputy City Attorney II
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In addition to the requirements of the Deputy City Attorney I:
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Two years of experience as a practicing attorney performing legal and/or trial work and a demonstrated knowledge of public sector ethics, transparency, and records laws
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or
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One year of experience as a Deputy City Attorney I with the City of San Luis Obispo;
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or
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An equivalent combination of education and experience.
Prior practice experience in municipal law areas preferred, such as land use, environmental, civil rights, labor relations, public employment, contract preparation and negotiation, code enforcement and prosecution of municipal offenses, public works projects, municipal real estate transactions, municipal finance, elections, public transparency, ethics, and conflict of interest laws related to public officials
POSSESSION AND MAINTENANCE OF:
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Must be a current member of the California State Bar Association in good standing.
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CLETS training within six months of hire and every two years thereafter.
THIS POSITION WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING BEFORE A FINAL OFFER IS MADE:
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Livescan Fingerprinting (DOJ & FBI)
