City of Torrance Class Code: 1419	January 1966
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City Attorney

Definition

Under administrative direction of the City Council, to provide legal advice to the Council and to City officers; to prepare resolutions, ordinances, and various legal instruments; to serve as City Prosecutor in violations of City ordinances; and to do related work as required.

Examples Of Duties

Renders verbal and written opinions on legal matters affecting the conduct of municipal affairs;

performs legal research incidental to the preparation of legal opinions;

drafts resolutions and ordinances;

frames contracts and legal instruments required by the City Council;

directs the prosecution of cases for violations of City ordinances or of State laws under the jurisdiction of the City;

interviews persons seeking issuance of criminal complaints,

interprets the law in relation to specific cases and determines whether complaints should be issued;

issues complaints;

prepares statements of fact and recommends amount of bail in cases in which complaints are issued;

prepares special proceedings and civil actions for trial;

prepares complaints and briefs;

interviews and confers with attorneys and interested persons;

keeps case records;

assigns and supervises the work of professional and clerical assistants.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:

The general field of law, including the Constitution, Penal Code and penal provisions of the general laws of the State of California, and ordinances, statutes and court decisions affecting the organization, functions, liabilities and obligations of municipal corporations in California, and the powers, duties and liabilities of municipal officers;

General legal procedure;

Familiarity with the charter and municipal organization of the City of Torrance.

Ability to:

Conduct legal research and to prepare and try cases in court;

Evaluate facts and to interpret the law in individual cases;

Interview complaintants and witnesses and to work effectively with City officials and employees.

Special Requirements

Membership in the California State Bar and admission to practice before the California Supreme Court.

Experience

Five years of experience of active practice of law.

Education

Graduation from the law school of a college or university of recognized standing.

Special Note

This position is not part of the Classified Service of the City. The incumbent serves at the pleasure of the City Council.