Deputy City Attorney – Litigation

The Position

The Portland City Attorney's Office seeks an attorney with a minimum of four years of experience to defend the City in tort matters in state and federal courts. The Attorney will be responsible for all phases of litigation, including drafting pleadings, motions and briefs, conducting all aspects of discovery, court appearances, settlement negotiations, and trial work. The position requires excellent written and oral-advocacy communication skills, proficiency in time management, the ability to manage a challenging caseload, and the flexibility to work both independently and as a team member. State and/or Federal Court civil litigation experience preferred. Prior public entity experience, including police liability, wrongful death, and constitutional claims litigation a plus.

The Ideal candidates will have the following attributes:
• Minimum 4 years' experience as an attorney
• State and/or Federal Court litigation experience
• Excellent communication skills
• Excellent writing ability
• Proficiency in time and case management

Examples of Job Responsibilities Include:

• Conduct litigation on behalf of and against the City
• Provide legal representation to the City's elected officials, employees, Bureaus/Offices, boards, and commissions
• Appear in court and before judicial, quasi-judicial, administrative, legislative, committee, and public media forums
• Prepare for, attend, and advocate for City in legal proceedings and settlement conferences and mediations
• Perform post-trial procedures
• Determine grounds for and advise on appeals
• Advise City representatives of outcomes and impacts
• Demonstrate knowledge and application of federal, state and municipal statutes, regulations, and ordinances, rules of evidence and the ability to analyze, interpret, explain them to non-attorneys
• Communicate both verbally and in writing
• Present information, proposals, and recommendations clearly and persuasively in public settings
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
• Demonstrate tact, diplomacy, and patience
• Gain cooperation through discussion and collaboration

City of Portland Core Values:
Anti-racism | Communication | Collaboration | Equity | Transparency | Fiscal Responsibility
These values guide our actions as we serve the community and engage our workforce. To learn more about the City's core values, please click here .
Why work at the City of Portland?
The City of Portland workforce serves a population of over 650,000. We are culture- and solutions-driven, viewing every challenge as an opportunity to learn, improve, and share our expertise. We are committed to removing systemic barriers to resources, access, and opportunity. The City is a believer in ALL people and continues to actively recruit and retain diverse top talent every day. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to medical, dental, vision, healthcare flexible and/or dependent care spending accounts, Carrot Fertility, basic life, short- and long-term disability coverage to eligible employees and their families. If you are open-minded, motivated, community-focused, and self-aware, please apply yourself at the City of Portland today.

To Qualify

Applicants must specifically address and demonstrate in their resume and cover letter how their education, training and/or experience, meets each of the following minimum qualifications:

1. A minimum of 4 years of litigation experience as a licensed attorney, or other combination of experience demonstrating a capacity to perform the essential functions of the position.
2. Competitive candidates will provide details in their cover letter addressing how they meet the ideal candidate qualities in the above position description.

   In addition to the cover letter and resume, in approximately 500 words or less please describe: 1) your experiences or participation with one or more of the following, and 2) what you learned:

   • Experiences living, working, and/or interacting with individuals from diverse backgrounds and identities;
   • Situations in which you have taken action to help resolve racial inequities;
   • Steps you have taken to make workplaces and/or public spaces more inclusive; or
   • Advocacy or support as a member of a historically underrepresented group in government decision-making.

   If your experiences are different from those listed and you have a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, please explain how you would demonstrate that commitment in this position.

Applicants Must Also Possess:A Juris Doctor from an accredited law schoolOregon State Bar Membership, in good standing, or membership in good standing in the Bar of another jurisdiction, with the ability to obtain Oregon State Bar Membership.

The Recruitment Process

An evaluation of each applicant's training and experience, as demonstrated in their resume, cover letter and equity statement , weighted 100%. Do not attach materials not requested. Only candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be placed on the equally ranked eligible list. You have 14 days from the notice of the examination results to let us know if you disagree with your results. Please read the City of Portland Administrative Rule 3.01 for complete information. Additional evaluation for required certifications may be required prior to the establishment of the eligible list and/or final selection.

** PLEASE NOTE: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies** Recruitment Activity Schedule:

• Job Posting closes: 6/05/23
• Applications Reviewed: week of 6 /05/23
• Eligible List / Notices Generated: week of 6/12/23
• 1st Round of Interviews: TBD
• Job Offer: TBD

*Timeline is approximate and subject to change.

Applicant Instructions
Applicants must submit a professional résumé and cover letter online specifically focused on your qualifications for this position as identified in the "To Qualify" section of this announcement in accordance with the following Application Instructions:

Your résumé and cover letter will be the basis for our evaluation of your qualifications for this position.

• Your cover letter should include details describing your education, training, certification and/or experience, and where obtained which clearly reflects your qualifications and ability to meet the minimum requirements listed in the "To Qualify" section of this announcement.
• Your résumé should support the details described in the cover letter.
• Salary Range/Equity Pay Analysis: Please note per the Oregon State Pay Equity Law your salary is determined based on the experience and education listed in your resume/application. It is strongly encouraged to include any transferable experience (paid or unpaid regardless of how recent) to ensure your offer is reflective of all directly related and equivalent experience.
• If you are requesting Veterans' Preference, as identified below, please describe in your cover letter any transferrable skills obtained during your military service and how they relate to each of the required minimum qualifications under the "To Qualify" section above.
• Do not attach documents not requested.

Please note, all completed applications for this position must be submitted no later than on the closing date and time of this recruitment. All applications must be submitted via the City's online application process. Do not attach materials not requested. E-mailed and/or faxed applications will not be accepted.

Additional Information

Work Status: Non-citizen applicants must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of application.

Veterans' Preference: I f you are requesting Veterans' Preference, attach a copy of your DD214/DD215 and/or Veterans Administration letter stating your disability to your profile, as well as checking the box identifying yourself as a Veteran. You must request Veterans' Preference AND include a copy of your documentation for each recruitment to which you apply. Veterans' Preference documentation must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM on the closing date of this recruitment.

ADA, Pregnancy, and Religious Accommodations: If you identify as a person with a disability, are pregnant or nursing, or observe a religious practice(s), and would like to request a reasonable accommodation when applying for this job, please contact the Recruiter below for assistance.

Equal Employment Opportunity: It is the policy of the City of Portland that no person shall be discriminated against based on race, religion, color, sex, marital status, family status, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or source of income. The City values diversity and encourages everyone who is interested in employment with the City to apply.

Language Pay Differential: City of Portland employees who speak one or more languages in addition to English, may be eligible to receive a "language pay differential." This is compensation for qualifying multilingual City employees who use their language skill to assist the community. More about the language pay differential can be found here.

Did you know? The City of Portland offers "How to Apply Classes" that are free and review best practices for applying to the City. Follow the link for the most recent list of scheduled dates : https://www.portland.gov/bhr/events .

Questions?
Bureau of Human Resources
Terrol Johnson, Senior/Executive Recruiter
Terrol.Johnson@portlandoregon.gov

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer Closing Date/Time: 6/5/2023 11:59 PM Pacific