Assistant City Attorney - Housing

This role is part of the City of Oxnard's City Attorney's Office and is responsible for providing sound and ethical legal advice, with a focus on California housing law, local Housing Authority issues, and general municipal matters. The Assistant City Attorney serves as the primary point of contact for legal opinions and leads on housing litigation and tenant protection matters. What You’ll Do Represent the City in administrative hearings, superior court proceedings (writs and trials), and brief the City Council on housing litigation matters. Provide legal advice and opinions to the Oxnard Housing Authority, Oxnard Housing Department, and City Council; assist the City Manager regarding state and local housing‑related matters. Serve as lead Assistant City Attorney implementing the City’s Tenant Protection Laws including Rent Stabilization, Just Cause Eviction, and Anti‑Harassment Ordinances. Assist and advise department directors and staff; interface with members of the public, local organizations, and advocacy groups that represent property owners, landlords or tenants. Under general direction, the Assistant City Attorney provides a wide range of professional legal services to all City departments and divisions, the City Council, and various boards, commissions, and committees. May assist in coordinating the work of contract attorneys on complex or specialized matters and perform related duties as assigned. Distinguishing Characteristics The Assistant City Attorney is an advanced journey level in the professional legal series, distinguished from the Deputy City Attorney IV by the level of difficulty and complexity of responsibilities. The incumbent uses a high degree of independent judgment and represents the City Attorney at various meetings, functions, and proceedings as required. Supervision Received/Exercised General direction is provided by the City Attorney. The Assistant City Attorney may exercise technical or functional supervision over Deputy City Attorneys, paralegals, and clerical staff. Work Schedule Normal work week: Monday‑Thursday, 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., and alternating Fridays, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Availability for additional hours as needed is required. This position is not eligible for overtime pay and hybrid or remote work is not offered. Essential Functions Provide advice and opinions regarding Tenant Protection Laws to the Housing Department. Assist department directors and managers in policy development and recommending changes to meet legal requirements. Prepare matters for administrative hearings and represent the City in such hearings; handle litigation related to Tenant Protection laws, including writs of mandate. Draft ordinances, resolutions, contracts, deeds, leases, and other legal documents; review and offer opinions on legality. Conduct legal research and prepare opinions on various legal issues for City departments, the City Council, and related boards and committees. Attend meetings of boards, commissions, and committees as required; render legal advice. Represent the City Attorney at various meetings, functions, and proceedings when necessary. Respond to citizen complaints and requests for information. Represent the City in community and professional meetings as required. Conduct and oversee investigations into complaints of ordinance violations, gather evidence, conduct interviews, and coordinate with external agencies such as fair housing organizations. Education Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school. Experience Equivalent of eight (8) years of experience in the practice of municipal law, with emphasis on state and local housing laws and civil or administrative litigation, or related experience. Licensing, Certification and Other Requirements Membership in the State Bar of California. Additional certifications, licenses, endorsements, and training may be required depending on assignment; documented proof may be required. Equal Opportunity The City of Oxnard is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from all qualified applicants. The City does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, medical condition, disability, or sexual orientation. Reasonable Accommodation The City of Oxnard makes reasonable accommodations for the disabled. Applicants who require special arrangements for the testing process must inform the Human Resources Department in writing no later than the filing date and provide documentation of the type and extent of accommodation required. Legal Requirement On the first day of employment, new employees must provide proof of citizenship or documentation of legal right to work in the United States in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, as amended. The City participates in E‑Verify and will provide the federal government with Form I‑9 information to confirm authorization to work in the U.S. Applicants must complete Form I‑9 once a job offer is accepted. For more information on E‑Verify, please contact the appropriate authorities. #J-18808-Ljbffr