Description

Under the supervision and guidance of the Executive Director, the General Counsel advises the Commission and its staff on legal matters related to Commission governance, including operations, processes, and procedures. The position also advises the Commission and its staff on the Ralph M. Brown Act, California Public Records Act, the Public Safety Officers Procedural Bill of Rights Act, Commission procedures, general parliamentary procedure, and conflicts-of-interest. General Counsel also assists with the development and implementation of the Commission’s operational policies, procedures, and programs.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

•   Manage the legal work of the Commission in carrying out its duties, by providing legal support and advice to the Commission and its staff.
•   Advise the Commission and its staff on legal matters related to Commission governance, including operations, processes. and procedures.
•   Advise the Commission and its staff on all applicable federal and state laws, including the Ralph M. Brown Act, California Public Records Act, the Public Safety Officers Procedural Bill of Rights Act, federal and state criminal procedure and evidence, administrative law and process, Commission procedures, general parliamentary procedure, and federal and state law governing police officer conduct and discipline.
•   Assist with the development and implementation of the Commission’s operational policies, procedures, and programs.
•   Represent the Commission in administrative hearings, including before the City’s Civil Service Commission, and in court hearings solely involving the Commission, including in Pitchess motions filed by criminal defendants and civil litigants seeking confidential Commission records.
•   Prepare written legal analysis and legal opinions as directed by the Commission or Executive Director related to City police officer conduct and discipline, applying federal and state laws.
•   Draft legal documents applicable to the Commission.
•   Oversee the Commission’s release of reports and disclosure of records, including disclosure of case information as required by the Charter, and the Commission’s compliance with requests under the California Public Records Act and California Evidence Code.
•   Prepare subpoenas for witnesses and documentary evidence related to Commission investigations.
   
•   Attend Commission meetings, including meetings of the full Commission and committees.
•   Develop and provide training for the Commission and its staff on legal issues.
•   Advise the Commission and its staff on legal issues related to the Commission’s liaison work with the community.
•   Liaison with the City Attorney, legal counsel for the City, where appropriate; and
•   Perform other legal duties as assigned by the Commission or Executive Director or designee.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

•   Graduation from an accredited law school.
•   Admission to practice law in all courts of California, and continuing compliance with required Mandatory Continuing Legal Education.
•   Experienced attorney with a minimum of 10 years of experience. Legal representation of California public entities and their governing bodies and prior knowledge of and experience with the Brown Act, the Public Records Act, and California conflict of interest laws and Public Safety Officers Procedural Bill of Rights Act.
•   Demonstrated knowledge, skills and abilities required in managing a legal division of a local, state or federal public agency.
•   Demonstrated success in the provision of legal advice and representation to government officials.
•   Demonstrated ability to work with elected and appointed officials, agency managers/staff, and outside counsel.
•   Superior legal research, writing, drafting and analytical skills.
•   Excellent written, verbal and oral presentation and communication skills.
•   Ability to plan and conduct assignments independently, balancing competing priorities with both internally and externally imposed deadlines.
•   Excellent analytical skills with the ability to analyze business processes and make appropriate recommendations for compliance with Municipal Code, Commission Rules and other policies and procedures.
•   Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders.
•   A commitment to maintain high ethical and confidentiality standards.