Chief Assistant City Attorney, Bakersfield

Interim City Attorney

Closing date: Continuous, the application filing may close any time after ten days from the issue date of this job announcement if sufficient qualified applications have been received. First application review on May 22, 2026. Interim position under direction of the City Council and in partnership with the City Attorney, provides executive management oversight of all legal matters and delivers strategic counsel to City Council, Mayor, City staff, Boards and Commissions; performs highly specialized and complex municipal, civil and criminal legal work in representing the City, including organization and supervision of department staff, and; Performs other work as required.Representative Duties

The following typical tasks and responsibilities are representative of the position's essential duties. They are descriptive, not limiting. Essential duties: Assumes full management responsibility in planning, organizing, and managing the operations of the City Attorney's Office including supervision of professional and clerical staff; Directs and oversees all legal affairs, including disputes, administrative hearings, litigation, and regulatory matters; Determines and approves legal strategies, including the use and management of outside counsel; Directs and/or prepares complex statistical and narrative reports, correspondence, and other documents; Develops and administers department agreements and oversees department budget; Attends meetings of the City Council, Boards and Commissions; attends meetings, conferences, and workshops as assigned; makes presentations to various groups and individuals.Click here for: Job Specification&Informational Brochure. Minimum Qualifications

Applications will be accepted only from those applicants who clearly demonstrate on the COMPLETED application&supplemental questionnaire that they meet the below requirements: A Juris Doctorate from an accredited school of law AND Ten (10) years of experience in the practice of law including five (5) years in California municipal law and three (3) years of experience in a supervisory or managerial capacity. ORAn equivalent combination of training, certification, and experience, which provides the capabilities to perform the described duties. Licenses, Certificates or Special Requirements: Possession of a valid California Class "C" driver's license. Active member in good standing with the California State Bar Association.Examination (Weighted: 100%)

Week of June 8, 2026 (Tentative) An appraisal will be made of the applicant's experience, education, training, certification, knowledge, skills, abilities, and personal qualifications for the position. A minimum passing score of 70% is required. NOTE: Admission to the Examination may be limited to those applicants who demonstrate the best combination of qualifications. Applicants possessing the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed admittance to the Examination. Employment applications must be properly completed in accordance with instructions on face of application form. All pertinent information needed to determine that the applicant meets the minimum qualifications must be shown on the application, resume, and supplemental questionnaire; otherwise, the application may be rejected. NOTE: POSTMARKS will not be accepted Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of COMPLETED application.