Entry Level Government Attorney Jobs in California

Salary : $151,091.20 - $183,622.40 Annually
Location : Hayward City Hall - 777 B Street, Hayward, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: U200-2026-07
Department: City Attorney's Office
Opening Date: 07/31/2026
Closing Date: 8/31/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
DEADLINE TO APPLY: 11:59PM on Monday, August 31, 2026
Provides a wide range of professional legal services to all City departments, City Council, and various boards and commissions; conducts legal research and prepares opinions, memoranda, contracts, ordinances, and other legal documents; advises City departments, boards, and commissions; and represents the City in a variety of litigation matters.
You are:
The ideal candidate is a motivated, ethical, and service-oriented attorney who is committed to public service and eager to develop a career in public sector employment law. While prior litigation or government experience is not required, the successful candidate demonstrates strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills, sound judgment, and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
The ideal candidate is intellectually curious, learns quickly, and is receptive to feedback and mentorship. They are organized, adaptable, and capable of managing multiple assignments while meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment. They approach challenges with professionalism, integrity, and a collaborative mindset.
Deputy City Attorney I - This is an entry level class in the Attorney series. Positions in this classification perform less difficult tasks and receive on-the-job training in the performance of more complex duties. Incumbents may advance to the higher-level class after gaining experience and demonstrating proficiency that meets the qualifications for that classification.
Essential Duties
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Confers with and advises City departments, boards, and commissions concerning their duties, powers, and functions; performs legal research and prepare written and oral opinions on various legal issues for presentation to the City Council, City departments and various boards and commissions.
Prepares and drafts ordinances, resolutions, contracts, deeds, leases and other legally binding documents; reviews such documents and offers opinions as to legal acceptability when presented to the City for consideration by an outside agency.
Reviews and analyzes court rulings and legislation relative to their effect on municipal government operations; recommends changes in policies and procedures to meet current legal requirements.
Investigates claims and complaints by or against the City and recommends action to be taken.
May coordinate with outside legal counsel regarding complex litigation matters.
Prepares cases for administrative hearings and represents the City in such hearings; represents the City in civil actions brought by or against the City.
Responds to requests for information, including California Public Records Act requests.
Represents the City in the community and at professional meetings as required.
May represent the City Attorney at various City Council, board, and commission meetings and in court when necessary.
Represents the City with dignity, integrity, and the spirit of cooperation in all relations with staff and the public.
Fosters an environment that embraces diversity, equity, inclusion, and collaboration.
Be an integral team player, which involves flexibility, cooperation, tolerance, and communication.
Builds and maintains positive working relationships with co-workers, City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
Performs related duties as assigned.
Deputy City Attorney I
Knowledge of:
Legal principles and practices, including civil, criminal, and administrative law and procedures.
Judicial procedures and rules of evidence.
Methods of legal research.
Statutes and court decisions relating to municipal government operations; Public Records Act; Brown Act and conflict of interest laws; tort law and liability insurance litigation.
Modern office equipment and methods including use of computer applications in word processing, spreadsheet, database, and visual presentation.
English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
Ability to:
Perform professional legal work related to municipal government operations.
Analyze and prepare a wide variety of legal documents.
Conduct research on legal issues and prepare sound legal opinions.
Learn ordinances, statutes and court decisions relating to municipal corporations.
Learn the organization, operating procedures, duties, powers, limitations and authority of City government and the City Attorney's Office.
Learn established precedents and sources of legal reference applicable to municipal activities.
Represent the City in a wide variety of judicial and administrative proceedings; prepare and present cases.
Analyze a wide variety of legal issues; organize, interpret, and apply legal principles and knowledge of legal problems; analyze and prepare a wide variety of legal documents.
Apply legal knowledge and principles in court; conduct research on legal problems and prepare sound legal opinions.
Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.
Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines.
Communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
Minimum Qualifications
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience: None.
Education: Possess a Juris Doctor Degree from an accredited law school.
Licenses and Certifications: Possess and maintain a valid California Driver's License. Membership in the State Bar of California.
Supplemental Information
Supplemental Information:
BENEFITS AND REWARDS:
Depending on employee group, some of these benefits may include:

• Alternative Work Schedule and/or Telecommuting
• Vacation - 80 hours minimum
• 15.5 Paid Holidays
• Generous employer contribution for Health, Dental and Vision coverage
• CalPERS Defined Benefit Retirement Plan (2.5% at 55 for Classic CalPERS members | 2.0% at 62 for New CalPERS members | 3.0% at 50 for Classic Safety members | 2.7% at 57 for New Safety Members) - No Social Security participation.
• Life and Disability Insurance and Paid Leave
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Health and Wellness Reimbursement
• Professional Development Reimbursement
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan (employee paid)

SELECTION PROCEDURE
Apply - submit a completed City of Hayward job application, license, and responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire, which fully describe the nature of their professional experience and qualifications.
Application Review-
A. Minimum qualifications
B. Completion of application
The rating of the supplemental questions may determine application status and/or rank on the eligible list. Applications submitted without all required materials will not be considered.
Job Related Testing (examination) - Virtual Supplemental Questionnaire projected to be sent out in early September.
Supplemental Questionnaire Review - Week of September 6, 2026
The examination process will result in a ranked eligible register of candidates for hiring consideration by the department derived from any of the exam processes mentioned above.
Department Interviews - Actual hire depends on success in the departmental selection process.
Candidates under final consideration for employment with the City should expect to undergo an employment background/reference check that may include, but is not limited to: employment history verification, medical evaluation, confirmation of educational credentials and degrees, licenses including driver's license, registrations, certificates, and other credentials as part of the appointment process. Some positions, depending on the nature of the work, also require a credit check and a review of Summary Criminal History obtained from the State Department of Justice through Live Scan Fingerprinting.
Applicants will be notified electronically via Government Jobs as to their status in the selection process. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure they can receive email notice from Neogov/Government Jobs and the City of Hayward.
The City of Hayward reserves the right to modify the selection process as necessary to conform to administrative or business necessity.
APPLICATIONS
Candidates are encouraged to apply online at www.hayward-ca.gov under the Current Vacancies tab or at www.GovernmentJobs.com. Paper applications can be obtained by visiting the Human Resources Department at Hayward City Hall located at 777 B Street, Hayward, CA 94541. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Apply prior to the closing time of the job announcement and allow at least one (1) hour to submit your application if you are a new user to the system. Our on-line application system is provided by Government Jobs. If you have problems while applying online, please contact the Government Jobs Help Desk at (855) 524-5627.
The City of Hayward is an Equal Opportunity Employer
A Certified Age Friendly Employer
Learn more about the mission of the Age Friendly Institute
Benefits Overview
This summary provides a brief overview of the benefits available to regular full-time City employees. As indicated in the 2025 Benefit Summary, some employee groups have different benefits based upon negotiated agreements. Depending on employee group, some of these benefits may include:

• Your choice of CalPERS Medical Plan (with generous employer contribution)
• CalPERS Defined Benefit Retirement Plan (2.5% at 55 for Classic CalPERS members | 2.0% at 62 for New CalPERS members | 3.0% at 50 for Classic Safety members | 2.7% at 57 for New Safety Members)
• Dental Insurance (plans available through Delta Dental or United Concordia)
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Paid Leave
• Paid Holidays
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Health and Wellness Reimbursement
• Professional Development Reimbursement
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan (employee paid)
• Other Employee-Paid benefits include pet insurance and discount plans, pre-paid legal, etc.

To view a summary of the benefits the City offers, please click
01
Please be sure to answer the supplemental questions thoroughly and accurately. Applicants are responsible for clearly, completely, and accurately identifying their qualifications. Your responses to the questions must be supported by both the work experience listed on your application as well as your resume. The rating of the supplemental questions may determine your application status and/or rank on the eligible list. Responses should be sufficiently detailed to assist in evaluating your qualifications for this position. Writing 'see resume' or 'N/A' is not a sufficient response.I have read and understand the statement above concerning submission of supplemental questionnaire responses.

• Yes
• No

02
Do you possess a Juris Doctor Degree from an accredited law school?

• Yes
• No

03
Are you a current member of the State Bar of California?

• Yes
• No

Required Question