Assistant City Attorney (Civil Litigation Division)

About the role

The San Diego City Attorney's Office protects the people of San Diego by serving as chief legal counsel to the City of San Diego’s elected officials and operational departments; prosecuting and defending civil cases involving the City; and as the City’s prosecutor on behalf of the People of the State of California, by holding accountable those who commit crimes against the public health and safety and violate other local and state laws. Our municipal law firm employs over 190 lawyers and approximately 230 support staff, dedicated to providing legal services to the City of San Diego.

Responsibilities

• Overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Division;
• Assigning, monitoring, and evaluating cases;
• Supervising, training, and mentoring Division chiefs and deputy city attorneys;
• Recruiting and hiring deputy city attorneys;
• Coordinating outside counsel on selected litigation matters;
• Providing procedural and strategic guidance and oversight to the Division chiefs and supervisors;
• Drafting and implementing policies and procedures for the Division;
• Communicating with Mayor, Councilmembers, and City leadership;
• Advocating for and assisting with legislation related to the Division;
• Overseeing closed session practice group, Settlement Advisory Group, and closed session meetings of City Council;
• Appearing before the City Council, Council committees, and community groups on matters related to the Division;
• Assisting with media responses;
• Attending weekly Executive Team meetings;
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Be an active member in good standing with the State Bar of California with a background in civil litigation, government legal defense, writs, and appeals.
• Licensed to practice law in the State of California.
• Licensed to practice law or willing to obtain a license in the United States District Court and the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
• Possess strong analytical, research, writing, and oral presentation skills; be a practical problem-solver and team player; have good time management skills; and demonstrate effective communication and conflict resolution skills.
• The ideal candidate will have ten or more years of experience as a licensed attorney, significant trial experience, proven managerial experience, strong references, and experience working with municipalities and elected officials.
• Attorneys in this position must be able to travel to locations outside the office for legal proceedings or meetings. Therefore, possession of a valid California Class C driver's license and personal vehicle, or the ability to travel to various locations throughout the City in a timely manner, is required.

Qualifications

Minimum requirements include:

• A valid California Class C driver's license and personal vehicle, or the ability to travel to various locations throughout the City in a timely manner.

Skills

Strong analytical, research, writing, and oral presentation skills; practical problem-solving and teamwork; good time management; effective communication and conflict resolution skills.

Benefits

• Participation in the City's Flexible Benefits Plan, which offers several optional benefit plans or a taxable cash option.
• $50,000 in City-paid life insurance.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Paid annual leave (paid time off) accruing at 22 days per year for the 1st through 15th year of service.
• San Diego City Employees’ Retirement System (SDCERS) defined benefit (pension) plan.
• Voluntary Defined Contribution Plans (401(k)/457(b)).
• Retiree Medical Trust Plan.
• Holidays – Eleven paid holidays are provided annually and one Floating Holiday in a fiscal year.
• Long-Term Disability Income Plan.
• Free MTS transit pass.
• Up to 80 hours of paid Management Administrative Leave.
• Up to 8 weeks of paid Parental Leave.
• Paid time off for jury duty.
• Up to 40 hours of paid Bereavement Leave each fiscal year.
• Employee Assistance Program.

Pay

The successful candidate’s annual salary will be based on qualifications and level of relevant experience.

Schedule

Work-life balance is important to the City Attorney’s Office. The Office generally supports telework and the position may allow for a hybrid schedule with a mix of in-office and remote work after the introductory period.