Deputy City Attorney (Civil Litigation Division, General Litigation Unit)

About the role

The San Diego City Attorney's Office seeks a Deputy City Attorney in the General Litigation Unit. This position reports directly to a Chief Deputy City Attorney and is responsible for a broad range of duties including prosecuting or defending civil lawsuits in which the City is a party.

Responsibilities

• Defending the City in police false arrest and excessive force cases.
• Defending the City in personal injury, property damage, dangerous conditions, and motor vehicle accident cases.
• Defending the City in constitutional claims, including inverse condemnation cases.
• Defending the City in legal challenges to City ordinances, resolutions, and policies, as well as cases challenging the City's compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Brown Act, and the California Public Records Act.
• Handling matters pertaining to writs and appeals.
• Preparing pleadings for trials, hearings, discovery, and other legal proceedings.
• Representing the City and its officers and employees in their official capacities in trial.
• Presenting recommendations to the City Council in Closed Session.
• Performing other work as assigned.

Requirements

• Be an active member in good standing with the State Bar of California and if selected for the position, must promptly apply for admission to the United States District Court for the Southern District of California, if not already admitted to that court.
• Possess at least 2 years of Civil Litigation experience.
• Experience with all pretrial phases of litigation including discovery, depositions of parties and experts, trial preparation, and strong research, legal writing and oral presentation skills will also be considered for the position.
• Ability 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 being an active member in good standing with the State Bar of California and having at least 2 years of Civil Litigation experience.

Skills

• Proactive identification and addressing of legal issues in City operations.
• Effective management and adjustment of workload to accommodate changing needs and priorities of City staff.
• Strong research, legal writing, and oral presentation skills.
• Ability to prepare cases for hearings and trials in all courts.
• Experience with all pretrial phases of litigation including discovery, depositions of parties and experts, trial preparation.
• Ability to travel to various locations throughout the City in a timely manner.

Benefits

• Compensation and benefits package including: Flexible Benefits Plan, $50,000 in City-paid life insurance, Paid annual leave, SDCERS defined benefit (pension) plan, Voluntary Defined Contribution Plans (401(k)/457(b)), Retiree Medical Trust Plan, Holidays, Long-Term Disability Income Plan, Parental Leave, Bereavement Leave, Employee Assistance Program.

Pay

The successful candidate’s annual salary is based on the Deputy City Attorney salary table and dependent on qualifications and level of relevant legal experience. For further salary information, refer to the Deputy City Attorney Salary Table.

Schedule

The position may allow for a hybrid schedule with a mix of in-office and remote work after the introductory and probationary period.