Deputy City Attorney (Civil Litigation Division, Land Use, Writs, and Appeals Unit)

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, holding accountable those who commit crimes against the public health and safety and violate other local and state laws.

The Civil Litigation Division is recruiting for a Deputy City Attorney position in the Land Use, Writs, and Appeal Unit. This position reports directly to the Chief Deputy City Attorney of this Unit. The Unit prepares and defends civil actions on behalf of the City in state and federal court, including challenges based on the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), eminent domain, constitutional issues related to the use of land, real estate development, failure to comply with the Municipal Code or City procedures, and land use-related decisions by the City Council, Planning Commission, and City staff.

In addition to land use cases, the Unit handles validation actions, declaratory relief actions, Code of Civil Procedure sections 1085 and 1094.5 writs (including challenges to funding and revenue sources such as City taxes and fees, pension/retirement claims, California Public Record Act cases, and pre/post-election challenges), numerous land use appeals, and assists with appeals from other Litigation Units.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and defend the City in state and federal court against challenges based on CEQA, constitutional issues related to land use, real estate development, Municipal Code compliance, and land use decisions by the City Council or City staff.
• Represent the City in validation actions, declaratory relief actions, and Code of Civil Procedure sections 1085 and 1094.5 writs.
• Handle eminent domain actions on behalf of the City.
• Defend inverse condemnation actions filed against the City in state and federal court.
• Handle appeals arising from assigned cases and assist General Litigation deputies with appeals.
• Meet general Office expectations and policies (e.g., work hours, timely completion of Litigation Reports, Closed Session memos, and mandatory training).
• Perform other duties as assigned by the City Attorney, Assistant City Attorney for Litigation, or Chief Deputy City Attorney for Land Use, Writs, and Appeal.

Requirements

• Active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California; admission to the United States District Court for the Southern District of California required upon hire if not already admitted.
• Experience in document review and analysis for lengthy cases, managing expert witnesses (e.g., engineers, economists, appraisers), and collaborating with attorneys and City personnel.
• Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license and personal vehicle or other means to travel for court hearings, depositions, or meetings.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have:

• At least 3 years of litigation experience in municipal law, with extensive knowledge and practical experience in the areas of law handled by the Land Use, Writs, and Appeal Unit.
• Proven litigation abilities and strong research, writing, and advocacy skills.
• Trial or appellate oral argument experience (highly desirable).

Pay

Salary is based on the Deputy City Attorney salary table and dependent on qualifications and level of relevant legal experience. Future wage increases are scheduled as follows:

• 3.5% general wage increase effective July 1, 2027.
• 2% general wage increase effective July 1, 2028.
• 2% general wage increase effective January 1, 2029.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package, including participation in the City's Flexible Benefits Plan with optional benefit plans or a taxable cash option.
• $50,000 in City-paid life insurance.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Paid annual leave 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.
• Eleven paid holidays annually and one floating holiday per fiscal year.
• Long-Term Disability Income Plan.
• Free MTS transit pass.
• City-awarded discretionary leave (paid time off).
• 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.

Retirement benefits depend on the candidate's eligible status (new hire, rehire, etc.). Some benefits may be modified in the future.

Schedule

The City Attorney's Office generally supports remote teleworking, and the position may allow for a hybrid schedule (mix of in-office and remote work) after the introductory and probationary period.