Assistant City Attorney (Civil Litigation Division)

San Diego City Attorney's Office•San Diego, CA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The San Diego City Attorney's Office is seeking an Assistant City Attorney for the Civil Litigation Division. This municipal law firm employs over 190 lawyers and approximately 230 support staff. The Civil Litigation Division prosecutes and defends all lawsuits and cases involving the City, participating in all stages of litigation, including trials and appeals, in state and federal courts. The Division also presents cases and settlement proposals to the Mayor and City Council, and works with City departments to address risks, adopt mitigation measures, and resolve legal disputes. The Division's workload is diverse, including police misconduct cases, personal injury, property damage, dangerous conditions, motor vehicle accidents, indemnity claims, tax and fee-related claims, constitutional claims, and cases challenging the City's compliance with various laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act, Brown Act, California Environmental Quality Act, City land use decisions, and the California Public Records Act. Additionally, the Division handles employment cases involving discrimination, retaliation, harassment, or unpaid wages, and proceedings before the Civil Service Commission or Cal OSHA. This is an unclassified, at-will position serving at the pleasure of the City Attorney.

Requirements

Active member in good standing with the State Bar of California
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
Strong analytical, research, writing, and oral presentation skills
Practical problem-solver and team player
Good time management skills
Effective communication and conflict resolution skills
Ten or more years of experience as a licensed attorney
Significant trial experience
Proven managerial experience
Strong references
Experience working with municipalities and elected officials
Ability to travel to locations outside the office for legal proceedings or meetings
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

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

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
City-awarded discretionary leave (paid time off)
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