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

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

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

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 180 lawyers and approximately 230 support staff, dedicated to providing legal services to the City of San Diego. The Civil Litigation Division of the San Diego City Attorney’s Office is conducting a recruitment to fill 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 Land Use, Writs, and Appeal 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 related cases, the Unit handles validation actions, declaratory relief actions, and Code of Civil Procedure sections 1085 and 1094.5 writs, including, but not limited to, challenges to funding and revenue sources such as City taxes and fees, pension/retirement claims, California Public Record Act cases, as well as pre and post-election challenges. The Unit also handles numerous land use appeals and assists or handles appeals from other Litigation Units.

Requirements

Be licensed to practice law and an active member in good standing in all courts in the State of California.
Application and admission to the United States District Court for the Southern District of California will be required upon hire of a successful applicant, if not already admitted.
Be experienced in document review and analysis for lengthy cases
managing a variety of expert witnesses, including engineers, economists, and appraisers
must work collaboratively with other attorneys and City personnel.
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.
Attorneys in this position must be able to travel to locations outside the office for court hearings, depositions, or meetings; therefore, possession of a valid California Class C driver's license and personal vehicle or other means to travel are required.

Nice To Haves

Trial or appellate oral argument experience is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Preparing and defending the City in state and federal court against challenges based on CEQA, 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 or City staff
Representing the City in validation actions, declaratory relief actions, and Code of Civil Procedure sections 1085 and 1094.5 writs
Handling eminent domain actions on behalf of the City
Defending inverse condemnation actions filed against the City in state and federal court
Handle appeals arising from assigned cases
Assist General Litigation deputies with appeals
Handle appeals arising from General Litigation cases, as needed
Meet general Office expectations and policies (e.g., work hours, timely completion of Litigation Reports, timely completion of Closed Session memos, and timely completion of 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

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.
Eleven (11) paid holidays are provided annually and one (1) Floating Holiday in a fiscal year.
Long-Term Disability Income Plan.
Eleven paid holidays annually and one floating holiday (paid time off) each fiscal year.
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.
Professional Development Reimbursement up to $2,000 for the cost of professional tuition, publications, and equipment purchases each fiscal year.
Employee Assistance Program.