Deputy City Attorney (Civil Litigation Division, Federal Response Litigation Unit)

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

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

The San Diego City Attorney's Office is seeking a Deputy City Attorney for its Civil Litigation Division, Federal Response Litigation Unit. The role focuses on federal litigation and reports to the Assistant City Attorney. The Deputy City Attorney prosecutes or defends federal civil lawsuits involving the City and matters that affect the well-being of San Diego residents. Recent work has included challenging federal funding terminations, freezes, and conditions; preparing and supporting amicus curiae briefs on immigration, voting, civil rights, and reproductive rights; and participating in federal rule-making involving policies that may threaten San Diegans' constitutional or statutory rights. The role involves complex litigation challenging federal overreach and unconstitutional actions, including researching novel claims and preparing pleadings, motions, and supporting evidence. The attorney appears regularly in federal court, coordinates with public agencies and nonprofit organizations on investigations and litigation, advises the Mayor and City Council on sensitive matters in closed session, and supervises paralegals, investigators, and other professionals. Deputy City Attorneys are expected to learn City operations, identify legal issues proactively, and manage workload as priorities change. The position may allow a hybrid schedule, combining in-office and remote work, after the introductory and probationary period. Applicants must be able to travel to legal proceedings or meetings at locations outside the office. Employment offers are conditional on applicable screening processes, which may include work-authorization verification, reference checks, fingerprint checks, and a background investigation.

Requirements

Active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California.
At least two years of civil litigation experience.
Experience with all pretrial phases of litigation, including discovery and trial preparation.
Strong legal research, legal writing, and oral presentation skills.
Ability to travel to locations outside the office for legal proceedings or meetings, with a valid California Class C driver's license and personal vehicle or the ability to travel throughout the City in a timely manner.
Ability to perform the essential duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Experience in joint prosecution or task force investigations.
Background in complex litigation, such as multi-jurisdictional proceedings or class actions.

Responsibilities

Prosecute or defend federal civil lawsuits involving the City.
Conduct complex litigation challenging federal overreach and unconstitutional actions, including researching novel claims and preparing pleadings, motions, and supporting evidence.
Appear regularly in federal courts.
Collaborate and coordinate with public agencies and nonprofit organizations on joint investigations and litigation to enforce laws and safeguard community rights.
Provide updates on sensitive, high-profile litigation matters and confidential legal counsel to the Mayor and City Council in closed session.
Supervise paralegals, investigators, and other professionals.
Become familiar with City operations to identify and address legal issues proactively.
Manage and adjust workload to accommodate changing needs and priorities.
Perform other work as assigned.

Benefits

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 first through fifteenth year of service.
San Diego City Employees’ Retirement System defined benefit pension plan.
Voluntary 401(k) and 457(b) defined contribution plans.
Post-Employment Health Reimbursement Account.
Eleven paid holidays annually and one floating holiday per fiscal year.
Long-Term Disability Income Plan.
Free MTS transit pass.
City-awarded discretionary paid leave.
Up to eight 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.