Deputy City Attorney (Criminal and Community Justice Division)

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

7d•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 190 lawyers and approximately 230 support staff, dedicated to providing legal services to the City of San Diego. The Criminal and Community Justice Division of the San Diego City Attorney’s Office is conducting a recruitment to fill a Deputy City Attorney position. Our deputies prepare and prosecute misdemeanor criminal cases in the City of San Diego by handling a variety of motions, misdemeanor jury trials, and conducting legal research. Strong preference will be given to applicants with some courtroom experience who have tried cases to jury verdict. These are entry-level positions (Deputy City Attorney I & II) and positions for applicants with some experience prosecuting criminal cases (Deputy City Attorney III). Those hired will be assigned initially as prosecutors in our General Trial Unit, the Domestic Violence & Sex Crimes Unit, or assigned as needed to strengthen our diverse units within the Criminal and Community Justice Division. Please see the website for the different units within the Division.

Requirements

Possess a J.D. degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association or foreign equivalent.
Be licensed to practice law and an active member in good standing with the State Bar of California at the time of hire.
Possess strong analytical, research, writing, and oral presentation skills; be a practical problem-solver and team player; have good time management skills; and demonstrate effective communication and conflict resolution 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.
Successful applicants must pass a criminal background and reference checks.
Proof of citizenship or legal right to work in the United States.
Fingerprint checks: fingerprints will be submitted to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the California Department of Justice for a conviction record report.
Additional screening processes such as a background investigation.

Nice To Haves

Some courtroom experience who have tried cases to jury verdict.
1+ years of criminal law experience at a prosecutorial agency, which may include work as an intern, law clerk, or volunteer attorney for DCA I & II positions.
4+ years of experience practicing criminal law for DCA III positions.
Strong criminal justice background.
Strong legal writing and oral presentation skills; and exceptional organizational skills.

Responsibilities

Provide effective prosecution of misdemeanors and infractions occurring within the City.
Review citations, arrest reports, and other law enforcement documents for legal sufficiency and constitutional compliance to determine whether misdemeanor charges should be filed based on the facts and evidence.
Represent the People of the State of California in pre-trial, trial, post-trial, and appellate matters.
Independently manage assigned cases; confer with witnesses and victims of crime; negotiate plea agreements with defense counsel; anticipate problems and pursue solutions; and formulate a trial strategy.
Conduct legal research; draft complaints; analyze and draft accurate and complete legal documents such as pleadings, legal responses, affidavits, memoranda, and briefs as required.
Identify and subpoena witnesses, records, and other information required to present the case; and prepare discovery responses.
Coordinate follow-up investigations by City Attorney investigators, law enforcement personnel, and regulatory agency personnel.
Independently conduct jury and bench trials; competently examine witnesses; develop and present jury instructions; demonstrate excellent oral advocacy skills from jury selection to closing argument.
Handle a variety of court appearances including sentencing and restitution hearings.
Perform other related 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)).
Post-Employment Health Reimbursement Account (PEHRA)
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).
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.