Deputy City Attorney - Trial/Litigation Team - City Attorney's Office (8177)
About The Position
The San Francisco City Attorney’s Office is seeking a qualified and motivated attorney to join its Trial Team. The Trial Team is a collaborative, nimble, and dynamic group of over 40 attorneys and support staff and the largest team at the City Attorney’s Office. The Team primarily defends lawsuits filed against the City and County of San Francisco and its employees in state and federal court, handling all phases of litigation, from case intake and assessment, litigation strategy, discovery and document review, motion practice, settlement evaluation and negotiation, trial, and appeal. The Team’s docket is broad, and ranges from personal injury accidents to constitutional torts. The Trial Team represents employees from all City departments and touches every aspect of the City’s operations, from transit to sewer, law enforcement to public health. Trial Team members also work on cross-team assignments on an as-needed basis, including helping City departments assess litigation risks, respond to third-party discovery, and respond to crisis situations. Attorneys on the Trial Team are assigned defensive matters, primarily involving accidents or injuries involving City operations, but also including constitutional claims and contractual disputes. Attorneys are assigned their own caseloads and have primary responsibility for all aspects of their cases, from responding to lawsuits, filing and arguing motions, trying cases before a jury, all the way to appeal. Attorneys should expect to make regular appearances in court and depositions as the first chair on all of their cases. The Trial Team regularly schedules weekly meetings for attorneys to roundtable and discuss their cases before the entire team. Attorneys are also supported by direct supervisors, the Assistant Chief, and the Chief Trial Attorney for significant decisions on cases.
Requirements
- Licensed to practice law in California.
- Ability to assume responsibility quickly, work both independently and collaboratively, and identify and assess substantive and procedural legal issues.
- Ability to work effectively and efficiently, meet multiple competing deadlines, manage workload changes, and dive into new assignments quickly.
- Excellent written and oral communication and advocacy skills.
- Ability to manage, investigate, and litigate multiple matters in both state and federal courts.
- Ability to handle all phases of litigation, including intake and investigation, written discovery, depositions, motion practice, settlement negotiation, trial, and appeal.
- Experience handling court appearances and oral argument.
- Familiarity with state and federal rules of civil procedure and local rules of court.
- Ability to work effectively with paralegals, legal assistants, investigators, and other colleagues.
- Ability to exercise excellent judgment, adapt to changes, and be curious.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and a positive attitude.
- Commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.
- Interest and ability to work successfully as part of a team.
Nice To Haves
- Three or ideally more years of civil litigation experience, including trial experience.
- Experience with e-discovery.
- Demonstrated interest, comfort, and good working knowledge of sophisticated document review tools.
Responsibilities
- Defend lawsuits filed against the City and County of San Francisco and its employees in state and federal court.
- Handle all phases of litigation, from case intake and assessment, litigation strategy, discovery and document review, motion practice, settlement evaluation and negotiation, trial, and appeal.
- Represent employees from all City departments.
- Work on cross-team assignments on an as-needed basis, including helping City departments assess litigation risks, respond to third-party discovery, and respond to crisis situations.
- Respond to lawsuits, file and argue motions, try cases before a jury, and handle appeals.
- Make regular appearances in court and depositions as the first chair on all cases.
- Participate in weekly meetings to roundtable and discuss cases.
- Handle defensive matters, primarily involving accidents or injuries involving City operations, constitutional claims, and contractual disputes.
Benefits
- Robust health, retirement, and other benefits.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
