Deputy City Attorney I/II/III
About The Position
The Office of the Los Angeles City Attorney is one of the nation's largest municipal law offices, providing high-caliber legal services to the City of Los Angeles. With over 1,000 legal professionals, including 500 attorneys, the office handles a wide range of legal matters, from prosecuting criminal misdemeanors and leading criminal justice reform to advising on homelessness initiatives, defending civil lawsuits, and bringing civil enforcement actions. The Criminal Branch attorneys prosecute misdemeanor criminal cases from court offices located throughout Los Angeles. The Regulatory Division focuses on code enforcement and regulatory matters, with an emphasis on enforcement against illegal cannabis activity. The office collaborates closely with various law enforcement and regulatory agencies to prosecute crimes within the City of Los Angeles.
Requirements
- Licensed to practice law in all courts in the State of California.
- Broad knowledge of criminal law and procedure.
- Excellent oral communication skills and ability to effectively engage in oral advocacy.
- Demonstrated ability to interact with the public, law enforcement, and the court system with tact, sensitivity, and good judgment.
- Strong research and writing skills.
Nice To Haves
- Minimum five years of experience as a practicing attorney.
- Experience with enforcement of cannabis laws, nuisance abatement, code enforcement, and other regulatory matters.
- Experience in cases involving Business and Professions Code section 17200, and other civil enforcement causes of action.
- Substantial experience demonstrating strong trial skills, including an understanding of evidentiary issues, trial preparation, and trial strategy.
- Significant experience prosecuting misdemeanors.
- Demonstrated experience with filing procedures and handling arraignment, master calendar, trial, and post-conviction courts.
- Experience with electronic databases and the electronic and digital presentation of evidence.
- Lead the preparation of reports, memoranda, and legal research.
Responsibilities
- Reviewing cases presented by law enforcement agencies for filing determination.
- Making filing decisions and initiating criminal complaints.
- Assessing case value for charge reductions, pleas, and sentences.
- Appearing in arraignment court and negotiating case dispositions.
- Engaging in case preparation, including crime scene visits when appropriate.
- Retrieving and reviewing digital evidence such as body-worn video, digital in-car video, and social media posts.
- Handling discovery and law and motion matters with related court appearances.
- Staffing and appearing in master calendar, direct set trial, and post-conviction courts.
- Conducting jury and court trials, including witness preparation, arguing pre-trial motions, delivering opening/closing statements, examining/cross-examining witnesses, and making evidentiary objections.
- Handling all post-trial motions and appropriate sentence recommendations.
- Handling appeals and writs.
- Performing all other duties associated with the prosecution of misdemeanor offenses.
- Undertaking additional assignments as determined by a supervisor.
Benefits
- Los Angeles City Employees’ Retirement System (LACERS) participation, including mandatory employee pension contributions and City contributions.
- Reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
