Deputy City Attorney (Civil Litigation Division, General Litigation 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 seeking applications from attorneys who are interested in a position as a Deputy City Attorney in the General Litigation Unit. This position reports directly to a Chief Deputy City Attorney and is responsible for a broad range of duties including prosecuting or defending civil lawsuits in which the City is a party. Deputy City Attorneys must become familiar with City operations to identify and address legal issues in a proactive manner, and continually manage and adjust their workload to accommodate changing needs and priorities of City staff.

Requirements

Be an active member in good standing with the State Bar of California and if selected for the position, must promptly apply for admission to the United States District Court for the Southern District of California, if not already admitted to that court.
Possess at least 2 years of Civil Litigation experience.
Attorneys in this position must be able to travel to locations outside the office for legal proceedings or meetings. Therefore, possession of a valid California Class C driver's license and personal vehicle, or the ability to travel to various locations throughout the City in a timely manner, is required.

Nice To Haves

Experience preparing cases for hearings and trials in all courts or can otherwise demonstrate the skills necessary for this position.
Experience with all pretrial phases of litigation including discovery, depositions of parties and experts, trial preparation, and strong research, legal writing and oral presentation skills will also be considered for the position.

Responsibilities

Defending the City in cases such as Police false arrest and excessive force.
Defending the City in cases of Personal injury, property damage, dangerous conditions, and motor vehicle accidents.
Defending the City in Constitutional claims, including inverse condemnation.
Defending the City in Legal challenges to City ordinances, resolutions and policies, as well as cases challenging the City's compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Brown Act, and the California Public Records Act.
Handling matters pertaining to writs and appeals.
Preparing pleadings for trials, hearings, discovery, and other legal proceedings.
Representing the City and its officers and employees in their official capacities in trial.
Presenting recommendations to the City Council in Closed Session.
Performing other work 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)).
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.