Deputy City Attorney (Crimes Against Children Unit)

Los Angeles City Attorney's Office • Los Angeles, CA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Office of the Los Angeles City Attorney is seeking a Deputy City Attorney for its Crimes Against Children (CAC) Unit, a specialized vertical prosecution unit. The unit reviews and prosecutes crimes against children, including child sexual abuse and exploitation, internet-facilitated crimes against children, human trafficking of minors, and significant child physical abuse. It handles child sex abuse cases referred to the Office from filing through disposition using a coordinated, trauma-informed, and victim-centered approach.

The CAC Unit works with law enforcement, child welfare agencies, medical providers, schools, and community partners to improve investigations, protect victims, and promote accountability. It also supports training, prevention, policy development, legislative advocacy, and best practices in investigating and prosecuting crimes against children. The unit consists of four trial attorneys and one filing/law and motion attorney. Based on operational needs, attorneys may assist or provide coverage to other Criminal Branch Divisions and may be rotated to other assignments, generally after two to three years.

The position requires regular onsite work and may be assigned to any Office location or required to attend proceedings throughout Los Angeles County. Appointment to this exempt, non-Civil-Service position is subject to a two-year probationary period. Employees participate in the Los Angeles City Employees’ Retirement System (LACERS).

Requirements

• Licensed to practice law in all courts in the State of California.
• Current member in good standing with the California State Bar Association.
• Three years of prosecution experience.
• California driver's license in good standing.
• Ability to make court appearances and meet with victims and witnesses throughout the City and County of Los Angeles.

Nice To Haves

• Significant jury trial experience.
• Broad knowledge of criminal law and procedure.
• Experience prosecuting child sexual abuse cases and cases involving child victims or witnesses.
• Experience with filing procedures, arguing bail, and using the eSCARS system.
• Experience observing forensic interviews and participating in a multidisciplinary team format.
• Training in child sexual abuse and exploitation cases.
• Excellent oral communication skills and ability to engage effectively in oral advocacy.
• Ability to interact successfully and with tact, sensitivity, and good judgment with the public, law enforcement, social workers, schools, multidisciplinary teams, and the court system.
• Strong research and writing skills.
• Familiarity with electronic databases and electronic and digital presentation of evidence.
• Ability to assist in preparing reports, memoranda, and legal research.
• Strong ethics and a desire to do justice.

Responsibilities

• Review referrals of Crimes Against Children cases.
• Observe forensic interviews and participate in multidisciplinary teams.
• File and vertically prosecute cases.
• Draft and argue pre-trial and post-trial motions.
• Establish rapport with minor victims according to CAC Unit best-practice guidelines.
• Coordinate victims and witnesses with advocates from multidisciplinary team partners and support staff.
• Provide weekly updates on significant cases to upper management.
• Build working relationships with detectives, officers, social workers, and other partners working on CAC cases in each Bureau.
• Attend ongoing training, including conferences, summits, unit training, and off-site training.
• Provide minimal-fact training for LAPD, shared among deputies in the unit.
• Provide assistance or coverage to other Criminal Branch Divisions as operational needs require.

Benefits

• Participation in the Los Angeles City Employees’ Retirement System (LACERS), with mandatory employee pension contributions through payroll deduction and a City contribution toward the employee’s retirement benefit.
• Employer-provided parking may be available, but is limited and may not be available for this classification.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed