Deputy City Attorney (Civil Litigation Division, General Litigation Unit)

JOB INFORMATION

See NOTES below for future wage increases and/or additional compensation opportunities.
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 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.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

Police false arrest and excessive force.
Personal injury, property damage, dangerous conditions, and motor vehicle accidents.
Constitutional claims, including inverse condemnation.
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.
Minimum 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 two years of Civil Litigation experience.
Ideal candidates will have 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.
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.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Notes

A 3.5% general wage increase will be effective July 1, 2027.
A 2% general wage increase will be effective July 1, 2028.
A 2% general wage increase will be effective January 1, 2029.
Work-life balance is important to us! The City Attorney's Office generally supports remote teleworking and the position may allow for a hybrid schedule with a mix of in-office and remote work after the introductory and probationary period. Please refer to the Office's teleworking policy.
Compensation and Benefits:

The successful candidate's annual salary is based on the Deputy City Attorney salary table and dependent on qualifications and level of relevant legal experience. For further salary information, refer to the Deputy City Attorney Salary Table.
In addition to a competitive salary, the City of San Diego offers a comprehensive benefits package including:
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.
Other Miscellaneous Benefits

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.
To learn more about all the employee benefits, please review the Benefits Summary for DCAA Employees. Some benefits currently offered to employees may be modified in the future.
For further information, please contact the Risk Management Department at View phone number on beyondsandiego.com. Retirement benefits for this unclassified position depend on the candidate's eligible status (new hire, rehire, etc.).
Pre-Employment Requirements

Employment offers are conditional pending the results of all screening processes that are applicable to this job, which may include but are not limited to the following:
Proof of citizenship or legal right to work in the United States.
Reference checks.
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.
All these processes must be successfully completed before employment begins. Misrepresentation, falsification, or omission of pertinent facts in any step of the screening or selection process may be cause for disqualification or termination of employment. The City of San Diego is committed to a drug and alcohol-free workplace.
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION:

The San Diego City Attorney's Office is deeply committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. It is vitally important to the Office that as public servants, we represent the community we serve. To that end, the Office strongly encourages applicants of diverse backgrounds to apply. In furtherance of the Office's commitment to diversity and inclusion, the Office has an active Committee for Diversity & Inclusion and Racial Equity Task Force.
Management Compensation And Benefits

The successful candidate will be eligible for participation in the City's Flexible Benefits Plan that offers several optional benefit plans or a taxable cash option; $50,000 in City-paid life insurance; paid annual leave accruing at 22 days per year for the 1st through the 15th year of service. For further information, please contact the Risk Management Department at View phone number on beyondsandiego.com. Retirement benefits for this unclassified position depend on the candidate's eligible status (new hire, rehire, etc.).
To learn more about employee benefits, please review the Benefits Summary for DCAA-Represented Employees Some benefits currently offered to employees may be modified in the future.

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