Deputy City Attorney (Prosecution)

THE CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE

The City Attorney's Office is responsible for all legal representation and advice for the City Council, Boards, Commissions and all City officers and staff in all matters of law pertaining to the City as well as all City code prosecution and litigation services.

The City Attorney’s Office is allocated 17.5 positions, consisting of ten attorneys (the City Attorney, Chief Assistant City Attorney, six assistants, and two deputies), one investigator, one budget manager, two paralegals, and four clerical staff, which function as a close team. The City Attorney’s Office works closely with City Departments, including the Santa Barbara Police Department, Santa Barbara Fire Department, and Community Development Department and several other City agencies to enforce violations of the municipal code in the City of Santa Barbara. 

The Deputy City Attorney is an entry level position in the City Attorney's Office. This position is dedicated exclusively to misdemeanor prosecutorial duties.

Under the general supervision of an experienced Assistant City Prosecutor,  the essential job functions include reviewing cases presented by a variety of code and law enforcement agencies for filing determination; making filing decisions; initiating criminal and civil complaints; assessing the value of cases for purposes of possible charge reductions, pleas and sentences; appearing in arraignment court and civil courts; negotiating case dispositions; engaging in case presentation; conducting site visits when appropriate; retrieval and review of digital evidence such as body worn video, and mobile audio video; handling discovery, law and motion matters, and making related court appearances; appearing in calendar courts and treatment courts; conducting jury and court trials, including interviewing and preparing witnesses for trial; preparing and arguing pre-trial motions, delivering opening statements and closing arguments, examining and cross-examining witnesses, and making appropriate evidentiary objections; handling post-deliberation motions and appropriate sentencing recommendation; working on an array of complex nuisance matters including substandard housing, illegal short-term rentals, and animal control matters; handling Health and Safety Code receivership cases and civil litigation cases involving code enforcement; working on both criminal and civil appeals; drafting inspection and abatement warrants; working on cannabis related issues; and handling administrative citations, fines and appeal proceedings.  The job functions will also include working on Gun Violence Restraining Order and Workplace Violence Restraining Order cases and the civil litigation responsibilities associated with these types of cases, including contested evidentiary hearings.

The ideal candidate must be a member of the California State Bar in good standing, have strong organizational skills, display sound judgment, and have a positive and courteous demeanor. Some experience in the area of criminal law and/or municipal law is desirable but not required. Excellent oral advocacy, legal writing, and legal research skills are needed for this position.  

The ideal candidate will enjoy working and contributing to an office environment that emphasizes collaboration and flexibility, with frequent client and co-worker contact both in the office and at the clients’ various sites (Santa Barbara City Hall is distributed in a multi-block campus).  

Applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed, and the most qualified candidates will be invited for an interview. Applications should fully describe relevant education, training, and experience. Final candidates will undergo a background investigation and must meet all pre-employment requirements.

Applicants will receive updates via the email address listed on their application. Please check email and spam folders regularly. Status updates may also be viewed by logging into your governmentjobs.com account.


OPEN & CONTINUOUS RECRUITMENT

THIS RECRUITMENT IS OPEN UNTIL FILLED.  APPLY BY 5:00 PM ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2026 FOR PRIORITY CONSIDERATION.