Assistant City Attorney (Civil Litigation Division) – City Attorney’s Office - I2358 (UNC)

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 San Diego City Attorney’s Office has an opening for the Assistant City Attorney of the Civil Litigation Division. The position reports directly to the City Attorney and is a member of the City Attorney’s Executive Team.

The Civil Litigation Division generally prosecutes and defends all lawsuits and cases to which the City is a party. Under the direction of the Assistant City Attorney, the Civil Litigation Division participates in all stages of litigation, including trials and appeals, on behalf of the City in state and federal courts. The Division also presents cases and settlement proposals to the Mayor and City Council in closed session meetings with the City Council, and works closely with City departments and leadership to address risks, adopt mitigation measures, and resolve legal disputes. 

The Division’s workload includes police false arrest and excessive force cases, personal injury cases, property damage cases, dangerous condition cases, motor vehicle accidents, indemnity claims, claims related to funding and revenue sources such as City taxes and fees, constitutional claims, and cases challenging the City’s compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Brown Act, California Environmental Quality Act, City land use decisions, and the California Public Records Act. The Division also handles the City’s employment cases alleging discrimination, retaliation, harassment, or unpaid wages, and proceedings before the Civil Service Commission or Cal/OSHA. 

The position is unclassified, at-will, and serves at the pleasure of the City Attorney. 

To Apply:

To learn more about the position, please visit the San Diego City Attorney’s Office Career Page.