Deputy Attorney I​/II

This position is open until filled.

A first review of applications will take place during the week of June 30, 2025. Applicants that apply after the first review are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review date.

Deputy City Attorney I salary range: $92,484 - $137,559 per year
Deputy City Attorney II salary range: $112,416 - $167,202 per year

If you want to join a hardworking team that shares a commitment to provide top-quality municipal services in a prime North County location, consider a career with the City of Escondido. We have an opening for the position of Deputy City Attorney in our City Attorney's Department. For a complete listing of job duties and qualifications, please refer to the corresponding job description, which can be obtained from the Human Resources Department or downloaded from the City's website.

Summary Description

Under supervision (Deputy City Attorney I) or general supervision (Deputy City Attorney II), provides legal counsel of a moderately complex nature on a variety of legal matters involving legal investigation, opinion preparation, litigation, legal consultation, and trial work; works closely with and assists more experienced City Attorneys. This level in the Attorney series is initially expected to perform the more routine functions associated with the City Attorney's office and, over time, work with greater independence and assume responsibility for progressively difficult and complex assignments as experience is gained.


Distinguishing characteristics

This is an experienced professional class in the City Attorney's Office.


Deputy City Attorney I:This is the entry level in the Deputy City Attorney series. Positions at this level are not expected to function with the same amount of program knowledge or skill level as positions allocated to the Deputy City Attorney II level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern.

Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise. Incumbents at this level are expected to learn the full range of responsibilities and perform duties with an increasing level of independence. Advancement to the "II" level is based on demonstrated proficiency in performing the assigned functions and is at the discretion of higher level supervisory or management staff.

Deputy City Attorney II: This is the experienced level in the Deputy City Attorney series performing the full range of journey level professional legal services duties in support of the City Attorney’s Office with only occasional instruction or assistance. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Deputy City Attorney I level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, applying well developed knowledge, and exercising judgment and initiative.

Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Work is normally reviewed only on completion and for overall results. Positions in this class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the Deputy City Attorney II level are normally filled by advancement from the Deputy City Attorney I level when the requisite experience is obtained.

This class is distinguished from that of the Senior Deputy City Attorney in that the latter is a senior level class that is responsible for more complex and difficult legal matters, litigation, and highly sensitive issues, and exercises technical and functional supervision over professional staff.