Deputy Attorney; Criminal Division

Job Information

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 serving as the City’s prosecutor on behalf of the People of the State of California. The municipal law firm employs over 180 lawyers and approximately 230 support staff, dedicated to providing legal services to the City of San Diego.

The Criminal and Community Justice Division is recruiting for Deputy City Attorney positions (I & II – entry level; III, IV, V – mid‑to‑senior level). Deputies prepare and prosecute misdemeanor criminal cases, handle motions, jury trials, and conduct legal research. Those hired will be assigned initially in the General Trial Unit, the Domestic Violence & Sex Crimes Unit, or as needed to strengthen other units within the Division.

• Provide effective prosecution of misdemeanors and infractions occurring within the City.
• Review citations, arrest reports, and other law enforcement documents for legal sufficiency and constitutional compliance to determine whether misdemeanor charges should be filed.
• Represent the People of the State of California in pre‑trial, trial, post‑trial, and appellate matters.
• Independently manage assigned cases; confer with witnesses and victims of crime, negotiate plea agreements with defense counsel, anticipate problems and pursue solutions, and formulate a trial strategy.
• Conduct legal research; draft complaints; analyze and draft accurate and complete legal documents such as pleadings, legal responses, affidavits, memoranda, and briefs.
• Identify and subpoena witnesses, records, and other information required to present the case; prepare discovery responses.
• Coordinate follow‑up investigations by City Attorney investigators, law enforcement personnel, and regulatory agency personnel.
• Independently conduct jury and bench trials; competently examine witnesses; develop and present jury instructions; demonstrate excellent oral advocacy skills from jury selection to closing argument.
• Handle a variety of court appearances including sentencing hearings.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• J.D. degree from an American Bar Association‑accredited law school or foreign equivalent.
• Licensed to practice law and active member in good standing with the State Bar of California at the time of hire.
• Strong analytical, research, writing, and oral presentation skills; practical problem‑solver and team player; good time‑management and effective communication and conflict‑resolution skills.

• 1+ years of criminal law experience at a prosecutorial agency (including internship, law clerk, or volunteer attorney).
• 4+ years of experience practicing criminal or municipal law.
• Strong criminal justice background.
• Strong legal writing and oral presentation skills; exceptional organizational skills.
• Any combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may also be considered.

Applicants must be able to travel to court hearings, depositions, or meetings outside the office. A valid California Class C driver’s license and personal vehicle or other means of travel are required. Successful applicants must pass a criminal background and reference checks; employment is contingent upon completion of the above‑mentioned process.

The City Attorney’s Office supports remote telework and may allow a hybrid schedule after the introductory and probationary period. Please refer to the Office’s teleworking policy.

The Deputy City Attorney salary is based on the Deputy City Attorney salary table and is dependent on qualifications and relevant legal experience. For further salary information, refer to the Deputy City Attorney Salary Table.

• 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 accruing at 22 days per year for the 1st through 15th…