DEPUTY CITY ATTORNEY I-II (LITIGATION)

DESCRIPTION

Deputy City Attorney - Civil Litigation & Public Entity Defense

Position Overview: The Long Beach City Attorney’s Office is seeking an experienced, full-time Trial Attorney to join our Litigation Division. This role is designed for a confident, court-ready defense litigator with proven courtroom experience and the demonstrated ability to confidently and independently handle a large caseload from day one.

The successful candidate will represent the City of Long Beach and individual City employees in both state and federal courts. If you are a litigation attorney interested in public sector defense, this position offers immediate “first chair” opportunities that you may not find in private practice or at other government agencies.

Qualifications:

• A minimum of two (2) years of civil litigation experience is required. Experience ranging from four to eight (4-8) years-specifically showing a strong background in public entity defense, government liability, or federal civil rights litigation (including 42 U.S.C. § 1983)-is highly preferred.

SPECIAL NOTE

This is an "at-will" position. The appointed candidate will serve at the discretion of the City Attorney and can be released at any time. In such an event, the candidate is not afforded the right to any appeal or grievance procedure under any rule or regulation of the City of Long Beach.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• Serve as lead courtroom counsel for jury trials and hearings in Superior Court and U.S. District Court
• Direct all phases of litigation from initial case intake through resolution.
• Use targeted motion practice and focused discovery, including fact and expert witness depositions, to execute defense strategy.
• Formulate deep liability and damages analysis to provide sound legal advice to City officials regarding liability and risk management.
• Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.

BENEFITS

The City offers an attractive benefits package that includes the following:

• Retirement - City offers CalPERS with a benefit of 2.5% @ 55 for Classic members or 2% at 62 for new members as defined by PEPRA, subject to the limitations set by PERS. Employee pays the employee portion. The City also participates in Social Security.
• Vacation - Twelve (12) days after one year of service; 15 days after 4½ years of service; 20 days after 19½ years of service. Use of vacation days after 6 months of service.
• Executive Leave - Forty (40) hours per year.
• Sick Leave - Ninety-six (96) hours or twelve (12) days per year, with unlimited accrual; conversion upon retirement to cash credit toward health and/or dental insurance premiums, or to pension credits.
• Paid Parental Leave - After six (6) months of City employment, up to 30 calendar days (160 hours) of PPL, taken in full- day increments, in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child, up to the age of seventeen (17). Holidays - Eleven (11) designated holidays per year plus four (4) personal holidays to be used at the employee’s discretion.
• Health Insurance - Two medical plans are available: HMO or PPO. The City pays major portion of the premium for employee and dependents depending on the health/dental plan selected.
• Dental Insurance - Two dental plans are available for employees and dependents: HMO or PPO.
• Vision - Comprehensive exams covered every 12 months with discounts on exams and on glasses/ contacts.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) - Optional election for employees to reduce taxable income for payment of allowable childcare or medical expenses.
• Life Insurance - City-paid term life insurance policy.
• Disability - City-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Management Physical - Annual City-paid physical examination.
• Deferred Compensation 457(b) Plan - City contributes $250 a month to a supplementary retirement savings program available through Mission Square.
• Bereavement Leave -Five paid bereavement leave (BL) days per eligible family member death or critical illness (where death appears imminent), with a maximum of three occurrences in a calendar year (up to fifteen maximum paid days).
• Monthly Transportation Allowance.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness - May be eligible.
• Alternate Work Schedule - 9/80 (Alternate Fridays off).
• Hybrid Work Program - Combination of in-office and telecommuting.

REQUIREMENTS TO FILE

• Graduation from law school accredited by the ABA or the California Committee of Bar Examiners.
• A member of the California State Bar in good standing with no prior history of discipline.
• Two years of civil litigation experience as an attorney.
• A valid California Class C driver's license.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL DEMONSTRATE:

• Current and detailed knowledge of civil litigation, including California civil procedure and evidence.
• Strong legal writing and research ability, including using Westlaw.
• Clear and concise communication.
• Skill in prioritizing tasks, executing them to meet strict deadlines, and maintaining organized files.
• Comfort working independently and with minimal supervision.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365, especially Outlook and Word.
• A team-first attitude.
• Civil and courteous interaction with all people.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.

This recruitment will close on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. To be considered, applicants must submit a complete application packet which includes an online application, supplemental questionnaire, proof of degree(s), and a cover letter and resume in PDF format. The application, cover letter and resume should highlight all areas in which applicants have developed expertise, matching their professional experience as it relates to the position.

Incomplete application packets that clearly do not meet the minimum requirements will not be considered. The most qualified applicants will be invited to continue in the selection process.

“The City of Long Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as an individual with a disability, or other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We value diversity in our workforce and are committed to creating a workplace where every employee is respected and included. We strive to reflect the diversity of our community at all levels of the organization, promote fair and equitable employment practices, advance equity, and inclusion through our work with staff and community partners, and promote transparency by publishing workforce demographic information, including diversity and pay data by race and gender.”

The City of Long Beach will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You are not required to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until you receive a conditional job offer. If the City of Long Beach has concerns about a conviction that is directly related to the job after making a conditional job offer and conducting a background check, you will have the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide evidence to mitigate concerns, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act .

The City of Long Beach intends to provide reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If a special accommodation is desired, or if you would like to request this information in an alternative format, please contact the Office of the City Attorney two (2) business days prior to the interview(s) at (562) 570-2200.

If you have questions about this recruitment, please email cityattorney@longbeach.gov. For technical support with governmentjobs.com application, contact (855) 524-5627.

Intentionally left blank -- This page is under review.

Closing Date/Time: 8/4/2026 11:59 PM Pacific