What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Litigator (Assistant City Attorney V) position at City of Santa Barbara?
THE CITY OF SANTA BARBARA
At the City of Santa Barbara, the best part of our organization is our people. As a City of Santa Barbara employee, you will work in a collaborative environment with other motivated individuals who are passionate about their work. We strive to provide employees with the support they need to thrive and grow while fulfilling our Mission.
CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
The City Attorney’s Office provides legal representation and advice to the City Council, Boards and Commissions, and all City officers and staff on matters affecting the City’s operations and governance. The office handles a broad range of municipal legal work, including complex civil litigation, constitutional law, municipal operations, employment matters, public safety issues, and regulatory enforcement.
The office is staffed by seven full-time attorneys (the City Attorney, Chief Assistant City Attorney, Assistant Prosecutor, and four Assistant City Attorneys), one investigator, one Business Manager, and five professional support staff who work as a close and collaborative team.
Attorneys in the office regularly work across departments including Public Works, Community Development, Human Resources, Parks and Recreation, the Airport, Waterfront, Police, and Fire. The office is known for its high level of collaboration, strategic problem solving, and direct engagement with City leadership on significant legal matters affecting municipal policy, operations, and risk management.
THE POSITION
The City Attorney’s Office is seeking an exceptional and highly experienced litigation attorney to serve as Assistant City Attorney V – Senior Litigator.
This position offers the opportunity to lead complex, high-impact litigation on behalf of a major California coastal city. The Senior Litigator will handle significant civil litigation matters involving constitutional law, federal civil rights claims, public safety liability, and other high-exposure cases affecting municipal governance and operations.
Unlike many government litigation positions that rely heavily on outside counsel, the City Attorney’s Office actively litigates its own cases, providing the successful candidate with substantial courtroom responsibility and the opportunity to serve as lead trial counsel in both state and federal courts.
The Senior Litigator will independently manage a sophisticated litigation docket and play a central role in shaping the City’s litigation strategy and risk management approach.
Key responsibilities include
- Leading complex civil litigation matters from initial investigation through trial and appeal
- Strategic case evaluation and litigation planning
- Conducting written discovery and depositions
- Law and motion practice, including dispositive and constitutional motions
- Trial preparation and first-chair trial work in jury and bench trials
- Appellate briefing and oral argument when appropriate
- Advising City leadership and departments regarding litigation risk and strategy
- Coordinating and supervising outside counsel when retained for specialized matters
WHY JOIN THE CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
This position offers a unique opportunity to litigate complex and meaningful cases while serving the public interest.
Attorneys in the office enjoy:
- Substantial courtroom and trial opportunities
- A sophisticated and diverse litigation practice
- Direct engagement with City leadership and policy makers
- A collaborative and supportive legal team
- The opportunity to help shape legal strategy for a dynamic coastal city
SALARY & BENEFITS
- CalPERS retirement
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
- Deferred compensation (457 plan)
- Flexible spending account
- Life and disability insurance
- Continuing legal educations and professional development opportunities
The successful candidate will have substantial experience defending federal civil rights claims under 42 U.S.C. §1983, including cases involving law enforcement use of force, wrongful arrest, and other constitutional claims.
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS – REQUIREMENTS
- Active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California
- Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school
- Minimum of twelve (12) years of litigation experience
- Extensive experience handling complex litigation in federal court
- Significant experience defending claims brought under 42 U.S.C. §1983
- Demonstrated experience serving as lead counsel in jury trials
- Strong motion practice experience, including summary judgment and qualified immunity motions
- Excellent legal writing, research, and oral advocacy skills
- Ability to independently manage complex litigation while working collaboratively with attorneys and City departments.
The selection process may consist of an application screening, written exam, computer skills exam and/or an oral interview. The successful candidate's employment history will be thoroughly evaluated prior to appointment.
Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email and spam regularly throughout the recruitment process. You may also log into your governmentjobs.com account to view these emails.
Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email and spam regularly throughout the recruitment process. You may also log into your governmentjobs.com account to view these emails.
OPEN & CONTINUOUS RECRUITMENT: Because this recruitment is open and continuous, applicants are encouraged to submit completed applications as soon as possible. The filing period for an open and continuous recruitment may be closed at any time.
Salary : $228,340 - $277,550