What are the responsibilities and job description for the Deputy City Attorney I/II/III position at Los Angeles City Attorney's Office?
About Us
The Office of the Los Angeles City Attorney is one of the nation's largest municipal law offices. With over 1,000 legal professionals, including 500 attorneys, the Office provides the City with the highest caliber legal services, ranging from prosecuting criminal misdemeanors, playing a leading role in criminal justice reform, advising on homelessness initiatives, defending civil lawsuits and claims, and bringing civil enforcement actions in the name of the People of the State of California.
Guided by an overarching commitment to integrity, accountability and transparency, we find great meaning in the work we do and the services we provide.
We seek collaborative team players who understand that fulfilling our mission is key to making a positive impact.
Description
Criminal Branch attorneys prosecute misdemeanor criminal cases from court offices located throughout Los Angeles. The Regulatory Division focuses on code enforcement and regulatory matters, with an emphasis on enforcement against illegal cannabis activity in the City. The Office of the Los Angeles City Attorney works closely with local law enforcement agencies, including the Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles Sheriff's Department, California Highway Patrol and numerous city, county, state, and federal regulatory agencies to prosecute crimes occurring in the City of Los Angeles.
The Criminal Branch offices are located at:
Central - 200 N. Main Street, 5th Floor, Los Angeles 90012
Metropolitan - 1945 S. Hill Street, Room 501, Los Angeles 90007
Airport - 11701 S. La Cienega Blvd., Room 430, Los Angeles 90045
Long Beach - 100 Oceangate, Suite 510, Long Beach, CA 90802
Van Nuys - 6262 Van Nuys Blvd., Suite 160, Van Nuys 91401
San Fernando - 900 3rd St., San Fernando, CA 91340
Duties and Responsibilities
The essential job functions of the attorneys assigned to the Criminal Branch include reviewing cases presented by a variety of law enforcement agencies for filing determination; making filing decisions; initiating criminal complaints; assessing the value of cases for purposes of possible charge reductions, pleas and sentences; appearing in arraignment court; negotiating case dispositions; engaging in case preparation, including visiting the crime scene when appropriate; retrieval and review of digital evidence such as body worn video, digital in car video and social media posts; handling discovery, law and motion matters and making related court appearances; staffing and appearing in master calendar courts, direct set trial courts and post-conviction courts; conducting jury and court trials, including interviewing and preparing witnesses for trial, preparing and arguing pre-trial motions, delivering opening statements and closing arguments, examining and cross-examining witnesses, making appropriate evidentiary objections; handling all post-trial motions, and appropriate sentence recommendation post-conviction; handling appeals and writs; and, all other duties and responsibilities associated with the prosecution of misdemeanor offenses handled by the Office of the City Attorney. Additional assignments as determined by the supervisor.
Requirements
- Licensed to practice law in all courts in the State of California.
- A broad knowledge of criminal law and procedure.
- Excellent oral communication skills and the ability to effectively engage in oral advocacy.
- Demonstrated ability to successfully interact with a wide variety of members of the public, law enforcement, and the court system with tact, sensitivity and good judgment.
- Strong research and writing skills.
Additional preferred qualifications include:
- Minimum five years of experience as a practicing attorney.
- Experience with enforcement of cannabis laws, nuisance abatement, code enforcement, and other regulatory matters.
- Experience in cases involving Business and Professions Code section 17200, and other civil enforcement causes of action.
- Substantial experience demonstrating strong trial skills, including an understanding of evidentiary issues, trial preparation and trial strategy.
- Significant experience prosecuting misdemeanors.
- Demonstrated experience with filing procedures and handling arraignment, master calendar, trial and post-conviction courts.
- Experience with electronic databases and the electronic and digital presentation of evidence.
- Lead the preparation of reports, memoranda and legal research.
Summary of Candidate Qualifications
To assist in the selection process, candidates should provide a brief written summary of their experience, including all pertinent training conducted and received.
Requirements for Application
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- Summary of Qualifications
- Two writing samples that they personally have authored in the last two years.
Supplemental Information
Current Location
Initial placement will be at City Hall East, 200 N. Main Street, Los Angeles. Position is subject to assignment at any location within the County of Los Angeles.
Probation
Appointment to this exempt position (non-Civil Service) will be subject to a two-year probationary period as required by Section 1050 of the City Charter. Successfully completing this probationary period will result in tenure with the office.
Classification
Internal applicants: Placement in this position will be as a lateral transfer with the selected candidate assuming the position in their current classification.
Application and Deadline
Interested candidates should go to: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lacityattorney/ to apply online.
Qualified applicants will be invited to interview. Position will remain open until filled.
Conflict-of-Interest
This position is designated as Category 1 on the Conflict-of-Interest Code.
Contact
Questions? Please email atty.recruit@lacity.org.
AS A COVERED ENTITY UNDER TITLE Il OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF DISABILITY AND, UPON REQUEST, WILL PROVIDE REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION TO ENSURE EQUAL ACCESS TO ITS PROGRAMS, SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES. TO REQUEST A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION, PLEASE CALL THE HUMAN RESOURCES DIVISION AT (213) 978-7160.
