Deputy City Attorney

Job Title: Deputy City Attorney II

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 of legal services, ranging from prosecuting criminal misdemeanors and 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

Attorneys with the General Litigation Division defend the City of Los Angeles and its employees in civil tort litigation, particularly in personal injury and property damage actions. The cases involve allegations of dangerous condition of public property or negligence. The dangerous condition matters include roadway design, sewer backup, traffic engineering principles, trip and falls, and governmental immunities. The negligence matters primarily involve allegations of negligent driving by City employees that have resulted in traffic collisions. The primary venue for General Litigation is in Superior Courts throughout Los Angeles County as well as surrounding counties, although some Federal Court litigation is involved.

Duties and Responsibilities

• The attorneys in this position are responsible for their own case intake, filing initial pleadings, motion work, discovery, settlement conferences, expert discovery and trial;
• The attorney must be willing and able to conduct trials alone or with co-counsel;
• Substantial knowledge of medical conditions is required since many matters involve catastrophic injuries; and
• Other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Applicants for this position must have a license to practice law in all of the courts in the State of California. Additional requirements include:

• Five (5) years criminal or civil trial experience, or general litigation experience;
• A sincere desire to vigorously litigate cases through pretrial and trial stages; and
• Strong verbal communication and writing skills and ability to exercise sound judgment.

The following qualifications are highly desirable:

• Experience in representing governmental entities in Tort Litigation.
• Ability to interact with public officials, city departments as well as the public.
• Knowledge of medical conditions and terminology.

Writing Sample

Candidates are required to submit two writing samples that they personally have authored in the last two years.

Requirements for Application

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Two writing samples that they personally have authored in the last two years.

Supplemental Information

Applicants for this position must have a license to practice law in all of the courts in the State of California. Additional requirements include:

• Five (5) years criminal or civil trial experience, or general litigation experience;
• A sincere desire to vigorously litigate cases through pretrial and trial stages; and
• Strong verbal communication and writing skills and ability to exercise sound judgment.

The following qualifications are highly desirable:

• Experience in representing governmental entities in Tort Litigation.
• Ability to interact with public officials, city departments as well as the public.
• Knowledge of medical conditions and terminology.

Writing Sample

Candidates are required to submit two writing samples that they personally have authored in the last two years.

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 (213) 978-7160.