Deputy City Attorney I/II - Prosecution Division

About Us
The Los Angeles City Attorney's office 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.

Criminal Branch attorneys prosecute misdemeanor criminal cases from court offices located throughout Los Angeles. The City Attorney's Office 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:

Central 

200 N. Main Street, 5th Floor, Los Angeles 90012

Metropolitan 

1945 S. Hill Street, Room 501, Los Angeles 90007

Pacific 

11701 S. La Cienega Blvd., Room 430, Los Angeles 90045

100 Oceangate, Suite 510, Long Beach, CA 90802

Van Nuys 

6262 Van Nuys Blvd., Suite 160, Van Nuys 91401

900 3^rd St., San Fernando, CA 91340

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-deliberation motions and appropriate sentence recommendation post conviction; and, all other duties and responsibilities associated with the prosecution of misdemeanor offenses handled by the Office of the City Attorney.

Licensed to practice law in all courts in the State of California. 

Additional preferred qualifications include:

• Trial experience demonstrating strong trial skills, including an understanding of evidentiary issues, trial preparation and trial strategy
• A broad knowledge of criminal law and procedure.
• Experience prosecuting misdemeanors. 
• Experience with filing procedures and handling arraignment, master calendar, trial and post-conviction courts.
• 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.
• Familiarity with electronic databases and the electronic and digital presentation of evidence.
• Ability to assist in the preparation of reports, memoranda and legal research. 

Summary of 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.

Probation

Appointment to this exempt position (non Civil-Service) will be subject to a two (2) year probationary period as required by Section 1050 of the City Charter. Successful completion of the two (2) year 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. 

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.