Deputy City Attorney II/III

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.

The Police Litigation Unit defends the City of Los Angeles and LAPD Officers in civil lawsuits alleging excessive force and other types of police misconduct. Largely, the cases assigned to the trial attorneys involve allegations of constitutional violations under the 1st, 4th, and 14th Amendments, including claims of excessive force, false arrest, illegal search and seizure, and malicious prosecution.

The position is for a Law and Motion attorney in the Police Litigation Unit of the Civil Litigation Branch.

Law and Motion attorneys are responsible for the initial evaluation of cases including spotting potential liability issues, determining compliance with the Government Tort Claims Act and identifying pleading defects and affirmative defenses. Law and motion attorneys are also responsible for evaluating, drafting, filing and/or litigating a wide variety of pleadings such as demurrers, FRCP 12(b)(6) motions, motions for summary judgment, motions to quash, motions to stay, removals, motions in limine, oppositions to motions for attorney's fees, and assisting with post-trial motions. Litigation is in the Federal District and Superior Courts.

Applicants for this position must have a license to practice law in all of the courts in the State of California and the United States District Court for the Central District of California. Additional requirements include:

• Five (5) years of civil litigation practice in California and Federal Courts;
• Extensive knowledge of the Federal Rules of Evidence, Civil Procedure, local rules for the Central District of California, and state law equivalents;
• Candidates should have significant law and motion experience and a sincere desire to vigorously represent the City, the LAPD and its officers in civil litigation that is often contentious, complex and highly charged.  
• Candidates must possess good analytical and reasoning skills and a strong work ethic, and  
• Must have good organizational and logistical skills.

Desired Qualifications

• Demonstrated strong research and writing skills in complex areas of law;
• Ability to use Westlaw;
• Ability to deal effectively with public officials, departmental personnel, and members of the public;
• Strong oral communication skills; and
• Strong advocacy skills.

Requirements for Application 

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Candidates are required to submit two recent writing samples personally composed.

Current Location

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.