Assistant City Attorney (Prosecution Division)

The Pasadena City Attorney's/City Prosecutor's Office is seeking an Assistant City Attorney for the Prosecution Division to direct and manage the work of professionals in the prosecution of State and local misdemeanor offenses occurring in the City. 

IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate will be responsible for supervising the day-to-day activities of attorneys in the Prosecution Division. The incumbent ensures the timely processing of misdemeanor cases, will be responsible for the disposition of criminal cases, will conduct and oversee pretrial hearings, motions, court and jury trials, and represents the People of the State of California on all matters related to criminal prosecution.

A resume is required and must be attached to your application as an attachment. 

For candidates invited to interview, structured virtual Interviews are scheduled for Tuesday, November 18, 2025. 

The following represent some of the essential functions for this position. For more detailed information please refer to the job description.

• Plans, organizes, and supervises the day-to-day operations of the attorneys in the Prosecution Division; prepares and recommends guidelines and procedures for case filings, dispositions, and policies; prepares, monitors, and reviews the filing of criminal complaints; will be assigned and be responsible for various misdemeanor cases in court, including more difficult cases, including arguing motions and conducting court and jury trials. 
• Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for the operation of the Prosecution Division. 
• Confers, at the request of the City Prosecutor and/or Chief Assistant City Prosecutor, with other City department representatives to provide advice and counsel on prosecution under the laws and ordinances affecting their work.
• Coordinates and directs special teams and programs for preventing criminal violations and reducing recidivism under the direction of the Chief Assistant City Prosecutor. Will be assigned special projects, responsibilities, and additional work as required, including supervisorial responsibilities of professionals in the Division. 
• Monitors and ensures the updates of the computerized case management system and office procedures; revises procedures and methods to maintain efficiency. 
• Provides for staff training and professional development; develops training, including law enforcement training, in the areas of criminal law, procedures, strategy, and trial tactics; will be assigned public speaking assignments as appropriate. 
• Reviews citizen complaints and interacts with members of the public; reviews reports from the Pasadena Police Department and other governmental departments and agencies; evaluates admissible evidence available; determines if a complaint should be filed and files criminal complaints. 
• Serves as a member of the Prosecution Division's Brady Committee.
• Conducts office hearings; responsible for production of discovery and ensuring compliance with discovery obligations; views physical evidence; conducts direct examinations and cross-examinations of witnesses; handles cases in court and evaluates and decides appropriate offers for case resolution; participates in the creation, management, and implementation of Division programs, including the determination of which cases are eligible and suitable for a diversion program.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with the public, the courts, other members of the criminal justice system and City staff; creates and directs the preparation and maintenance of correspondence, records and reports.
• Performs special projects, responsibilities, and additional work as required and assigned, including supervisorial responsibilities of professionals in the Division. 
• Acts in the absence of the Chief Assistant City Prosecutor.

COMPETENCIES
The following list represents the core competencies needed for success in this position.

• Critical Thinking - Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims. 
• Fact Finding - Obtaining facts and data pertaining to an issue or question. 
• Professional Integrity & Ethics - Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability, and maintaining and demonstrating the utmost professionalism.  
• Negotiating - Reaching mutually satisfying agreements and compromises. 
• Handling Conflict - Managing interpersonally strained situations. 
• Teamwork - Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals. 
• Decision Making - Choosing optimal courses of action in a timely manner. 
• Legal & Regulatory Navigation - Understanding, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations. 

• Graduation from an accredited law school and at least five years of experience as a practicing attorney is required, including three years as a prosecutor for a government agency or as a practicing criminal defense attorney.
• Two years of direct supervisory or technical lead experience in an administrative capacity is highly desirable.

Active membership in the California State Bar.

Possession of or ability to obtain a Class C California driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.