The San Diego City Attorney's Office protects the people of San Diego by serving as chief legal counsel to the City of San Diego’s elected officials and operational departments; prosecuting and defending civil cases involving the City; and as the City’s prosecutor on behalf of the People of the State of California, by holding accountable those who commit crimes against the public health and safety and violate other local and state laws. Our municipal law firm employs over 185 lawyers and approximately 230 support staff, dedicated to providing legal services to the City of San Diego.

The Criminal and Community Justice Division (Criminal Division) of the San Diego City Attorney’s Office is seeking applications from candidates who are interested in a position as a Chief Deputy City Attorney(Chief).

The Criminal Division will have two openings, one in the Appellate Unit and one in the Special Prosecutions Unit. We are seeking to fill these positions by mid-June 2026. The selected Chief Deputy City Attorneys will report directly to the Assistant City Attorney of the Criminal Division.

IMPORTANT: Deputies currently holding a Chief position should also apply if they are interested in managing these units. Depending on the outcome of the interview process, additional Chief positions in other units may become available, and we may use this same recruitment to fill those openings. This means that if you are a deputy who is interested in a Chief position in any of the units (currently vacant or not), you should submit an application because we may use this same recruitment to fill Chief positions in other units that may become vacant now or in the near future.

We are looking for deputies who have extensive knowledge and practical experience in the various areas of law handled by the Criminal Division. Candidates must have strong and persuasive oral and written advocacy skills, are practical problem solvers, take initiative, and demonstrate effective communication and conflict resolution skills, as well as work effectively as part of a team

Annual salary range with benefits: $135,000 – $270,000.

Opening date: 05/18/2026

Closing date: 05/28/2026 at 11:59pm

Go HERE to view the complete job description and submit your application.