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. Their municipal law firm employs over 190 lawyers and approximately 230 support staff, dedicated to providing legal services to the City of San Diego.

The Criminal and Community Justice Division of the San Diego City Attorney’s Office is conducting a recruitment to fill a Deputy City Attorney position. Their deputies prepare and prosecute misdemeanor criminal cases in the City of San Diego by handling a variety of motions, misdemeanor jury trials, and conducting legal research.

Strong preference will be given to applicants with some courtroom experience who have tried cases to jury verdict. These are entry-level positions (Deputy City Attorney I & II) and positions for applicants with some experience prosecuting criminal cases (Deputy City Attorney III). Those hired will be assigned initially as prosecutors in our General Trial Unit, the Domestic Violence & Sex Crimes Unit, or assigned as needed to strengthen their diverse units within the Criminal and Community Justice Division. 

Responsibilities:

• Prosecute City misdemeanors and infractions from charging through appeal.

• Review law enforcement reports and evidence for legal sufficiency and constitutional compliance.

• Independently manage cases, including witness/victim interviews, plea negotiations, case strategy, and trial preparation.

• Conduct legal research and draft complaints, pleadings, motions, memoranda, briefs, and other legal documents.

• Manage discovery and coordinate investigations, witnesses, subpoenas, and records.

• Conduct jury and bench trials, including witness examination, jury instructions, and oral arguments.

• Handle court appearances, including pretrial, sentencing, restitution, post-trial, and appellate matters.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications: 

• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school or foreign equivalent.

• Active California State Bar license in good standing at hire.

• Strong analytical, research, legal writing, oral advocacy, communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.

• Team-oriented with effective time management and conflict resolution skills.

• DCA I & II: 1+ year of criminal law experience, including internships, clerkships, or volunteer work.

• DCA III: 4+ years of criminal law experience.

• Strong criminal justice background.

• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

The annual salary with benefits is $99,195 - $168,397. Deadline to apply is 10/5/26.    

Go HERE to view the complete job description and to apply.