Jobs/Opportunities

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.

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 Civil Litigation Division of the San Diego City Attorney's Office is seeking applications from attorneys who are interested in a position as a Deputy City Attorney in the General Litigation Unit. This position reports directly to a Chief Deputy City Attorney and is responsible for a broad range of duties including prosecuting or defending civil lawsuits in which the City is a party.

Responsibilities:

• Defending police false arrest and excessive force claims.

• Handling personal injury, property damage, dangerous conditions, and motor vehicle matters.

• Litigating constitutional claims, including inverse condemnation.

• Defending challenges to City ordinances, policies, and compliance with the ADA, Brown Act, and California Public Records Act.

• Handling writs, appeals, pleadings, discovery, trials, hearings, and other legal proceedings.

• Representing the City and its officers and employees in litigation.

• Presenting legal recommendations to the City Council in Closed Session.

• Performing other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Active member in good standing with the State Bar of California; must promptly seek admission to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California if not already admitted.

• At least two years of civil litigation experience.

• Experience preparing cases for hearings and trials, including discovery, depositions, and trial preparation.

• Strong legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.

• Ability to travel to courts and other locations for legal proceedings and meetings; valid California Class C driver’s license and personal vehicle, or reliable transportation, required.

The annual salary with benefits is $117,749 - $288,205. Deadline to apply is 10/2/26.

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

The United States District Court is seeking to fill two full-time term law clerk positions that would provide support to the Court. The positions begin October 1, 2026, and October 13, 2026, and end September 30, 2027.

Principal duties of the positions include:

• Research substantive and complex issues of federal and state law
• Draft legal memoranda, opinions, and orders;
• Prepare the Judges for hearings, settlement conferences, and trials;
• Assist the Judges and Courtroom Deputy Clerks with docket and case management;
• Generally provide legal counsel and support to the Judges; and
• Exhibit the highest standards of excellence and integrity.

At the time of appointment, the candidates must possess the following minimum requirements:

• Graduate of an ABA accredited law school with excellent academic credentials
• Exceptional research and writing skills
• Keen analytical ability and balanced judgment
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Ability to independently manage a large number of cases
• Proficiency in computer and word processing skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

Preferred qualifications:

• Prior federal clerkship or externship experience• Prior litigation experience
• Patent experience
• Law review or any significant legal writing experience
• Bar membership

Annual salary with benefits is $87,061 - $161,313, depending on experience. 

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

Founded in 1981, the Public Law Center (PLC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing free legal services to low-income residents and nonprofits in Orange County. Last year, its staff and volunteers provided more than 65,000 hours of free legal services across 4,500+ cases, benefiting children, adults, and seniors. Services include legal counseling, representation, community education, policy advocacy, and impact litigation to address societal injustices.

PLC’s Housing and Homelessness Prevention Unit provides direct and pro bono legal representation to tenants facing evictions, discrimination, harassment, housing voucher disputes, affordable housing issues, and other housing-related matters. The Unit also conducts community education, legal clinics, and local and statewide advocacy.

PLC is seeking a highly skilled Senior Paralegal to support the Unit with case management, legal research, and mentoring and training. This role requires expertise in litigation support, training and mentoring staff, and ensuring efficient legal operations. The Senior Paralegal will collaborate with attorneys, other paralegals/administrative staff, clients, and external partners to provide quality legal services.

Responsibilities: 

• Conduct legal research, draft memoranda, and analyze case law to support litigation (eviction defense, discrimination, habitability, subsidized housing, and other landlord/tenant matters).  
• Manage discovery, investigations (including housing inspections), legal analysis, pleadings, filings, service of documents, and attorney court preparation.  
• Monitor and ensure compliance with housing-related laws and regulations.  
• Prepare precise, confidential legal correspondence, reports, and resources.  
• Participate in internal initiatives and external events.  
  Prepare and deliver trainings/community presentations and support outreach efforts.  
• Interview clients and serve as primary contact for clients and pro bono counsel.  
• Provide interpretation/translation if bilingual.  
• Deliver approved legal information/advice and assist with document preparation under attorney supervision.  
• Maintain organized case files, time records, and client data with accuracy and accessibility.  
• Represent clients in administrative hearings (e.g., voucher/subsidized housing terminations) where permitted.  
• Mentor other paralegals and administrative assistants.  
• Provide training/mentorship to non-attorney staff and occasional supervision of volunteers (students, law clerks) to ensure high-quality client services.

Qualifications:

• Minimum high school diploma or GED; depending on level of education, must have matching experience or education to meet definition of paralegal pursuant to California Business & Professions Code section 6450(c). For example, with a high school diploma or GED, must have 3 years of law-related experience that took place before December 31, 2003, under the supervision of an attorney licensed in CA or before the CA federal courts with a written declaration from that attorney.
• Minimum 5+ years of paralegal experience, with a strong background in litigation and knowledge of litigation procedures.
• Strong writing and analytical skills.
• Proficiency with everyday office software, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, etc.), case management system (LegalServer), legal research databases (Westlaw), and others, including proficiency in Microsoft Word with formatting, drafting, and preparing legal writing.
• Knowledge of landlord/tenant and other housing law is a plus.
• High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple cases effectively.
• Bilingual English/Spanish or English/Vietnamese a plus.
• Must be able to work from the office several days a week and able to work from home in a distraction-free and confidential environment. This position requires attendance at meetings, both remote and in person, in and outside the Public Law Center’s offices, and requires being located in Southern California. Must have ability to work at the organization’s offices in Santa Ana, CA, and travel to work sites located throughout Orange County, CA. In addition, travel to Los Angeles County and other neighboring counties may be required.
• Must have reliable transportation.

The salary is $30/hour or $62,400 annually.

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

Founded in 1981, the Public Law Center (PLC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing free legal services to low-income residents and nonprofits in Orange County. Last year, its staff and volunteers provided more than 65,000 hours of free legal services across 4,500+ cases, benefiting children, adults, and seniors. Services include legal counseling, representation, community education, policy advocacy, and impact litigation to address societal injustices.

PLC's Housing and Homelessness Prevention Unit seeks a passionate Supervising Attorney to advocate for low-income tenants and self-represented litigants in Orange County.

The Unit provides direct and pro bono legal representation in eviction, discrimination, harassment, housing voucher, affordable housing, and other housing-related matters, while also engaging in community education, clinics, and advocacy.

The Supervising Attorney will oversee case quality through supervision, mentoring, and training while maintaining a direct caseload and supporting community outreach, legal advocacy, and/or impact litigation.

Responsibilities:

• Serve on PLC’s leadership team and contribute to office-wide management, governance, and community representation.
• Manage a diverse caseload for low-income tenants (eviction defense, discrimination, habitability, subsidized housing, administrative hearings, impact cases, and related landlord/tenant and land-use matters), including in-court representation.
• Support impact litigation and policy advocacy.
• Ensure grant compliance, prepare reports, and respond to audits in coordination with the Directing Attorney and development/finance staff.
• Monitor relevant laws and regulations, provide internal trainings, and maintain compliance.
• Participate in internal initiatives and external events.
• Prepare and deliver community trainings/presentations and support outreach efforts.
• Full-time role with occasional evening/weekend work; other duties as assigned.
• Supervise 4–5 staff (administrative assistants, paralegals, legal fellows, and staff attorneys) to ensure high-quality client service.
• Occasionally supervise volunteers (students, law clerks, pro bono attorneys) through training, support, and interim oversight.

Qualifications:

• Active California State Bar membership (or eligibility under the Multijurisdictional Practice Program).  
• Minimum 5 years’ experience, including at least 3 years of state-court litigation (housing/unlawful detainer experience preferred).  
• Excellent written communication skills.  
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, LegalServer, and standard office software.  
• Strong public-speaking skills and ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences (community members, volunteer attorneys, court staff, and judges).  
• Experience supervising legal staff.  
• Must work from the office several days per week and maintain a distraction-free, confidential home workspace. Position is based in Southern California and requires in-person and remote meetings, work at the Santa Ana office, and travel throughout Orange County (and occasionally to Los Angeles and neighboring counties).  
• Reliable transportation required.

The annual salary with benefits is $93,000 - $103,00 depending on experience.

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

Founded in 1981, the Public Law Center (PLC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing free legal services to low-income residents and nonprofits in Orange County. Last year, its staff and volunteers provided more than 65,000 hours of free legal services across 4,500+ cases, benefiting children, adults, and seniors. Services include legal counseling, representation, community education, policy advocacy, and impact litigation to address societal injustices.

PLC’s Housing and Homelessness Prevention Unit provides direct and pro bono legal representation to tenants facing evictions, discrimination, harassment, housing voucher disputes, affordable housing issues, and other housing-related matters. The Unit also conducts community education, legal clinics, and local and statewide advocacy.

PLC is seeking a Senior Staff Attorney to provide high-quality legal services through direct representation, community outreach and education, legal advocacy, and/or impact litigation. The attorney will collaborate with clients, staff, and external partners to advance housing justice.

Responsibilities:

• Manage a diverse caseload for low-income tenants, including eviction defense, discrimination, habitability, subsidized housing, administrative hearings, impact litigation, and landlord/tenant and land-use matters. In-court representation required.

• Assist with impact litigation and policy advocacy.

• Monitor legal and regulatory developments affecting housing services.

• Train and mentor junior staff through co-counseling and other support.

• Conduct community trainings, presentations, outreach, and education.

• Participate in office initiatives and external events.

• Full-time position with occasional evening/weekend work.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Supervise and support volunteers, law clerks, students, and pro bono attorneys through training, technical assistance, and occasional direct supervision to ensure quality legal services.

Qualifications:

• Active California State Bar membership or eligibility under the Multijurisdictional Practice Program.

• At least 5 years of legal experience, including 3 years of state court litigation; housing/unlawful detainer experience preferred.

• Excellent writing, communication, and public speaking skills.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, LegalServer, and other standard office software.

• Ability to work in the Santa Ana office several days per week and in a confidential remote environment when approved.

• Must be located in Southern California and able to travel throughout Orange County and occasionally to Los Angeles and neighboring counties.

• Reliable transportation required.

The annual salary with benefits is $91,000 - $101,00 depending on experience.

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

The University of California, one of the largest and most acclaimed institutions of higher learning in the world, is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research and public service. The University of California Office of the President is the headquarters to the 10 campuses, six academic medical centers and three national laboratories and enrolls premier students from California, the nation and the world. Learn more about the UC Office of the President

UC Legal - Office of General Counsel is located in Oakland, California, and is staffed with system-wide legal experts who provide an extraordinary range of legal services to the University of California (UC) and its Office of the President, its 10 campuses and 5 medical centers, as well as its reserves and field stations. For more information, visit https://www.ucop.edu/uc-legal/.

The Principal Counsel, Core Litigation, manages outside counsel and handles complex litigation and adversarial matters involving the University. Responsibilities may include administrative hearings and writ petitions, California Public Records Act proceedings, commercial disputes, class actions, bankruptcy, collections, trusts and estates, third-party subpoenas, and affirmative recoveries.

The attorney manages all phases of litigation, including trial, appeals, and witness depositions, while providing practical legal advice, compliance guidance, and risk mitigation strategies across the University. Additional responsibilities include overseeing outside counsel, mentoring less-experienced attorneys, and contributing to University-wide policies and procedures. The successful candidate must be able to independently manage complex legal matters and provide sound, practical advice in a dynamic environment.

Responsibilities:

80% Core Legal Services:

• Builds strategic relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.

• Serves as a trusted advisor to University business units, providing practical legal advice and solutions.

• Advises senior leadership on legal and policy matters.

• Collaborates with colleagues across the University to ensure compliance with changing legal requirements.

• Provides expert counsel on complex civil litigation and negotiates matters on behalf of The Regents.

• Manages outside counsel and directly represents the University in complex litigation.

• Independently handles high-impact legal matters and projects.

• Persuasively represents institutional interests to internal and external parties.

• Supports the Deputy General Counsel and General Counsel with litigation-related matters for Regents meetings.

15% Compliance & Resource Management:

• Delegates work effectively to maximize efficiencies.
• Makes recommendations concerning areas of work to perform in-house, versus payment for an outside firm.
• Ensures accurate record keeping in compliance with OGC data quality protocols.
• Complies with delegations of authority for committing University funds.

5% Leadership:

• Provides functional advice, training and/or guidance and effectively mentors less-experienced attorneys.
• Provides clear expectations and mentors legal support staff to meet expected levels of productivity and accuracy.
• Develops guidance, processes and practices for the Core litigation team and facilitates knowledge management and knowledge transfer.

Experience:

• Minimum of 8 years of litigation experience in a law firm, or in-house counsel for an academic institution, corporation or other entity required.

Required Qualifications:

• Strong collaboration, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Thorough understanding of complex legal issues and strong legal research abilities.
• Excellent written, verbal, negotiation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to build credibility with colleagues, clients, and senior leadership.
• Strong judgment and decision-making skills, including in challenging situations.
• Demonstrated leadership and mentoring abilities.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound discretion.
• Commitment to the highest ethical standards.
• Strong project management and policy development skills.

Education/Licenses and Certifications:

• Advanced degree in related area required
• Must be a member in good standing of the California Bar.

Annual salary range with benefits: $235,000 - $272,000.

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

Kutak Rock LLP, a U.S. News and World Report rated "Best Companies to Work For: Law Firms", provides associates the opportunity to rapidly grow their legal career in a collegial and collaborative environment and seeks an Associate in its Los Angeles office to join its busy litigation and trial practice.

This dynamic role is ideal for an attorney with interest in developing their knowledge and skills in complex environmental, toxic tort and commercial litigation while working closely with experienced partners and more senior associates. 

Annual salary, bonuses and benefits:  $145,000 – $195,000+, depending on experience and qualifications.

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

The Associate Attorney will work on-site in Newport Beach, CA, handling a range of legal matters under the supervision and guidance of the principal attorney. Day-to-day responsibilities include conducting legal research, drafting pleadings, motions, memoranda, and correspondence, and preparing documents for hearings, mediations, and negotiations. The role involves meeting with clients, gathering and analyzing facts, providing preliminary legal analysis, and supporting case strategy development. The Associate Attorney will also communicate with opposing counsel and third parties, assist with negotiation and resolution of disputes, and manage deadlines, court filings, and case calendars. This position requires close collaboration with colleagues and staff to ensure accurate, timely, and ethical representation.

Submit your Resume to:

cfoglesong@lawofficeofcarrieefoglesong.com 

Cover Letters and Letter of Recommendation are highly encouraged. 

GMSR’s Appellate Fellowship offers recent law school graduates an opportunity to explore an interest in appellate advocacy and begin to develop an appellate practice early in their careers. Fellows join GMSR for a two-year term after law school. They are fully integrated into all aspects of the firm’s work. Under the close supervision and mentorship of GMSR attorneys, fellows will perform legal research, draft legal arguments, assist attorneys in preparing for oral argument, co-author articles, and cite-check briefs and motions.

GMSR hopes that fellows will go on to judicial clerkships after the fellowship. Although we prefer that fellows be based in the firm's Los Angeles office, we will also consider applicants located near our offices in San Francisco and Orange County, or elsewhere in California. 

To learn more about becoming an Appellate Fellow at GMSR, read the Q&A with GMSR’s first Fellow, Tina Kuang:  GMSR Associate And Former Appellate Fellow Tina Kuang On Her Rare Opportunity To Start Her Career As An Appellate Lawyer.

To apply for the fellowship, please send a cover letter, resume, transcript, and writing sample to careers@gmsr.com.