Assistant City Attorney

NACBA; Santa Barbara (CA); Hybrid; USD 166,000 - 202,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

CalPERS retirement

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Flexible spending account

Continuing legal education

Job summary

The City Attorney’s Office for the City of Santa Barbara is seeking a collaborative litigation attorney to join as an Assistant City Attorney II or III. This role will manage a diverse civil litigation caseload and represent the City in significant legal matters.

Ideal candidates will have extensive civil litigation experience, strong advocacy skills, and a commitment to serve the community. The position offers substantial courtroom opportunities and benefits such as CalPERS retirement.

Qualifications

• Active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California.
• Demonstrated civil litigation experience sufficient to independently handle discovery.
• Excellent legal research, writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage all phases of civil litigation, including case evaluation.
• Represent the City in state and federal courts, including jury and bench trials.
• Collaborate with City departments to develop effective litigation strategies.

Skills

Civil litigation experience

Legal research

Public speaking

Analytical skills

Oral advocacy

Collaboration

Education

Juris Doctorate degree

Job description

Assistant City Attorney II–III (Litigation)

At the City of Santa Barbara, the best part of our organization is our people. As a City of Santa Barbara employee, you will work in an environment with other motivated individuals who are passionate about their work. We strive to provide employees with the support they need to thrive. Discover more about us, our values and our organizational culture here.

CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE

The City Attorney's Office is responsible for all legal representation and advice for the City Council, Boards, Commissions and all City officers and staff in all matters of law pertaining to the City as well as all City code enforcement and litigation services. Learn more about the City Attorney’s Office here.

The office is staffed by seven full-time attorneys (the City Attorney, Chief Assistant City Attorney, Assistant Prosecutor, and four Assistant City Attorneys), one investigator, one business manager, and five professional support staff who work as a close and collaborative team.

THE POSITION

The City Attorney's Office for the City of Santa Barbara is seeking an experienced, collaborative litigation attorney to join our team as an Assistant City Attorney II, or III, depending on qualifications and experience. This position is dedicated exclusively to civil litigation and provides an exciting opportunity to represent the City in complex and meaningful legal matters affecting the community.

Working under the guidance and mentorship of a highly experienced senior litigator, the successful candidate will manage a diverse civil litigation caseload involving the City, its officers, and employees.

Assistant City Attorney II:

Typically five or more years of progressively responsible experience in civil, municipal, or public agency law, preferably involving governmental clients. Annual salary range based on experience: $166,190 – $202,005.

Assistant City Attorney III:

Typically, seven or more years of progressively responsible experience in civil, municipal, or public agency law, preferably involving governmental clients. Annual salary range based on experience: $193,013 - $234,609.

Litigation Responsibilities

The litigation division is responsible for prosecuting and defending a wide variety of civil actions involving the City. The selected attorney will:

• Independently manage all phases of civil litigation, including case evaluation, pleadings, written discovery, depositions, motion practice, settlement negotiations, and trial preparation.
• Represent the City in state and federal courts, including jury and bench trials, and handle matters through appeal when necessary.
• Analyze and apply federal and California law, the California Code of Civil Procedure, Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and applicable local court rules.
• Collaborate with City departments, outside experts, and other members of the City Attorney's Office to develop effective litigation strategies.
• Provide practical legal advice to City staff as litigation issues arise and assist in minimizing legal risk.

Candidates should possess:

• Active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California.
• Demonstrated civil litigation experience sufficient to independently handle discovery, depositions, law and motion practice, and trial preparation.
• Excellent legal research, writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills.
• Strong judgment, professionalism, and the ability to manage multiple matters in a collaborative team environment.
• Experience representing public agencies, municipalities, or other governmental entities is highly desirable but not required.

WHY JOIN THE CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE

Attorneys in the office enjoy:

• Substantial courtroom and trial opportunities
• A sophisticated and diverse litigation practice
• Direct engagement with City leadership and policy makers
• A collaborative and supportive legal team
• The opportunity to help shape legal strategy for a dynamic coastal city

BENEFITS

• CalPERS retirement
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Deferred compensation (457 plan)
• Flexible spending account
• Life and disability insurance
• Continuing legal education and professional development opportunities

Ability to work remotely up to three days a week

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

• Be an active member in good standing with the State Bar of California and if selected for the position, must promptly apply for admission to the United States District Court for the Central District of California, if not already admitted to that court.
• Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school
• Demonstrated civil litigation experience sufficient to independently handle discovery, depositions, law and motion practice, and trial preparation, typically equivalent to 5 or more years of litigation experience.
• Excellent public speaking, writing, and legal research skills
• Lead counsel in two or more jury trials.
• Attorneys in this position must be able to travel to locations outside the office for legal proceedings or meetings. Therefore, possession of a valid California Class C driver's license and personal vehicle, or the ability to travel to various locations throughout the City in a timely manner, is required.

SELECTION PROCESS

It is important that your application and supplemental questionnaire show all the relevant education, training, and experience you possess which qualifies you for this position. All applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed and the most qualified candidates will be invited for an interview.

The selection process may include an application screening, and one or more oral interviews. Candidates' qualifications, experience, and employment history will be thoroughly evaluated throughout the selection process. Any offer of employment will be contingent upon the successful completion of a comprehensive background investigation and any other pre-employment requirements applicable to the position.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

There is currently one (1) vacancy within the City Attorney's Office.

Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email and spam regularly throughout the recruitment process. You may also log into your governmentjobs.comaccount to view these emails.

CITY APPLICATION AND RESPONSES TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE MUST BE RECEIVED BY 5:00 PM ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2026.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

The City of Santa Barbara is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an EEO employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, or other factors. We believe in fostering an inclusive work environment where employees feel valued, respected and empowered.

Disaster Services Assignments

As public employees, we play an enhanced role in the event of a disaster or other emergency in our community. You will be registered as a disaster services worker, and you will be issued a disaster services identification card. In the event of a disaster or other emergency, make sure that your family is safe and secure first, then report to your assigned emergency location. Hourly employees generally do not receive disaster services assignments.