Chief Litigation Counsel

Mill Law Center; Huntington Beach (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 258,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

CalPERS retirement

Job summary

The City of Huntington Beach seeks a seasoned litigator to serve as Chief Litigation Counsel, leading the City’s trial and litigation efforts in civil matters. The role involves managing a diverse caseload, developing courtroom skills, and representing the City in a broad range of legal issues.

Ideal candidates will have 5+ years in civil litigation and trial work, with lead-counsel experience and admission to state and federal courts. CalPERS retirement is included in the benefits package.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of civil litigation and trial experience.
• Lead counsel experience in multiple jury trials.
• Admitted to practice in both state and federal courts.

Responsibilities

• Lead the City’s trial and litigation efforts across civil matters.
• Oversee in-house litigation and coordinate with external firms as needed.
• Represent the City in high-stakes litigation and advise on strategy and risk.

Skills

Litigation strategy

Trial advocacy

In-house leadership

Education

Juris Doctorate

Job description

The City of Huntington Beach is seeking a seasoned litigator and legal strategist to serve as its next Chief Litigation Counsel to lead the City’s trial and litigation efforts in all civil lawsuits. In this role, you will manage a diverse caseload, develop courtroom and trial advocacy skills, and represent the City in a wide range of legal matters.

Reporting to the City Attorney who was appointed in 2024 and is running unopposed in the upcoming election, this legal professional will be eager to focus on a wide array of litigation matters, typical of those found in a robust and dynamic municipal environment. Top contenders will bring a solutions-oriented approach and effective advocacy to representing the City in litigation, handled primarily in-house, and at times, effectively managing litigation services provided by external firms for specialty areas.

The salary range is up to $258,000 annually, commensurate with qualifications and experience of selected candidate. Salary is supplemented by a benefits package including CalPERS retirement.

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply immediately by submitting a compelling cover letter and comprehensive resume to [e-mail] no later than November 16, 2026.

Questions, nominations, and confidential inquiries regarding this position or the recruitment process should be addressed to: Fred Wilson, Project Director at [phone] or by submitting an email to [e-mail].

The ideal candidate for Chief Litigation Counsel will have a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in civil litigation and trial work in the State of California, including serving as lead counsel in at least five (5) civil jury trials brought to verdict in Superior or Federal Court. Must be admitted to practice in both state and federal courts.

Education: Graduation from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association with a Juris Doctorate degree.

Experience: Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in civil litigation and trial work in the State of California, including serving as lead counsel in at least five (5) civil jury trials brought to verdict in Superior or Federal Court. Must be admitted to practice in both state and federal courts.