Chief Litigation Counsel

McPhail Sanchez, LLC; Huntington Beach, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 232,000 - 284,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

CalPERS retirement

Job summary

City of Huntington Beach seeks a seasoned litigator to serve as Chief Litigation Counsel, leading the City’s trial and civil litigation efforts and overseeing both in-house work and select external services. The role emphasizes strategic advocacy and high-stakes litigation across the municipal portfolio.

The ideal candidate has at least five years of civil litigation experience, including jury trials, admission to state and federal courts, and a Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited school.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible civil litigation and trial experience in California

Responsibilities

• Lead the City’s trial and civil litigation efforts, handling a broad range of matters in-house and coordinating with external firms when needed
• Develop courtroom and trial advocacy strategies to effectively represent the City in court
• Provide high-level legal counsel and strategic guidance on civil litigation matters to City leadership and departments

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.