Deputy City Attorney I/II - Prosecution Division

Los Angeles City Attorney's Office (CA); Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Los Angeles City Attorney's Office seeks attorneys for the Criminal Branch to prosecute misdemeanor cases. Responsibilities include reviewing cases, conducting trials, and engaging with law enforcement. Candidates should possess strong trial skills and a thorough knowledge of criminal law. A two-year probationary period applies, leading to tenure upon successful completion.

Qualifications

• Strong trial skills and understanding of evidentiary issues.
• Experience prosecuting misdemeanors and handling arraignment.
• Excellent oral communication and advocacy skills.

Responsibilities

• Prosecute misdemeanor cases and make filing decisions.
• Conduct jury and court trials, preparing witnesses.
• Handle all post-deliberation motions and sentencing recommendations.

Skills

Trial experience

Oral communication

Research and writing

Knowledge of criminal law

Digital presentation of evidence

Education

Licensed to practice law in California

Job description

Criminal Branch attorneys prosecute misdemeanor criminal cases from court officeslocated throughout Los Angeles. The City Attorney's Officeworks closely with local law enforcement agencies, including the Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles Sheriff's Department, California Highway Patrol and numerous city, county, state, and federal regulatory agencies to prosecute crimes occurring in the City of Los Angeles.

The Criminal Branch offices are:

Central

200 N. Main Street, 5th Floor, Los Angeles 90012

Metropolitan

1945 S. Hill Street, Room 501, Los Angeles 90007

Pacific

11701 S. La Cienega Blvd., Room 430, Los Angeles 90045

100 Oceangate, Suite 510, Long Beach, CA 90802

Van Nuys

6262 Van Nuys Blvd., Suite 160, Van Nuys 91401

900 3^rd St., San Fernando, CA 91340

The essential job functions of the attorneys assigned to the Criminal Branch include reviewing cases presented by a variety of law enforcement agencies for filing determination; making filing decisions; initiating criminal complaints; assessing the value of cases for purposes of possible charge reductions, pleas and sentences; appearing in arraignment court; negotiating case dispositions; engaging in case preparation, including visiting the crime scene when appropriate; retrieval and review of digital evidence such as body worn video, digital in car video and social media posts; handling discovery, law and motion matters and making related court appearances; staffing and appearing in master calendar courts, direct set trial courts and post-conviction courts; conducting jury and court trials, including interviewing and preparing witnesses for trial, preparing and arguing pre-trial motions, delivering opening statements and closing arguments, examining and cross-examining witnesses, making appropriate evidentiary objections; handling all post-deliberation motions and appropriate sentence recommendation post conviction; and, all other duties and responsibilities associated with the prosecution of misdemeanor offenses handled by the Office of the City Attorney.

Licensed to practice law in all courts in the State of California.

Additional preferred qualifications include:

• Trial experience demonstrating strong trial skills, including an understanding of evidentiary issues, trial preparation and trial strategy
• A broad knowledge of criminal law and procedure.
• Experience prosecuting misdemeanors.
• Experience with filing procedures and handling arraignment, master calendar, trial and post-conviction courts.
• Excellent oral communication skills and the ability to effectively engage in oral advocacy.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully interact with a wide variety of members of the public, law enforcement, and the court system with tact, sensitivity and good judgment.
• Strong research and writing skills.
• Familiarity with electronic databases and the electronic and digital presentation of evidence.
• Ability to assist in the preparation of reports, memoranda and legal research.

Summary of Qualifications

To assist in the selection process, candidates should provide a brief written summary of their experience, including all pertinent training conducted and received.

Requirements for Application

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Summary of Qualifications
• Two writing samples that they personally have authored in the last two years.

Probation

Appointment to this exempt position (non Civil-Service) will be subject to a two (2) year probationary period as required by Section 1050 of the City Charter. Successful completion of the two (2) year probationary period will result in tenure with the office.

Classification

Internal applicants: Placement in this position will be as a lateral transfer with the selected candidate assuming the position in their current classification.

Conflict of Interest

This position is designated as Category 1 on the Conflict of Interest Code.

Contact

Questions? Please [e-mail].