Deputy City Prosecutor, Criminal Justice

San Diego City Attorney's Office; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

City‑paid life insurance

SDCERS pension

Flexible Spending Accounts

Paid annual leave 22 days/year

Transit pass

Job summary

The San Diego City Attorney's Office seeks a Deputy City Attorney to prosecute misdemeanors and related matters within the City. Entry‑level to mid‑level ranks (DCA I–III) are available, with opportunities to work in General Trial, Domestic Violence & Sex Crimes, or other units as needed.

Candidates must have a J.D. from an ABA‑accredited school, be licensed in California, and demonstrate strong analytical, research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.

Qualifications

• J.D. degree from a law school accredited by the ABA or foreign equivalent.
• Licensed to practice law and active member in good standing with the State Bar of California.
• 1+ years of criminal law experience at a prosecutorial agency (internships, clerkships acceptable).
• 4+ years of criminal law experience for higher level positions (DCA III).

Responsibilities

• Prosecute misdemeanors and infractions within the City.
• Review citations and reports for sufficiency and constitutional compliance.
• Represent the People of California in pre-trial, trial, and appeal matters.
• Manage cases, interview witnesses, negotiate pleas, and develop trial strategies.
• Draft pleadings and legal documents, and conduct legal research.
• Subpoena witnesses and build discovery responses.
• Coordinate with investigators and regulators on follow-up investigations.
• Conduct and present at jury and bench trials; handle hearings including sentencing.

Skills

Criminal law

Oral advocacy

Legal research

Legal writing

Case management

Time management

Education

J.D. from ABA-accredited law school

Job description

The San Diego City Attorney's Office seeks a Deputy City Attorney to prosecute misdemeanors and related matters within the City. Entry‑level to mid‑level ranks (DCA I–III) are available, with opportunities to work in General Trial, Domestic Violence & Sex Crimes, or other units as needed.

Candidates must have a J.D. from an ABA‑accredited school, be licensed in California, and demonstrate strong analytical, research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.