Deputy City Attorney II/III

About Us

The Office of the Los Angeles City Attorney is one of the nation's largest municipal law offices. With over 1,000 legal professionals, including 500 attorneys, the Office provides the City with the highest caliber legal services, ranging from prosecuting criminal misdemeanors, playing a leading role in criminal justice reform, advising on homelessness initiatives, defending civil lawsuits and claims, and bringing civil enforcement actions in the name of the People of the State of California.

Guided by an overarching commitment to integrity, accountability and transparency, we find great meaning in the work we do and the services we provide.

We seek collaborative team players who understand that fulfilling our mission is key to making a positive impact.

Description

The ACE Unit focuses on administrative citation enforcement of numerous issues throughout the City, including but not limited to nuisance properties, tenant harassment, and improper short-term rentals. ACE assists with citations based on other departments’ findings of violations from City-department issuing-authorities (for example, from the Housing Department, the Department of Building and Safety, the Department of Cannabis Regulation, and the Department of Animal Services) as well acting as its own violation-issuing authority. ACE’s goal is stop improper behaviors, not to issue citations. Citations, when appropriate, are simply one means to that goal.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Deputy City Attorney I or II will be responsible for providing legal support in the administration of the Protections from the Tenant Harassment Program including: advocating for tenants in relation to tenant anti-harassment, investigating harassment cases through the lenses of the rent code and housing code, supporting enforcement of criminal prosecution functions, and providing recommendations to the Mayor, LAHD and Council on program guidelines, priorities and expenditures. Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

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

Additional beneficial qualifications may include:

• Minimum three years of experience as a practicing attorney.
• Experience with cannabis laws, nuisance abatement, code enforcement, and other regulatory matters.
• Understanding evidentiary issues and hearing/trial strategy, whether in the criminal or civil context.
• Experience with electronic databases and the electronic and digital presentation of evidence.
• Experience in cases involving Business and Professions Code section 17200, and other civil enforcement causes of action.
• Legal research skill.
• Other duties as assigned.

Summary of Candidate 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.

Supplemental Information

Current Location

Initial placement will be at City Hall East, 200 N. Main Street, Los Angeles. Position is subject to assignment at any location of the Office of the Los Angeles City Attorney.

Probation

Appointment to this exempt position (non-Civil Service) will be subject to a two-year probationary period as required by Section 1050 of the City Charter. Successfully completing this 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.

Application and Deadline

Interested candidates should go to: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lacityattorney/ to apply online.

Qualified applicants will be invited to interview. Position will remain open until filled.

Conflict-of-Interest

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

Contact

Questions? Please email atty.recruit@lacity.org.

AS A COVERED ENTITY UNDER TITLE Il OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF DISABILITY AND, UPON REQUEST, WILL PROVIDE REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION TO ENSURE EQUAL ACCESS TO ITS PROGRAMS, SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES. TO REQUEST A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION, PLEASE CALL THE HUMAN RESOURCES DIVISION AT (213) 978-7160.