Closing Date: 2nd June, 2026

Description:

Job Summary:
Join the Santa Monica City Attorney's Office
The Santa Monica City Attorney's office seeks an attorney with at least ten years of experience to serve as a Deputy City Attorney in the Civil Litigation Division. The mission of the Santa Monica City Attorney is to do excellent legal work efficiently and cost-effectively. As advisors to City officials and staff, to provide timely and complete assistance. As advocates, to represent the City and its employees vigorously and fairly. As prosecutors, to diligently and justly enforce the law on behalf of the People of California.

Per the Santa Monica City Charter, the City Attorney's Office represents and advises the City Council and all City officials pertaining to their official duties. The City Attorney's Office also prosecutes criminal cases against those accused of committing state and local misdemeanor offenses. The City Attorney's Office also defends the City, City employees, and Councilmembers in civil lawsuits.

The office currently consists of 26 attorneys and 21 administrative professionals and is part of the citywide Realignment Plan that is working to restore Santa Monica to one of the premiere destination cities in the region. As part of the Realignment Plan, in October 2025, the City Council adopted recommendations that included a series of new investments and policy actions designed to transition the City from organizational stabilization toward economic revitalization. Since the Plan was adopted more than six months ago, the City has delivered measurable results across its five strategic priorities.

The City Attorney's Office is pleased to be well-positioned to sustain and grow its team in support of the City's evolving needs.

Position Overview:
Duties may include but are not limited to:
The attorney will defend the City and its employees in civil litigation primarily in law enforcement, employment, and personal injury related claims.

The successful applicant will have a combination of required and preferred qualifications, including high ethical standards and effective litigation skills.

Required Qualifications:

Sound judgment and high ethical standards.
Demonstrated commitment to advancing public interest.
Strong communication, advocacy, legal research and writing skills.
Substantial civil litigation experience defending public entities with a strong understanding of governmental immunities and applicable defenses.
Experience litigating cases in Federal Court.
Jury trial experience.
Ability to work collegially with colleagues and clients.
License to practice law in the State of California and familiarity with the California Code of Civil Procedure.

Preferred Qualifications:

Demonstrated experience defending civil rights actions arising from police conduct.
Demonstrated experience defending employment-related litigation.

Work Schedule:
Division work assignments are subject to change based on the operational needs and workload of the City Attorney's Office overall. The hours of the position are 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, and 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on alternate Fridays. This is a 9/80 work schedule. Hybrid remote work schedule is currently available but not guaranteed, with a minimum of three days in the office. Evening and weekend duties may be required to attend City Council meetings, and other public meetings or events.

Application Instructions and Compensation
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample of no more than ten pages, and the names of three references (will not be contacted prior to interview). These materials should be submitted in a single pdf document by email to CAO.Opportunities@santamonica.gov with the subject line: “Application – DCA, Civil Litigation Division.” Candidates must apply by Tuesday, June 2, 2026, when consideration of applicants will begin.

A background check will be required prior to beginning employment. Salary is dependent on qualifications and experience, excellent benefits. Salary range is Deputy City Attorney III, Steps1-5, $218,124 to $269,292. This position is at will but part of the Public Attorneys Union (https://www.santamonica.gov/memoranda-of-understanding). Equal Opportunity Employer. See the EEO Policy on the City Attorney's Office website.