Closing Date: 16th August, 2026
Description:
Job Summary:Deputy City Attorney I or II – Criminal Prosecution Division
Annual Salary: DCA I Steps 1-3 $115,164 - $127,956
Annual Salary: DCA II Steps 1-5 $143,628 - $177,312
Work Schedule: 5/40 schedule M-Friday
Hybrid Work: Currently available
Application Deadline: Sunday, August 16, 2026
Benefits: Comprehensive City benefits package
Employment Status: At-will position represented by the Public Attorneys Union
Join the Santa Monica City Attorney's Office as a Deputy in the Criminal Division.
The Santa Monica City Attorney's Office seeks an attorney with one to three years of criminal prosecution experience to join its Criminal Prosecution Division.
The City Attorney's Office Criminal Prosecution Division handles all misdemeanors and municipal code violations that occur in the City of Santa Monica. These charges include driving under the influence, domestic violence, vehicular manslaughter, theft, and quality of life crimes such as camping in public, being in the park after dark, and loitering in a parking structure. The Division also works with the Santa Monica Police Department and Human Service Division to create diversion programs that may limit exposure to the criminal justice system.
The successful applicant will have a combination of required and preferred qualifications, including high ethical standards and effective litigation skills.
We welcome candidates who meet the qualifications through a combination of relevant education, training, and professional experience. If you believe your background has equipped you with the skills and knowledge to excel in this role, we encourage you to apply.
Required Qualifications:
License to practice law in the State of California.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Minimum of three-years criminal prosecution experience, including experience in the courtroom;
- Experience in motion writing and research;
- Trial experience in California state court;
- Sound judgment and high ethical standards;
- Strong communication, advocacy, and legal research skills;
- Ability to work collegially with colleagues and defense attorneys;
- Capacity to handle a high volume of cases in an organized and timely fashion;
- Ability to commute to various courthouses around Los Angeles County;
- Familiarity with the California Penal and Vehicle Codes; and
- Demonstrated commitment to advancing the public interest.
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.
Under 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 premier destination cities in the region. As part of the Realignment Plan, in October 2025 and March 2026, 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. The Office is recruiting to meet increasing enforcement, advisory, and litigation needs, including the growing responsibilities of the Criminal Prosecution Division.
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 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. This is a 5/40 work schedule. Hybrid remote work schedule is currently available but not guaranteed, with a minimum of two days in the office, moving to a minimum of three days in the office in January 2027 (Tuesday – Thursday). Evening and weekend duties may be required to attend Boards/Commission meetings, Diversion Program Advisory Board 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 – Deputy City Attorney, Criminal Division.” Candidates must apply by Sunday, August 16, 2026, when consideration of applicants will begin.
A background check will be required prior to beginning employment. Salary is dependent on qualifications and experience, and the City offers excellent benefits. The salary range is Deputy City Attorney I from $115,164 to $127,956. Deputy City Attorney II from $143,628 to $177,312. This position is at will but is part of the Public Attorneys Union. Equal Opportunity Employer. See the EEO Policy on the City Attorney's Office website.
