Job description

Office of the Los Angeles City Attorney

Hydee Feldstein Soto

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

DEPUTY CITY ATTORNEY

VERTICAL PROSECUTION DIVISION, METROPOLITAN OPERATIONS

CRIMINAL BRANCH

SALARY RANGE: $94,112 - $169,126

SUMMARY: The City Attorney’s Office offers a range of opportunities for attorneys to work on significant and complex issues. The effectiveness of the
City Attorney’s Office depends upon the continued recruitment and hiring of excellent and diverse legal talent. We recognize the need for attorneys of varied backgrounds and skills, and offer an inclusive environment that relies on diverse perspectives to ensure that we effectively serve the people of Los Angeles. We also offer competitive benefits and working arrangements including a telework program.

POSITION: Deputy City Attorney for the Metropolitan Operations with the Vertical
Prosecution Division.

SECTION: Metropolitan Operations (Metro) is responsible for prosecuting all
vehicular misdemeanors that occur in the Central Los Angeles area and all misdemeanors, both vehicular and non-vehicular, arising from arrests or investigations by the California Highway Patrol that occur in the Central City and West Los Angeles areas. Metro works closely with local law enforcement agencies, including the Los Angeles Police Department, California Highway Patrol, Los Angeles Sheriff's Department and other City, County and State agencies. Metro is recognized for its expertise and emphasis on driving under the influence prosecutions. Metro also handles a wide range of other misdemeanor charges involving vehicular manslaughter, street racing, violence, vandalism, child endangerment and DMV-related offenses.

Metropolitan Operations is located at 1945 Hill Street, Room 501, Los
Angeles, 90007.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The essential job functions of the attorneys assigned to Metropolitan Operations 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 calendar 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 making appropriate sentence recommendation post-conviction; handling special assignments and cases in addition to regular caseload and trial assignments and, all other duties and responsibilities associated with the prosecution of misdemeanor offenses handled by the Office of the City Attorney.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Licensed to practice law in all courts in the State of California. Applicants must have a strong interest in conducting jury trials as Metro conducts a high volume of trials.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Trial experience demonstrating strong trial skills, including an understanding of evidentiary issues, trial preparation and trial strategy, and a broad knowledge of criminal law and procedure;
• Experience prosecuting misdemeanors;
• Experience with filing procedures and handling arraignment, calendar, trial and post-conviction matters;
• 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; and
• 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 and qualifications.

WRITING SAMPLE: Candidates are also required to submit a writing sample personally authored by them.

PROBATION: Appointment to this exempt position (non Civil-Service) will be subject to a one (1) year probationary period as required by Section 1050 of the City Charter. Successful completion of the one (1) year probationary period will result in tenure with the office.

COVID-19 VACCINE REQUIREMENT: For candidates seeking initial City employment, in accordance with Los Angeles City Ordinance 187134, information regarding COVID-19 vaccination requirements as conditions of employment may be found at: https://clkrep.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2021/21-0921_ord_187134_8-24-21.pdf.

APPLICATION AND DEADLINE: Attorneys interested in applying should email their cover letter, resume, writing samples and summary of qualifications in ONE (1) PDF FILE specifying “DCA – METROPOLITAN OPERATIONS, Job # 3240” in the subject line to atty.recruit @lacity.org by FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 2023.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST: This position is designated Category 1 in the Los
Angeles City Attorney’s Office Conflict of Interest Code.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $94,112.00 - $169,126.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• Did you submit your cover letter, resume, writing samples and summary of qualifications?

License/Certification:

• Bar license to practice law in all courts in California (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

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