Deputy City Attorney - Trial/Litigation Team - City Attorney's Office (8177)

Appointment Type: Permanent Exempt (PEX)  position; individuals who are appointed to Exempt Positions are appointed at the pleasure of their appointing officer and are considered to be "at-will." Application Opening : July 22, 2026 Application Deadline : Continuous, earliest close 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 5, 2026 Compensation Range:  $158,548-$277,810 Recruitment ID : RTF0165391-01076988 The San Francisco City Attorney’s Office is seeking a qualified and motivated attorney to join its Trial Team. About the Office The San Francisco City Attorney’s Office is an innovative, nationally-recognized municipal law office working to protect and advance the rights and interests of the City and County of San Francisco and its residents. With just over 300 talented and dedicated employees, the Office provides exceptional legal services to the City’s Mayor, Board of Supervisors, officials, and departments. Our work empowers City leaders with effective, responsive, and creative legal solutions and representation so they can deliver critical public services, and our affirmative advocacy enhances the lives and wellbeing of San Francisco’s residents and visitors. The Office recognizes that diversity in the backgrounds, identities, ideas, and lived experiences of our employees enriches our workplace and enhances our work. We aspire to recruit, employ, retain, and promote talented individuals representing the full spectrum of our community, and welcome all candidates, including candidates of any race, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, and age, and candidates with disabilities. We have a clear vision: to be the place where a diverse mix of people want to come and stay, grow professionally, and find purpose and engagement, and where all employees feel welcomed and respected for their full authentic selves, and valued for their work and contributions to the Office and the City. The Office offers a hybrid work schedule for eligible employees. To learn more about the City Attorney's Office please visit  our website . About the Trial Team The Trial Team is a collaborative, nimble, and dynamic group of over 40 attorneys and support staff and the largest team at the City Attorney’s Office. The Team primarily defends lawsuits filed against the City and County of San Francisco and its employees in state and federal court, handling all phases of litigation, from case intake and assessment, litigation strategy, discovery and document review, motion practice, settlement evaluation and negotiation, trial, and appeal. The Team’s docket is broad, and ranges from personal injury accidents to constitutional torts. The Trial Team represents employees from all City departments and touches every aspect of the City’s operations, from transit to sewer, law enforcement to public health. Trial Team members also work on cross-team assignments on an as-needed basis, including helping City departments assess litigation risks, respond to third-party discovery, and respond to crisis situations. Deputy City Attorney Position and Responsibilities Attorneys on the Trial Team are assigned defensive matters, primarily involving accidents or injuries involving City operations, but also including constitutional claims and contractual disputes. Attorneys are assigned their own caseloads and have primary responsibility for all aspects of their cases, from responding to lawsuits, filing and arguing motions, trying cases before a jury, all the way to appeal.  Attorneys should expect to make regular appearances in court and depositions as the first chair on all of their cases.  The Trial Team regularly schedules weekly meetings for attorneys to roundtable and discuss their cases before the entire team.  Attorneys are also supported by direct supervisors, the Assistant Chief, and the Chief Trial Attorney for significant decisions on cases. Minimum Qualifications Licensed to practice law in California. Desired Qualifications Three or ideally more years of civil litigation experience, including trial experience. Ability to assume responsibility quickly, work both independently and collaboratively, and identify and assess substantive and procedural legal issues. Ability to work effectively and efficiently, meet multiple competing deadlines, manage workload changes, and dive into new assignments quickly. Excellent written and oral communication and advocacy skills. Ability to manage, investigate, and litigate multiple matters in both state and federal courts. Ability to handle all phases of litigation, including intake and investigation, written discovery, depositions, motion practice, settlement negotiation, trial, and appeal. Experience handling court appearances and oral argument. Familiarity with state and federal rules of civil procedure and local rules of court. Experience with e-discovery. Demonstrated interest, comfort, and good working knowledge of sophisticated document review tools. Ability to work effectively with paralegals, legal assistants, investigators, and other colleagues. Ability to exercise excellent judgment, adapt to changes, and be curious. Excellent interpersonal skills and a positive attitude. Commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment. Interest and ability to work successfully as part of a team. Verification Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point during the recruitment and selection process. If education verification is required, information on how to verify education requirements, including verifying foreign education credits or degree equivalency, can be found at  https://sfdhr.org/how-verify-education-requirement s . Note:  Falsifying one’s education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification for this and future job opportunities with the City and Count