Posting number: 2026-3598
Department: Criminal Branch
Division: Prosecution
Job classification: Deputy City Attorney I
Posting type: Open
Categories: Attorney
Criminal Branch attorneys prosecute misdemeanor criminal cases in courts located throughout Los Angeles. Typical cases include domestic violence, child abuse and endangerment, theft, assault and battery, vandalism, driving under the influence, violations of protective and other court orders, and other violations of state and local laws. Most prosecutors are placed in one of six courthouses staffed by the Office. Prosecutors may also be placed in the Regulatory Division that vertically prosecutes violations of building, fire, and other codes enforcement; the Driving Under the Influence of Drugs (DUID) unit that vertically prosecutes drug-impaired driving cases; the Mental and Behavioral Health Unit that handles cases in which defendants’ competency has been declared in doubt; or the Criminal Appellate Unit that handles writs, appeals, and some post-trial motions. The Office of the Los Angeles City Attorney works closely with local law enforcement agencies, including the Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles Sheriff's Department, California Highway Patrol and numerous city, county, state, and federal regulatory agencies to prosecute crimes against adults occurring in the City of Los Angeles.
The Criminal Branch offices are:
Central: 200 N. Main Street, 5th Floor, Los Angeles 90012
Metropolitan: 1945 S. Hill Street, Room 501, Los Angeles 90007
Pacific/Airport: 11701 S. La Cienega Blvd., Room 430, Los Angeles 90045
Pacific/Long Beach: 100 Oceangate, Suite 510, Long Beach, CA 90802
Van Nuys: 6262 Van Nuys Blvd., Suite 160, Van Nuys 91401
San Fernando: 900 3rd St., San Fernando, CA 91340
Hollywood: 5925 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Deputy City Attorney I: $113,796 - $166,413
Deputy City Attorney II: $135,636 - $198,297
Deputy City Attorney III: $175,642 - $256,803
The essential job functions of the attorneys assigned to the Criminal Branch include reviewing referrals presented by a variety of law enforcement agencies for filing determination; making filing decisions including pre-filing diversion; 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; handling and arguing diversion, mental competence, and similar motions; staffing and appearing in master calendar courts, direct set trial courts and post-conviction 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 appropriate sentence recommendations; handling writs and appeals and other post-conviction or post-disposition matter; and, all other duties and responsibilities associated with the prosecution of misdemeanor offenses handled by the Office of the Los Angeles City Attorney.
Candidates with litigation and trial experience are strongly encouraged to apply. Additional preferred qualifications include:
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.
This position requires regular onsite work. Employer-provided parking is limited and may not be available for this classification. Employees may be responsible for securing and paying for parking at nearby facilities.
Applicants are encouraged to review available commute and transportation resources through the City’s COMMUTEwell program. For more information, please visit: https://lacommutewell.com.
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. Successful completion of the two-year probationary period will result in tenure with the office.
Deputy City Attorney I: $113,796 - $166,413
Deputy City Attorney II: $135,636 - $198,297
Deputy City Attorney III: $175,642 - $256,803
Classification and salary placement will be determined based on the selected candidate’s qualifications, relevant experience, the level and nature of the work, and other relevant considerations. Appointment at the DCA III level generally reflects experience performing more complex or specialized legal work.
Current employees selected for this assignment will be placed through a lateral transfer and retain their current classification, unless otherwise determined by the City Attorney in the exercise of the appointing authority.
Employees participate in the Los Angeles City Employees’ Retirement System (LACERS), which includes mandatory employee pension contributions through payroll deduction. The City also contributes toward the employee’s retirement benefit. Contribution rates are established by the applicable retirement system and may vary based on employee classification, membership status, and other factors. For more information, please visit: https://www.lacers.org.
Interested candidates should go to: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lacityattorney/ to apply online.
This position is designated as Category 1 on the Conflict-of-Interest Code.
Questions? Please email atty.recruit@lacity.org.
The City of Los Angeles employs more than 45,000 people in a wide range of careers. Visit our website for information on current openings, including regular civil service positions, exempt and emergency appointment opportunities, in addition to internships!
The City of Los Angeles is a Mayor-Council-Commission form of government, as originally adopted by voters of the City of Los Angeles, effective July 1, 1925, and reaffirmed by a new Charter effective July 1, 2000. A Mayor, City Controller, and City Attorney are elected by City residents every four years. Fifteen City Council members representing fifteen districts are elected by the people for four-year terms, for a maximum of two terms. Members of Commissions are generally appointed by the Mayor, subject to the approval of the City Council. General Managers of the various City departments are also appointed by the Mayor, subject to confirmation by the City Council. Most employees of the City are subject to the civil service provisions of the City Charter.
