Salary : $166,190.00 - $234,608.00 Annually
Location : City Attorney's Office, 740 State St., Suite 201, Santa Barbara, CA
Job Type: Full-time Unclassified
Job Number: -GR-EU
Department: City Attorney's Office
Division: City Attorney - Administration
Opening Date: 07/10/2026
Closing Date: 9/18/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
DESCRIPTION
Assistant City Attorney II-III (Litigation)
At the City of Santa Barbara, the best part of our organization is our people. As a City of Santa Barbara employee, you will work in an environment with other motivated individuals who are passionate about their work. We strive to provide employees with the support they need to thrive.
CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
The City Attorney's Office is responsible for all legal representation and advice for the City Council, Boards, Commissions and all City officers and staff in all matters of law pertaining to the City as well as all City code enforcement and litigation services.
The office is staffed by seven full-time attorneys (the City Attorney, Chief Assistant City Attorney, Assistant Prosecutor, and four Assistant City Attorneys), one investigator, one business manager, and five professional support staff who work as a close and collaborative team.
THE POSITION
The City Attorney's Office for the City of Santa Barbara is seeking an experienced, collaborative litigation attorney to join our team as an Assistant City Attorney II, or III, depending on qualifications and experience. This position is dedicated exclusively to civil litigation and provides an exciting opportunity to represent the City in complex and meaningful legal matters affecting the community.
Working under the guidance and mentorship of a highly experienced senior litigator, the successful candidate will manage a diverse civil litigation caseload involving the City, its officers, and employees.
Assistant City Attorney II:
Typically five or more years of progressively responsible experience in civil, municipal, or public agency law, preferably involving governmental clients. Annual salary range based on experience: $166,190 - $202,005.
Assistant City Attorney III:
Typically, seven or more years of progressively responsible experience in civil, municipal, or public agency law, preferably involving governmental clients. Annual salary range based on experience: $193,013 - $234,609.
Litigation Responsibilities
The litigation division is responsible for prosecuting and defending a wide variety of civil actions involving the City. The selected attorney will:
Attorneys in the office enjoy:
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
It is important that your application and supplemental questionnaire show all the relevant education, training, and experience you possess which qualifies you for this position. All applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed and the most qualified candidates will be invited for an interview.
The selection process may include an application screening, and one or more oral interviews. Candidates' qualifications, experience, and employment history will be thoroughly evaluated throughout the selection process. Any offer of employment will be contingent upon the successful completion of a comprehensive background investigation and any other pre-employment requirements applicable to the position.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
There is currently one (1) vacancy within the City Attorney's Office.
Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email and spam regularly throughout the recruitment process. You may also log into your account to view these emails.
CITY APPLICATION AND RESPONSES TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE MUST BE RECEIVED BY 5:00 PM ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2026.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)
The City of Santa Barbara is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an EEO employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, or other factors. We believe in fostering an inclusive work environment where employees feel valued, respected and empowered.
Disaster Services Assignments
As public employees, we play an enhanced role in the event of a disaster or other emergency in our community. You will be registered as a disaster services worker, and you will be issued a disaster services identification card. In the event of a disaster or other emergency, make sure that your family is safe and secure first, then report to your assigned emergency location. Hourly employees generally do not receive disaster services assignments.
STEP INCREASES , through the top salary step, are tied to job performance with annual performance reviews.
THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS may vary and are subject to change:
Note: Part-time employees receive pro-rated benefits, e.g., 50%, 60%, etc.
Revised 12/1/2024
01
Describe your experience in Federal Court and any experience in State or Federal appellate courts. Include your years of experience in this area.
02
How many trials (through verdict) have you personally conducted? How many of those trials were jury trials? Please describe and include your employing agency or firm and your tenure.
03
Describe your experience drafting legal briefs and civil litigation motions. Include your years of experience in this area.
04
Describe your most complex litigation experience. Include details on your strategy, preparation, trial experience, and outcome of the matter.
05
Describe any litigation experience you have involving land use issues. Include details on your preparation, trial experience, and outcome of the case(s). Include your years of experience in this area.
06
Describe any litigation experience you have involving Civil Rights claims. Include your years of experience in this area.
07
Have you ever been convicted of a crime, including a plea of guilty or no contest, which resulted in a criminal conviction?
Do not include:
• Arrests that did not result in a conviction
• Convictions that a court has ordered sealed or expunged
• Juvenile adjudications that are confidential under law
Yes
No
If you answered "Yes," please provide the following information for each conviction:
a) Whether it was a felony or misdemeanor
b) The offense(s) of conviction
c) Date of conviction
d) City and state of the court
e) Court case number, if known
f) Final disposition, for example: probation, fine, jail, completed diversion, etc.
g) You may also briefly describe any rehabilitation, education, or work history since the conviction that you would like us to consider.
Providing false, incomplete, or misleading information in response to this question may result in disqualification from employment or, if discovered after hire, may result in termination of employment.
NOTE: The City will not automatically deny employment because an applicant has a criminal conviction. The City will consider, as required by applicable law, factors such as the nature and gravity of the offense, the time that has passed since the offense or completion of the sentence, and the nature of the position sought before making any employment decision.
Required Question
Location : City Attorney's Office, 740 State St., Suite 201, Santa Barbara, CA
Job Type: Full-time Unclassified
Job Number: -GR-EU
Department: City Attorney's Office
Division: City Attorney - Administration
Opening Date: 07/10/2026
Closing Date: 9/18/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
DESCRIPTION
Assistant City Attorney II-III (Litigation)
At the City of Santa Barbara, the best part of our organization is our people. As a City of Santa Barbara employee, you will work in an environment with other motivated individuals who are passionate about their work. We strive to provide employees with the support they need to thrive.
CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
The City Attorney's Office is responsible for all legal representation and advice for the City Council, Boards, Commissions and all City officers and staff in all matters of law pertaining to the City as well as all City code enforcement and litigation services.
The office is staffed by seven full-time attorneys (the City Attorney, Chief Assistant City Attorney, Assistant Prosecutor, and four Assistant City Attorneys), one investigator, one business manager, and five professional support staff who work as a close and collaborative team.
THE POSITION
The City Attorney's Office for the City of Santa Barbara is seeking an experienced, collaborative litigation attorney to join our team as an Assistant City Attorney II, or III, depending on qualifications and experience. This position is dedicated exclusively to civil litigation and provides an exciting opportunity to represent the City in complex and meaningful legal matters affecting the community.
Working under the guidance and mentorship of a highly experienced senior litigator, the successful candidate will manage a diverse civil litigation caseload involving the City, its officers, and employees.
Assistant City Attorney II:
Typically five or more years of progressively responsible experience in civil, municipal, or public agency law, preferably involving governmental clients. Annual salary range based on experience: $166,190 - $202,005.
Assistant City Attorney III:
Typically, seven or more years of progressively responsible experience in civil, municipal, or public agency law, preferably involving governmental clients. Annual salary range based on experience: $193,013 - $234,609.
Litigation Responsibilities
The litigation division is responsible for prosecuting and defending a wide variety of civil actions involving the City. The selected attorney will:
- Independently manage all phases of civil litigation, including case evaluation, pleadings, written discovery, depositions, motion practice, settlement negotiations, and trial preparation.
- Represent the City in state and federal courts, including jury and bench trials, and handle matters through appeal when necessary.
- Analyze and apply federal and California law, the California Code of Civil Procedure, Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and applicable local court rules.
- Collaborate with City departments, outside experts, and other members of the City Attorney's Office to develop effective litigation strategies.
- Provide practical legal advice to City staff as litigation issues arise and assist in minimizing legal risk.
- Active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California.
- Demonstrated civil litigation experience sufficient to independently handle discovery, depositions, law and motion practice, and trial preparation.
- Excellent legal research, writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills.
- Strong judgment, professionalism, and the ability to manage multiple matters in a collaborative team environment.
- Experience representing public agencies, municipalities, or other governmental entities is highly desirable but not required.
Attorneys in the office enjoy:
- Substantial courtroom and trial opportunities
- A sophisticated and diverse litigation practice
- Direct engagement with City leadership and policy makers
- A collaborative and supportive legal team
- The opportunity to help shape legal strategy for a dynamic coastal city
- CalPERS retirement
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
- Deferred compensation (457 plan)
- Flexible spending account
- Life and disability insurance
- Continuing legal education and professional development opportunities
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
- Be an active member in good standing with the State Bar of California and if selected for the position, must promptly apply for admission to the United States District Court for the Central District of California, if not already admitted to that court.
- Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school
- Demonstrated civil litigation experience sufficient to independently handle discovery, depositions, law and motion practice, and trial preparation, typically equivalent to 5 or more years of litigation experience.
- Excellent public speaking, writing, and legal research skills
- Lead counsel in two or more jury trials.
- Attorneys in this position must be able to travel to locations outside the office for legal proceedings or meetings. Therefore, possession of a valid California Class C driver's license and personal vehicle, or the ability to travel to various locations throughout the City in a timely manner, is required.
It is important that your application and supplemental questionnaire show all the relevant education, training, and experience you possess which qualifies you for this position. All applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed and the most qualified candidates will be invited for an interview.
The selection process may include an application screening, and one or more oral interviews. Candidates' qualifications, experience, and employment history will be thoroughly evaluated throughout the selection process. Any offer of employment will be contingent upon the successful completion of a comprehensive background investigation and any other pre-employment requirements applicable to the position.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
There is currently one (1) vacancy within the City Attorney's Office.
Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email and spam regularly throughout the recruitment process. You may also log into your account to view these emails.
CITY APPLICATION AND RESPONSES TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE MUST BE RECEIVED BY 5:00 PM ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2026.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)
The City of Santa Barbara is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an EEO employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, or other factors. We believe in fostering an inclusive work environment where employees feel valued, respected and empowered.
Disaster Services Assignments
As public employees, we play an enhanced role in the event of a disaster or other emergency in our community. You will be registered as a disaster services worker, and you will be issued a disaster services identification card. In the event of a disaster or other emergency, make sure that your family is safe and secure first, then report to your assigned emergency location. Hourly employees generally do not receive disaster services assignments.
STEP INCREASES , through the top salary step, are tied to job performance with annual performance reviews.
THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS may vary and are subject to change:
Note: Part-time employees receive pro-rated benefits, e.g., 50%, 60%, etc.
- Deferred Compensation (457) Savings Plan is available.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP): A City-paid Employee Assistance Program is available for employees and family members.
- Flexwork /Telecommuting is available.
- Health Insurance including medical, dental, and vision benefits is available. Click here for the benefits rate sheet: Management Unit Rate Sheet .
- Life and AD&D Insurance : Life Insurance: City-paid term life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance (2x annual salary) is provided. Employee-paid supplemental life insurance is available subject to a health application if coverage is not elected during the new hire guarantee issue period.
- Holidays : 12 holidays are observed / year.
- Sick Leave is accrued at the rate of 96 hours / year.
- Vacation is accrued at 160 hours / year, increasing with City service.
- Management Leave : 64 hours are provided each July 1st (pro-rated the first year).
- Personal Leave : 32 hours are provided each July 1st (pro-rated the first year).
- Retirement : The City does not participate in Social Security.
- PERS Miscellaneous Formula: "Classic " members: 2.7% @ 55; City contributes 12.03% and employee contributes 8% of salary. "New " members: 2% @ 62; City contributes 12.03% and employee contributes 7.75% of salary.
- PERS Police Safety Formula: "Classic " members: 3% @ 50; City contributes 23.38% and employee contributes 9% of salary. "New " members: 2.7% @ 57; City contributes 23.38% and employee contributes 14% of salary.
- PERS Fire Safety Formula: "Classic " members: 3% @ 50; City contributes 27.8% and employee contributes 10.5% of salary. "New " members: 2.7% @ 57; City contributes 14.72% and employee contributes 14.5% of salary.
- Short Term Disability Insurance : Optional employee-paid coverage is available.
- Long-term Disability Insurance: City-paid coverage is provided.
- Medicare : Employee pays 1.45% of salary towards future Medicare benefits.
- The City is an employer-member of the Coastal Housing Partnership which offers regular employees with home loan assistance and rental reductions.
- Uniforms will be provided by the City to those employees required to wear a uniform.
Revised 12/1/2024
01
Describe your experience in Federal Court and any experience in State or Federal appellate courts. Include your years of experience in this area.
02
How many trials (through verdict) have you personally conducted? How many of those trials were jury trials? Please describe and include your employing agency or firm and your tenure.
03
Describe your experience drafting legal briefs and civil litigation motions. Include your years of experience in this area.
04
Describe your most complex litigation experience. Include details on your strategy, preparation, trial experience, and outcome of the matter.
05
Describe any litigation experience you have involving land use issues. Include details on your preparation, trial experience, and outcome of the case(s). Include your years of experience in this area.
06
Describe any litigation experience you have involving Civil Rights claims. Include your years of experience in this area.
07
Have you ever been convicted of a crime, including a plea of guilty or no contest, which resulted in a criminal conviction?
Do not include:
• Arrests that did not result in a conviction
• Convictions that a court has ordered sealed or expunged
• Juvenile adjudications that are confidential under law
Yes
No
If you answered "Yes," please provide the following information for each conviction:
a) Whether it was a felony or misdemeanor
b) The offense(s) of conviction
c) Date of conviction
d) City and state of the court
e) Court case number, if known
f) Final disposition, for example: probation, fine, jail, completed diversion, etc.
g) You may also briefly describe any rehabilitation, education, or work history since the conviction that you would like us to consider.
Providing false, incomplete, or misleading information in response to this question may result in disqualification from employment or, if discovered after hire, may result in termination of employment.
NOTE: The City will not automatically deny employment because an applicant has a criminal conviction. The City will consider, as required by applicable law, factors such as the nature and gravity of the offense, the time that has passed since the offense or completion of the sentence, and the nature of the position sought before making any employment decision.
Required Question