Head Attorney - Trial Team (Civil Rights Defense) - City Attorney's Office (8182)
About the position The City Attorney's Office seeks an experienced litigator to supervise and personally handle litigation against the City and County of San Francisco (City) involving constitutional issues ('civil rights cases'). Examples of civil rights cases include defending members of law enforcement in 42 U.S.C. 1983 federal actions and defending the City in state court civil rights actions. 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. Responsibilities • Supervise and personally handle litigation against the City involving constitutional issues. • Defend members of law enforcement in federal actions and the City in state court civil rights actions. • Manage a caseload involving defensive matters, primarily accidents or injuries involving City operations. • Respond to lawsuits, file and argue motions, and try cases before a jury. • Make regular appearances in court and depositions as the first chair on all cases. • Participate in weekly meetings to discuss cases with the Trial Team. • Mentor, guide, motivate, and support other attorneys in civil rights cases. Requirements • Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience as a practicing attorney, with emphasis on jury trial and courtroom work. • At least two (2) years of responsible supervisory experience. • Licensed to practice law in California. Nice-to-haves • 10 years or more of civil litigation experience, with an emphasis on litigation involving civil rights. • Substantial civil trial experience in federal court, through verdict. • At least five federal civil cases tried to verdict. • Substantial experience defending law enforcement members in federal civil litigation matters. • Strong research, writing, and editing skills. • Strong oral advocacy and presentation skills. • Exhibits excellent judgment. • Diplomatic and tactful. • Humble and empathetic. • Committed to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment. Benefits • Robust health, retirement, and other benefits. Apply tot his job