Salary: See Position Description
Location : City of Santa Monica, CA
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Job Number: 0803-06
Department: City Attorney
Division: City Attorney
Opening Date: 08/04/2026
Closing Date: 8/16/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Job SummaryDeputy City Attorney I or II - Criminal Prosecution DivisionAnnual Salary: DCA I Steps 1-3 $115,164 - $127,956
Annual Salary: DCA II Steps 1-5 $143,628 - $177,312
Work Schedule: 5/40 schedule M-Friday
Hybrid Work: Currently available
Application Deadline: Sunday, August 16, 2026
Benefits: Comprehensive City benefits package
Employment Status: At-will position represented by the Public Attorneys Union
The Santa Monica City Attorney's Office seeks an attorney with one to three years of criminal prosecution experience to join its Criminal Prosecution Division.
The City Attorney's Office Criminal Prosecution Division handles all misdemeanors and municipal code violations that occur in the City of Santa Monica. These charges include driving under the influence, domestic violence, vehicular manslaughter, theft, and quality of life crimes such as camping in public, being in the park after dark, and loitering in a parking structure. The Division also works with the Santa Monica Police Department and Human Service Division to create diversion programs that may limit exposure to the criminal justice system.
The successful applicant will have a combination of required and preferred qualifications, including high ethical standards and effective litigation skills.
We welcome candidates who meet the qualifications through a combination of relevant education, training, and professional experience. If you believe your background has equipped you with the skills and knowledge to excel in this role, we encourage you to apply.
Required qualifications:- License to practice law in the State of California.
Preferred qualifications:- Minimum of three-years criminal prosecution experience, including experience in the courtroom;
- Experience in motion writing and research;
- Trial experience in California state court;
- Sound judgment and high ethical standards;
- Strong communication, advocacy, and legal research skills;
- Ability to work collegially with colleagues and defense attorneys;
- Capacity to handle a high volume of cases in an organized and timely fashion;
- Ability to commute to various courthouses around Los Angeles County;
- Familiarity with the California Penal and Vehicle Codes; and
- Demonstrated commitment to advancing the public interest.
Work ScheduleDivision work assignments are subject to change based on the operational needs and workload of the City Attorney's Office overall. The hours of the position are 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. This is a 5/40 work schedule. Hybrid remote work schedule is currently available but not guaranteed, with a minimum of three days in the office. Evening and weekend duties may be required to attend Boards/Commission meetings, Diversion Program Advisory Board meetings, and other public meetings or events.
Application Instructions and Compensation Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample of no more than ten pages, and the names of three references (will not be contacted prior to interview). These materials should be submitted in a single pdf document by email to with the subject line: "Application - Deputy City Attorney, Criminal Division." Candidates must apply by
Sunday, August 16, 2026, when consideration of applicants will begin.
A background check will be required prior to beginning employment. Salary is dependent on qualifications and experience, and the City offers excellent benefits. The salary range is Deputy City Attorney I from $115,164 to $127,956. Deputy City Attorney II from $143,628 to $177,312.
The City's liberal fringe benefits for full-time employment include sick leave, holiday and vacation pay, the Public Employees Retirement System, medical, dental and vision insurance, credit union, deferred compensation, tuition reimbursement, Dependent Care Assistance Plan and priority enrollment consideration at Hill & Dale Family Learning Center, Marine Park Child Development Center, and Santa Monica Early Childhood Lab School.
