Deputy City Attorney I/II (DUI-D)

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The DUI-D Unit vertically prosecutes drivers impaired by alcohol and/or the full spectrum of drugs from cannabis and commonly known controlled substances to new, designer drugs. DUI-D prosecutors must use innovative trial and discovery tactics to keep pace with the cutting-edge science used by both drug producers and forensic toxicologists. The DUI-D Unit continuously incorporates the latest developments into all levels of its cases beginning with filing, through pretrial and trial, and ultimately at sentencing. The knowledge required for these advanced concepts is achieved through trainings, roundtable discussions and collaboration with outside agencies committed to the prosecution of DUI-D related offenses.

The DUI-D Unit prosecutes misdemeanor criminal cases from other court offices throughout the City of Los Angeles. DUI-D unit attorneys may be assigned to any of the following locations:

• Metropolitan Division, located at 1945 S. Hill Street, Room 501, Los Angeles, 90007;
• Pacific Division, located at 11701 S. La Cienega Boulevard, Room 430, Los Angeles, 90045 (Airport Courthouse) and 100 Oceangate, Suite 510, Long Beach, 90802 (Long Beach Courthouse)
• Van Nuys Division, located at 6262 Van Nuys Boulevard, Suite 160, Van Nuys, 91401; and
• San Fernando Division, 900 3rd St., San Fernando, 91340

This highly-specialized unit is also on the front line of shaping law enforcement policy around social developments like the decriminalization of cannabis and expansion of the use prescription pain medication. The Unit works closely with numerous local, state, and federal transportation and law enforcement agencies, and maintains a presence in the community through its close involvement with DUI checkpoints and provides training to other prosecutors and law enforcement.

The essential job functions of the attorneys assigned to the Criminal Branch include reviewing cases presented by a variety of law enforcement agencies for filing determination; making filing decisions; 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; 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-trial motions, and appropriate sentence recommendation post-conviction; handling appeals and writs; and, all other duties and responsibilities associated with the prosecution of misdemeanor offenses handled by the Office of the City Attorney. Additional assignments as determined by the supervisor or Branch Management as needed to meet operational needs.

This attorney will be assigned other duties to meet the operational needs of the branch.

Licensed to practice law in all courts in the State of California.

• Familiarity with evidentiary matters, and strong oral and written advocacy skills. The ability and willingness to try challenging cases.
• Willingness to prosecute cases at any Courthouse location in Los Angeles County.
• Ability to participate in data collection and quarterly performance reporting.
• Complete the Traffic Safety Resource Specialist training, LAPD Drug Recognition Expert courses, Office of Traffic Safety training, and attend the annual Vehicular Homicide Conference (program costs are paid through grant funds). Occasional travel may be required to attend training as directed by the Supervising Attorney.
• Ability to serve as part of a team that works together to achieve grant related goals of increasing local capacity to prosecute DUI-D cases throughout the City of Los Angeles.

Desired Qualifications

• Extensive criminal trial experience demonstrating strong trial skills, including an understanding of evidentiary issues, trial preparation and trial strategy, and a broad knowledge of criminal law and procedure.
• Experience with filing procedures and handling arraignment, master calendar, trial and post-conviction courts.
• Excellent oral communication skills and the ability to effectively engage in oral advocacy.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully interact with a wide variety of members of the public, law enforcement, and the court system with tact, sensitivity and good judgment.
• Strong research and writing skills.
• Familiarity with electronic databases and the electronic and digital presentation of evidence.
• Ability to assist in the preparation of reports, memoranda and legal research.
• Experience with driving under the influence cases and a desire to prosecute DUI-D offender cases.
• Familiarity with prosecution of cases with Vehicle Code charges.
• Familiarity with grant reporting protocols.
• Familiarity with advances related to evidence collection and/or testing as an evidentiary tool in DUI-D cases.
• Familiarity with legal issues, policies and procedures associated with sobriety Checkpoints.
• Familiarity and/or willingness to work toward establishing new standards related to the admissibility of alternative testing methods.

Requirements for Application

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Candidates are required to submit two recent writing samples personally authored in the last two years

Current Location

1945 S. Hill Street, Room 501, Los Angeles, 90007. Position is subject to assignment at any location within the County of Los Angeles.

Work Location and Parking

This position requires regular onsite work. Occasional telework options may be available if operational needs allow and in accordance with the current City Attorney telework policy. 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.

Probation

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.

Classification

For internal applicants only – Placement in this position will initially be as a lateral transfer with the selected candidate assuming the position in their current classification.

Retirement Benefits

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.

Application and Deadline

Interested candidates should go to: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lacityattorney/ to apply online. The posting will close on July 24, 2026.

Conflict-of-Interest

This position is designated as Category 1 on the Conflict-of-Interest Code.

Contact

Questions? Please email [email protected].