The City of Santa Barbara is seeking an accomplished Senior Litigator to lead complex and high-profile litigation matters for one of California’s premier coastal communities. This is an exceptional opportunity to combine sophisticated trial work, strategic legal advising, and meaningful public service while partnering with City leadership on issues that directly shape the community. The position offers challenging and impactful legal work within a collaborative, highly respected City Attorney’s Office in an extraordinary coastal setting.
ABOUT SANTA BARBARA
Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, Santa Barbara (pop. 89,000) is widely regarded as one of California’s most desirable coastal communities. Located 90 miles north of Los Angeles along U.S. Highway 101, the City offers a rare combination of natural beauty, cultural sophistication, and small-town charm. Known as the “American Riviera,” Santa Barbara enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate with more than 300 days of sunshine annually, creating an exceptional year-round lifestyle centered around beaches, mountains, parks, and outdoor recreation. Combining the amenities of a sophisticated coastal city with the warmth and hospitality of a close-knit community, Santa Barbara offers an extraordinary place to live, work, and serve.
THE 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. These responsibilities include, but are not limited to attending City Council, Planning Commission, and other board and commission meetings as needed. The office handles over 1,000 annual opinion requests and other legal work assignments as well as weekly agenda preparation and review of items that come before the City Council and Planning Commission. In addition, the office is responsible for all City prosecution and litigation services.
The office is staffed by 9.5 FTE attorneys, plus eight professional support staff including an Investigator, Business Manager, two Paralegals, and other support staff who work as a close team managing the City’s legal affairs. The office also provides specialty services in litigation and criminal prosecution services.
THE POSITION
The Senior Litigator serves as the City of Santa Barbara’s lead litigation attorney, managing the City’s most significant, complex, and high-profile legal disputes. Reporting to the Chief Assistant City Attorney, this position is responsible for developing litigation strategy, handling all phases of civil litigation, preparing pleadings and motions, conducting discovery, negotiating settlements, and representing the City in trial, administrative hearings, and appellate proceedings. The Senior Litigator partners closely with City leadership, department directors, and outside counsel to address matters involving municipal liability, land use, public safety, constitutional issues, labor and employment, environmental regulation, contracts, and other areas affecting municipal operations.
This role requires an accomplished trial attorney with exceptional legal judgment, political acumen, and the ability to manage sensitive and precedent-setting matters in a highly visible public environment. In addition to courtroom responsibilities, the Senior Litigator provides strategic legal advice to City officials and staff, helps assess organizational risk, and contributes to the development of legally sound and operationally effective solutions to complex public sector challenges. The position also plays an important leadership role within the City Attorney’s Office by mentoring attorneys and staff, coordinating specialized outside counsel, and serving as a trusted advisor on critical legal and policy issues facing the organization.
The ideal candidate will be a seasoned and highly accomplished trial attorney with extensive experience handling complex civil litigation matters in both state and federal court, including police liability and civil rights cases under Section 1983; be a collaborative, pragmatic, and service-oriented professional with excellent judgment, strong courtroom presence, and the ability to manage a diverse caseload ranging from routine disputes to high-profile and precedent-setting litigation; have experience in Federal Court, employment law, mentoring less experienced attorneys, and overseeing outside counsel; and have interpersonal qualities necessary to succeed in a public sector environment, including strong communication skills, political awareness, a collegial and team-oriented style, a strong work ethic, and a genuine pride in delivering high-quality legal work and public service.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for the Assistant City Attorney V/Senior Litigator is up to $277,550, with placement dependent on qualifications. An excellent executive benefit package is provided including retirement provided by CalPERS. Classic members will be enrolled at the 2.7% at 55 benefit formula. New members hired after 1/1/2013 (PEPRA) will be enrolled at the 2% at 62 benefit formula. The City does not participate in Social Security. The city supports flexible work arrangements, including hybrid schedules with up to three days per week remote.
For additional benefit information, interested candidates are encouraged to review the detailed recruitment brochure at www.mosaicpublic.com/careers.
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS
Apply Immediately – This recruitment will close once a strong pool of candidates is established. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit an application, a cover letter and résumé online at:
Confidential inquiries are welcomed to Monday Fitz-Gerald, Business Manager, City of Santa Barbara at (805) 564-5429 or MFitz-Gerald@SantaBarbaraCA.gov.
QUALIFICATIONS
Any combination of education and experience that would provide the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. The following is a typical way to qualify:
Education: A Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school.
Experience: Minimum twelve years of litigation experience.
Bar Status: Must be a current member of the California State Bar Association.
