CHIEF TRIAL COUNSEL (Chief Litigation Counsel)

The City of Huntington Beach is located in northwestern Orange County, 35 miles southeast of Los Angeles and 90 miles northwest of San Diego. With a population of about 202,265 residents, Huntington Beach is the fourth largest city in Orange County and the 24th largest city in California. Known as “Surf City,” Huntington Beach features nearly 8.5 miles of spectacular beaches and one of the largest recreational piers in the world. The City is home to a thriving beach community and is consistently named as one of the top ten beaches in California. The City hosts an annual visitor population of over 11 million people, featuring numerous large-scale special events, surf competitions, and festivals. Even with its swell of summer visitors, Huntington Beach has been listed for decades as among the FBI's safest cities in the nation. In 2021, WalletHub ranked Huntington Beach as the best-run city in California.  The City is supported by nearly 1,500 employees and has a General Fund budget of $285 million (total budget $508 million).

In Huntington Beach, we believe passionately that the key to becoming the best beach City in the world starts and ends with finding the right people to join our team.  At this time, we have an outstanding career opportunity available, as we're looking for the "right person" to serve as Chief Trial Counsel (Chief Litigation Counsel). 
  The Office of the City Attorney represents the City in all aspects of legal representation.  In addition to handling all lawsuits in-house, and prosecuting crimes at the local level, the City Attorney's Office advises the City Council and all City officials in all matters of law pertaining to the business of the City of Huntington Beach. Among other things, generally the City Attorney defends the City in every lawsuit, including Writs and Appeals, prepares and/or reviews all City Ordinances, Resolutions, contracts and other legal documents. The City Attorney also prosecutes criminal cases arising from violation of the provisions of the City Charter or Huntington Beach Municipal Code, and such State misdemeanors as the City has the power to prosecute.
 
Please note: This recruitment may close at any time, and will close when the hiring manager determines that a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. The City of Huntington Beach offers a truly unique opportunity for experienced California municipal attorneys, as it is one of the few cities with an elected City Attorney.  The Chief Litigation Counsel leads the City’s trial and litigation efforts in all civil lawsuits, either for prosecution of or in the defense, on behalf of the City of Huntington Beach, and works with other attorneys who are litigating cases on behalf of the City. 

Education:  Graduation from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association with a Juris Doctorate degree.

Experience:  Minimum of five (5) years increasingly responsible experience in the litigation and trying of cases in the State of California with a minimum of taking lead role in five (5) jury and three (3) bench trials to verdict in Superior Court.  Admission to practice in the State and Federal jurisdictional courts.

License/Certification:  Active membership in the State Bar of California.  

Possession of a valid California Class C driver license with an acceptable driving record by time of appointment and throughout period of employment required.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:

• Application Review - Please attach to your online application 1. a cover letter, and 2. an updated resume. 
• Examination(s) - An oral exam (weighted 100%) will be scheduled when a sufficient number of qualified applications has been received.  
• Selection Interview
• Background Investigation
• Appointment  

Salary : $172,765 - $231,504