PARALEGAL I/II - Police Litigation Unit

About Us

The Office of the Los Angeles City Attorney is one of the nation's largest municipal law offices. It has more than 1,000 legal professionals, including more than 500 attorneys. The City Attorney is the Chief Counsel to the City and the Chief Prosecutor for the City of Los Angeles. The Office provides a wide range of legal services, prosecutes criminal misdemeanors, plays a leading role in criminal justice reform, advises on homelessness initiatives, defends civil lawsuits and claims, and brings civil enforcement actions in the name of the People of the State of California.

Guided by an overarching commitment to integrity, service and accountability, we find great meaning in the work we do and the services we provide. We seek collaborative team players who understand that fulfilling our mission is key to making a positive impact.

Description

The Police Litigation Unit was created in order to defend the City of Los Angeles and Los Angeles Police Department Officers in civil matters involving allegations of excessive use of force, false arrest and other police misconduct. The Unit is comprised of Trial Attorneys (including Law & Motion), Support Staff, Paralegals and LAPD Investigators that vertically litigate the cases all the way to trial or until a resolution of the case is accomplished. The cases typically involve allegations of police misconduct ranging from federal constitutional 1st, 4th and 14th Amendment violations to a variety of state court claims for false arrest, wrongful death and other violations. These cases are litigated in the United States Central District and Los Angeles Superior Courts.

Duties and Responsibilities

This Paralegal position will work closely with each of the Trial Attorney Teams assigned to a particular matter and perform paralegal assignments, with a focus on a coordinated effort in preparing and responding to discovery. The Paralegal assigned to the position will be working extensively in all facets of the discovery process including, but not limited to, propounding and responding to interrogatories, requests for admissions, and requests for production of documents, as well as assisting the Trial Attorneys in preparing clients for depositions. The Paralegal will be directly working and supervised by the Trial Attorneys and ultimately the supervising attorneys. Although discovery will be the primary responsibility, other duties and responsibilities may include: Preparing both State and Federal Court pleadings, including necessary legal research, drafting of declarations, legal memorandum and law & motion documents; Communicating directly with LAPD investigating officers, City personnel, Support Staff and opposing counsel; Management of large volume productions (i.e., redacting, watermarking) under direction of the assigned Trial Attorney; Construction and maintenance of discovery tracking database/logs; Routine administrative duties; assist attorneys during depositions and trial; and Other duties as assigned.

Additionally, the selected candidate may also be called upon to assist attorneys or other paralegals with the following: Preparation of media and documents responsive to discovery requests, including editing, electronic redaction and watermarking of confidential materials; Review and management of large volume production, Preparation of documents, photos and videos for use at trial in both State and Federal Courts including summaries, transcripts of electronic media, demonstrative materials, PowerPoint, etc.; Creation of audio and video clips through the use of audio and video editing software; Accompanying attorneys to trial and publishing audio, video and photographic exhibits using trial presentation software; Assist in coordination of witnesses during trial; Familiarization of State and Federal Trial local rules in order to effectively work with Court personnel during trial;

Requirements

• (1) Certificate of completion of an accredited paralegal training program, or (2) a degree from a postsecondary institution that requires the successful completion of a minimum of 24 semester units, or the equivalent in law-related courses, which has been accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization or approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education.
• Must provide proof of CLE compliance for the previous two reporting periods (if applicable).
• The position requires a self-motivated, self-starter and quick learner who can exercise independent judgment and is able to work under pressure. Good oral and written communication skills are also required.
•  Applicants must possess impeccable ethics, excellent organizational skills, and have the ability to work well with attorneys and staff of this Office, personnel from other agencies, and members of the public.
• The hours for this position are generally from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday; however, flexibility will be required, especially given the unreliability of litigation, heavy workload and deadlines. There may be times when you will be expected to work afterhours and on special projects which may be outside your normal business hours. Reliable attendance and punctuality are mandatory.
• Must be available for occasional local travel in support of trial activities.

Desirable Qualifications

Strong writing skills are required. Experience in preparing draft correspondence, discovery, motions and oppositions to motions to compel, and other legal pleadings are strongly desired. Strong computer skills are required and intermediate to excellent proficiency in various computer operating systems and software is a necessity.

Application and Deadline

Interested candidates should go to: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lacityattorney/jobs/5139216/paralegal-i-ii-plu?page=3&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs to apply online by Monday, November 24, 2025.

Qualified applicants will be invited to interview.