The City of Torrance is seeking an experienced and highly capable Legal Counselor I (Attorney) to join our Civil Litigation Division on a temporary, full-time basis for up to six months, depending on departmental needs.

This assignment is ideal for a skilled civil litigator who can immediately contribute to ongoing cases and provide expert legal representation for the City. The successful candidate will bring sound judgment, strong litigation and analytical skills, and a proven ability to manage complex legal matters independently.

The Civil Litigation Division
The Civil Litigation Division represents the City of Torrance in all civil actions where the City is a party, including matters involving civil rights, employment, tort claims, and other complex litigation. Attorneys in this division handle all aspects of casework, from initial claim assessment through discovery, motion practice, and trial.

The Position
The Legal Counselor I (Civil Litigation) serves as an attorney responsible for independently managing assigned civil cases and providing expert legal representation to the City. Working under the general direction of a Deputy City Attorney III, the incumbent will support the City’s interests in ongoing and new litigation matters, and advise departments as needed.

Key Responsibilities:
- Handle all phases of civil litigation, including pleadings, discovery, motion practice, trial preparation, and trial.
- Analyze legal issues and develop sound litigation strategies.
- Conduct legal research and draft memoranda, correspondence, reports, and other documents.
- Represent the City in administrative hearings, mediations, arbitrations, and court proceedings.
- Provide timely and practical legal advice to City departments and officials.
- Draft, review, and revise contracts, ordinances, resolutions, and related legal documents.
- Maintain case files, calendars, and documentation to ensure effective case management.

This position requires a self-motivated professional with strong analytical and advocacy skills who can thrive in a dynamic and collaborative legal environment.

Work Schedule
The City Attorney’s Office operates on a 9/80 compressed work schedule, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., closed on alternate Fridays.
Occasional evening, weekend, or holiday work may be required to meet case demands.

QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES:
Any combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge and skills is qualifying. A typical way of obtaining the necessary knowledge and abilities would be:

Education and Experience
- Possess a Juris Doctorate degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.
- No experience is required.

License/Special Requirements
- Active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California.
- A valid California driver's license of the appropriate class is required.

Ideal Candidate
Candidates best suited for this position demonstrate sound legal judgment and decision making, has a strong work ethic, exceptional organizational skills and multi-tasking abilities, effective written and oral communication skills, outstanding interpersonal skills, strong public service orientation, steadfast integrity, and can perform well under pressure. The ideal candidate will have a willingness to learn on the job, and will be open to all aspects of the City Attorney's Office and its three Divisions.

Six months of law experience at a civil litigation office, which may include work as an intern, law clerk, or volunteer attorney is highly desirable.