General Litigation Unit prepares and defends civil actions on behalf of the City in state and federal courts. Each attorney assigned to the General Litigation Unit handles a significant case load defending the City of San Diego, and City Departments. Each attorney is also responsible for appeals arising from assigned civil cases.

The General Litigation Unit’s caseload includes police false arrest and excessive force cases, personal injury cases, property damage cases, dangerous condition cases, motor vehicle accidents, indemnity claims, claims related to funding and revenue sources such as City taxes and fees, employment cases alleging discrimination, retaliation, harassment or unpaid wages, proceedings before the Civil Service Commission or Cal OSHA, constitutional claims including legal challenges to City ordinances, resolutions, actions and policies, and cases challenging the City’s compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Brown Act, and the California Public Records Act.