Supervising Attorney - DCA IV - DWP Civil Litigation

About Us
The Los Angeles City Attorney's office is one of the nation's largest municipal law offices. With over 1,000 legal professionals, including 500 attorneys, the Office provides the City with the highest caliber of legal services, ranging from prosecuting criminal misdemeanors and playing a leading role in criminal justice reform, advising on homelessness initiatives, defending civil lawsuits and claims, and bringing civil enforcement actions in the name of the People of the State of California.

Guided by an overarching commitment to integrity, accountability and transparency, 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.

The Department of Water and Power Division acts as General Counsel to the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (DWP), its officers and employees, and its Board of Commissioners.  Division attorneys are responsible for legal representation, counsel and advice, and litigation related to DWP operations.  The Civil Litigation (Tort) Section represents DWP in civil liability claims and litigation. The practice is active, interesting, and encompasses a large variety of cases, including personal injury, inverse condemnation, class actions, and wildfire litigation.

The supervisor of the group will be expected to:  

1. Handle all aspects of civil litigation, with a specific focus on personal injury and inverse condemnation cases;
2. Assign and monitor cases, including monitoring caseloads; 
3. Monitor outside counsel; 
4. Approve and review all settlements and settlement offers; 
5. Work with the claims department to investigate and resolve claims; 
6. Provide advice to handling attorneys on case strategy, etc.; 
7. Assist other City attorneys with cases that relate to LADWP; 
8. Handle third-party subpoenas, including by defending depositions; 
9. Review claims settlements; 
10.  Draft settlement letters to the Board and present settlements to the Board; 
11.  Provide case updates to the insurance carriers and otherwise keep them apprised of cases potentially implicating insurance; and 
12.  Work to foster a collegial and supportive environment for their colleagues. 

• Be licensed to practice law in the State of California and admitted to practice in the United States District Court for the Central District of California;
• Have at least ten (10) years of legal experience;
• Have experience supervising attorneys and support staff.

Desired Qualifications 

• Knowledge of and experience with laws and regulations governing utilities; 
• Experience with municipal law (including the Ralph M. Brown Act, California Public Records Act, and the California Environmental Quality Act); 
• Ability to deal effectively with public officials, departmental executive management and personnel, and members of the public; 
• Strong written and oral communication skills; and 
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize and concurrently complete multiple assignments.

Writing Sample

Requirements for Application

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Two writing samples

Telework

This position may qualify for up to 2 days of telework per week.

Location

111 N Hope Street, Los Angeles, CA.   Position is subject to assignment at any location within the County of Los Angeles.  

Probation

Appointment to this exempt position (non Civil-Service) will be subject to a two  (2) years probationary period as required by Section 1050 of the City Charter. Successful completion of the two  (2) years probationary period will result in tenure with the office.

Classification

Internal applicants:  Placement in this position will initially be as a lateral transfer with the selected candidate assuming the position in their current classification. 

Conflict of Interest 

This position is designated as Category 1 on the Conflict of Interest Code.

Application and Deadline

Interested candidates should go to: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lacityattorney/ to apply online.  

Resumes will be accepted until this position is filled.  Qualified applicants will be invited to interview.

Contact

Questions? Please email atty.recruit@lacity.org.

AS A COVERED ENTITY UNDER TITLE Il OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF DISABILITY AND, UPON REQUEST, WILL PROVIDE REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION TO ENSURE EQUAL ACCESS TO ITS PROGRAMS, SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES. TO REQUEST A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION, PLEASE CALL (213) 978-7160.