Deputy City Attorney III

About Us

The Office of the Los Angeles City Attorney 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 legal services, ranging from prosecuting criminal misdemeanors, 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.

There is an immediate opening for a Deputy City Attorney in the Environmental Division of the Real Estate Branch for attorneys with environmental litigation and/or transactional experience with knowledge of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), environmental contamination, hazardous waste, hazardous materials assessment and remediation, and the Coastal Act. 
 

As one of several teams within the Real Estate Branch, the Environmental Division handles litigation covering a wide variety of environmental matters, including, but not limited to, CEQA, NEPA, hazardous waste, hazardous materials assessment and remediation, and the Coastal Act.  The Division also advises City departments and officials on local, state and federal environmental matters, drafts reports and ordinances, staffs’ public meetings, and provides Brown Act advice to elected and appointed officials.   The Division negotiates significant environmental litigation and transactional matters, including those related to the transportation, storage and disposal of hazardous materials and hazardous waste, new legislation, regulations or development approvals, environmental matters affecting the acquisition, development, construction, financing, leasing and/or disposition of City property.

The attorney assigned to this position will primarily participate in and/or handle litigation, draft ordinances, and advise City staff, officials and consultants on environmental and transactional matters involving environmental issues.   This includes matters related to the appropriate CEQA and/or NEPA clearance and process for the approval of City projects; the transportation, storage and disposal of hazardous materials and hazardous waste; environmental matters affecting the acquisition, development, construction, financing, leasing and/or disposition of City property; and new legislation, regulations or development approvals.  The new hire will work closely with other attorneys and support staff in the Environmental Division.

• Minimum three years of legal practice that includes demonstrated courtroom and litigation experience; experience with environmental law and a working knowledge of CEQA is highly desired.
• Knowledge of and working experience with state and federal environmental statutes, including but not limited to CEQA, NEPA, Brown Act, Coastal Act, and CERCLA is highly desired.
• Licensed to practice law in all courts in the State of California and the United States District Court for the Central District of California.
• Strong legal, analytical, written & oral communication, advocacy, and problem-solving skills; demonstrated ability to work across divisions and departments. 

• Knowledge of and working experience with state and federal environmental statutes related to hazardous materials and contamination and other environmental quality regulations, including but not limited to NEPA, CERCLA, the Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act, the Clean Air Act, and the California Coastal Act.
• Knowledge of and working experience with state and federal regulating agencies over hazardous materials and contamination, including DTSC and the Los Angeles RWQCP.
• Municipal law experience, including knowledge of the Ralph M. Brown Act and the Public Records Act.

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Candidates are required to submit two recent writing samples personally composed.one of which should be a persuasive writing sample. 

Current Location

City Hall East, 200 N. Main Street, Los Angeles. 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 year probationary period as required by Section 1050 of the City Charter. Successfully completing this probationary period will result in tenure with the office.

Classification

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

Application and Deadline

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

Qualified applicants will be invited to interview. Position will remain open until filled.

Conflict-of-Interest

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

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 THE HUMAN RESOURCES DIVISION AT (213) 978-7160.