Deputy City Attorney II/III

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, and fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment, are key to making a positive impact.

TheDepartment of Water and Power (DWP) DivisionactsasgeneralcounseltotheBoardofWaterandPowerCommissioners,itsofficers, and employees.  Division attorneys are responsible for legal representation, counsel and advice, and handling litigation related to DWP operations. 

The Water, Sustainability, and Environment Section of the DWP Division has an immediate opening for a mid-level attorney interested in representing DWP on legal matters related to water rights, water quality, sustainability, and environmental and natural resource issues.  The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong oral and written skills and enjoy a team-based approach to representing clients.

The responsibilities of this position include representing and advising DWP on issues involving water rights, the Los Angeles Aqueduct system, purchased imported water supplies, water quality, stormwater and recycled water projects, and contaminated site remediation.  The responsibilities also include advising DWP on environmental regulations affecting its operations.  The scope of work includes analyzing and litigating matters arising under state and federal laws, including the California Water Code, Fish and Game Code, and Health and Safety Code; the California Environmental Quality Act; the Clean Water Act; the Safe Drinking Water Act; the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act; the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act; the Endangered Species Act, the Clean Air Act, and other relevant statutes.  Additionally, the responsibilities include representing DWP before various administrative agencies and state and federal courts, and handling legal matters that arise in Inyo and Mono Counties.  Accordingly, the position requires occasional travel to other parts of the state, including the Eastern Sierra region, Sacramento, and San Francisco.

Because DWP is a municipal utility and a proprietary department of the City, matters relating to the Cit y Charter, general municipal law, the fixing of rates, and enforcement of the rules and regulations under which DWP operates will be implicated.

A minimum of five (5) years of practice in California and/or federal courts.  The ability to draft clear, concisepleadingsandmotionsandarguepersuasivelybeforecourts,administrativehearingboards, and other tribunals, as well as the ability to draft contracts, ordinances, settlement agreements, resolutions, and Board letters.  Licensed to practice law in all courts in the State of California and the United States District Court for the Central District of California.DesiredQualifications

Thefollowingqualificationsaredesirable:

• Previouscivillitigationexperience, preferablyinwater,environmental,and/ornaturalresourceslaw;
• Previousexperienceasaregulatororprosecutorforenvironmentalmatters;
• Demonstratedanalytical and writingskills;
• Strongoralcommunicationskills; and
• Abilitytodealeffectivelywithpublicofficials,departmentalpersonnel,andthe public.

Requirements for Application 

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Writing Sample personally authored in the last two years.

Telework
This position may qualify for up to three (3) days of telework per week.

Current Location  
221 N. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles. Position is subject to assignment at any location within the City  of Los Angeles.

Probation

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

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.