Deputy City Attorney III - 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 primary duties of this position will include aggressively defending the DWP, its officers, employees, and Board members from civil liability (tort) claims and litigation; advising and representing the DWP and its personnel on procedures to reduce claim and litigation exposure, and handling collection matters on behalf of the DWP involving damages to its property and reimbursable expenditures.

License to practice law in the State of California, three years’ experience in civil trial preparation and actual trial experience in the California Superior Court (both limited and unlimited jurisdictions), knowledge of the California Government Code and its application to public entities; an understanding of claims for damages and claims procedures; and mediation and/or arbitration experience.  

Desired Qualifications

• Demonstrated extensive research and writing skills;
• Strong oral communication skills;
• Inverse condemnation defense experience; 
• Litigation knowledge regarding dangerous condition of public property matters; 
• Experience with municipal law; 
• Experience in effectively dealing with public officials, departmental personnel and members of the public and, 
• Personal injury and property damage defense.

Requirements for Application 

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

Telework

This position may qualify for up to 2 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. 

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 (213) 978-7160.