Deputy City Attorney II/III - DWP Water, Sustainability, and Environment Section

Los Angeles City Attorney's Office; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Los Angeles City Attorney's Office is seeking a mid-level attorney for the Department of Water and Power. The role involves legal representation on water rights, sustainability, and environmental issues. Candidates should have strong communication skills and a minimum of five years of legal practice in California courts.

Benefits

Telework up to three days a week

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of practice in California and/or federal courts.
• Ability to draft pleadings, argue before courts, and draft contracts.

Responsibilities

• Representing DWP on legal matters related to water rights and environmental issues.
• Advising on environmental regulations affecting DWP operations.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Oral Communication

Writing Skills

Education

Licensed to practice law in California

Job description

Description

The Department of Water and Power (DWP) Division acts as general counsel to the Board of Water and Power Commissioners, its officers, and employees. Division attorneys are responsible for legal representation, counsel and advice, and handling litigation related to DWP operations.

Duties and Responsibilities

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 encompasses 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 role involves representing DWP before various administrative agencies and state and federal courts, and handling legal matters in Inyo and Mono Counties, requiring occasional travel within 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 related to the City Charter, general municipal law, rate setting, and enforcement of DWP's rules and regulations will also be relevant.

Requirements

A minimum of five (5) years of practice in California and/or federal courts. Ability to draft clear, concise pleadings and motions, argue persuasively before courts, administrative hearing boards, and other tribunals, and draft contracts, ordinances, settlement agreements, resolutions, and Board letters. Must be licensed to practice law in all courts in California and the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.

Desired Qualifications

• Previous civil litigation experience, preferably in water, environmental, and/or natural resources law;
• Previous experience as a regulator or prosecutor for environmental matters;
• Strong analytical and writing skills;
• Excellent oral communication skills; and
• Ability to effectively deal with public officials, departmental personnel, and the public.

Application Requirements

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

Additional Information

Telework: Up to three (3) days of telework per week may be available.

Location: 221 N. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, with the possibility of assignment anywhere within the City of Los Angeles.

Probation: A two (2) year probationary period applies, as per Section 1050 of the City Charter, with successful completion leading to tenure.

Classification: Internal applicants will be placed as a lateral transfer, assuming their current classification.

As a covered entity under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and will provide reasonable accommodations upon request. For accommodations, call [phone].