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

Los Angeles City Attorney's Office (CA); Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a mid-level attorney to join their Water, Sustainability, and Environment Section. This role involves providing legal representation on critical issues related to water rights, quality, and sustainability. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical and communication skills, thrive in a collaborative environment, and have a passion for environmental law. This position offers the opportunity to engage in meaningful legal work while supporting vital public services. If you are ready to make a significant impact in a dynamic legal landscape, this could be the perfect fit for you.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of practice in California and/or federal courts.
• Ability to draft clear pleadings and motions effectively.

Responsibilities

• Represent and advise DWP on water rights and environmental regulations.
• Analyze and litigate matters under state and federal laws.

Skills

Civil Litigation

Water Law

Environmental Law

Analytical Skills

Oral Communication

Legal Writing

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job 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.

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 City Charter, general municipal law, the fixing of rates, and the 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 is required. The ability to draft clear, concise pleadings and motions, argue persuasively before courts, administrative hearing boards, and other tribunals, as well as the ability to draft contracts, ordinances, settlement agreements, resolutions, and Board letters, is essential. Candidates 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;
• Demonstrated analytical and writing skills;
• Strong oral communication skills; and
• Ability to deal effectively with public officials, departmental personnel, and the public.

Requirements for Application

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Writing Sample authored within 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. The position is subject to assignment at any location within the City of Los Angeles.

Probation

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

Classification

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