Santa Monica Rent Control Board

National Black Lawyers Top 100; Santa Monica (CA); On-site; USD 196,000 - 241,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package

CalPERS retirement benefits

Job summary

The Santa Monica Rent Control Board seeks a seasoned General Counsel to serve as the agency’s chief legal advisor and principal litigation strategist, guiding policy decisions, safeguarding independence, and ensuring lawful administration of the rent control program.

Reporting to the Board, the GC will supervise legal staff, oversee litigation, draft ordinances and regulations, monitor housing-related legislation, and work with city partners to advance the Board’s interests in a complex

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Seven or more years of progressively responsible legal experience.
• At least five years of litigation practice and two years in public-sector law.
• Experience advising public bodies, handling open-meeting requirements (Brown Act).

Responsibilities

• Serve as chief legal advisor to the Rent Control Board and Executive leadership.
• Oversee all litigation and supervise the Legal Department staff.
• Draft and interpret ordinances, regulations, and Board policies.
• Monitor housing legislation and coordinate with city partners.

Skills

Public sector law

Litigation

Governance

Advocacy (oral/written)

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

ABA-accredited law school

Job description

The Position
This is a rare opportunity to serve as General Counsel to an independent agency under the Santa Monica Charter with a meaningful role in shaping housing stability, tenant protections, and public governance in one of California’s most complex regulatory environments. As housing issues continue to command attention at the local, state, and national levels, the Santa Monica Rent Control Board plays a critical role in decisions that affect thousands of residents and property owners.

With regulatory updates ahead and modernization efforts underway, the Board seeks a seasoned, thoughtful General Counsel to help guide the agency forward. Supported by a knowledgeable Board, an experienced and cohesive legal team, and a culture grounded in integrity and collaboration, the next General Counsel will play a key role in the continued evolution of rent control administration in Santa Monica.

Reporting directly to the Rent Control Board, the General Counsel serves as the agency’s chief legal advisor and principal litigation strategist and is a key member of the agency’s management team. The role is central to the Board’s work, providing trusted legal guidance that informs policy decisions, safeguards the agency’s independence, and ensures the lawful and effective administration of the rent control program.

The General Counsel advises the Board, Executive Director, and senior leadership on complex matters involving rent stabilization, eviction controls, tenant protections, administrative law, and governance. This includes guiding the Board’s exercise of its authority, ensuring due process, and maintaining compliance with open-meeting laws and ethical requirements. Legal advice is provided both confidentially and in open public meetings, requiring sound judgment, clarity, and confidence under public scrutiny.

As lead litigation counsel, the General Counsel oversees all litigation involving the Board, including administrative appeals, writs of mandate, constitutional challenges, and appellate matters. The role also includes representing the Board and individual Board members in legal proceedings arising from actions taken in their official capacities and managing legal strategy with careful attention to risk, precedent, and policy implications.

In addition, the General Counsel plays a significant role in shaping the agency’s regulatory and legislative framework. Responsibilities include drafting and interpreting ordinances, regulations, Board policies, and legal opinions; monitoring and analyzing housing-related legislation and court decisions; and working closely with lobbyists and City partners to advance and protect the Board’s interests.

The General Counsel provides leadership within the organization by supervising and mentoring legal staff in a professional, supportive, and coaching manner, while also overseeing the Legal Department budget and contributing to overall operational oversight.

This role requires technical legal excellence, strategic thinking, and the ability to navigate complex, public-facing decision-making with professionalism, credibility, and confidence.

Qualifications
The ideal candidate will bring public-sector legal experience, sound judgment, and a demonstrated ability to advise public governing bodies in complex, high-visibility environments.

Qualified candidates will possess a Juris Doctor (J.D.) or equivalent degree from an ABA-accredited law school and a minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible legal experience, which must include at least five (5) years of litigation practice and at least two (2) years of municipal or other public-sector legal experience involving work with elected or appointed public bodies, public meetings, and compliance with open-meeting laws, including the Brown Act.

Compensation
The expected hiring range is $195,588 – $241,464, depending on qualifications. The salary is supported by an attractive benefits package which includes retirement benefits provided by CalPERS. A relocation package and other amenities may be offered, as appropriate, as part of the total compensation negotiated in the employment agreement.