Assistant General Counsel - LAWA

About Us
The Office of the Los Angeles City Attorney 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 Airports Division acts as General Counsel to Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), its officers and employees, and the Board of Airport Commissioners (Board). LAWA is the governing body for Los Angeles International and Van Nuys General Aviation Airports. The Division is currently comprised of twenty (20) attorneys and eleven (11) support staff members. Attorneys in the Division handle a wide variety of litigation and transactional matters. This representation includes litigation and advice concerning contract and lease disputes, condemnation, employment-sworn and non-sworn, environmental, insurance, land use, noise, nuisance, personal injury, landlord-tenant disputes, First Amendment rights, and federal regulatory (FAA) matters. The attorneys also assist LAWA in negotiating and drafting numerous documents, including contracts, leases, licenses, permits, construction contracts, and concession agreements. The attorneys also provide general legal advice to the Board and various levels of LAWA management. 

The individual appointed to this position will assist the General Counsel in overseeing the Division and its work, including acting as General Counsel in that person’s absence. The primary responsibilities will include:

1. Assist with the day-to-day supervision and management of the Division; 
2. Provide advice and counsel to LAWA and the Board as required;
3. Provide guidance and direction to the Airports Division’s attorneys and support staff on all legal matters;
4. Oversee and provide advice on major litigation or transactional matters; and
5. Coordinate the supervision and direction of outside counsel.

Applicants must be licensed to practice law in the State of California and have at least ten years of legal experience. Additional considerations include: 

1. Experience managing complex projects, complex and diverse litigation and/or transactions; 
2. Demonstrated strong leadership capabilities;
3. Demonstrated ability to advise and collaborate with public officials, organizational executive leadership and management; 
4. Demonstrated ability to deal effectively with personnel and members of the public; 
5. Strong written and oral communication skills; and 
6. Demonstrated organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to prioritize and concurrently complete multiple assignments. 

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with municipal law (including the Ralph M. Brown Act, California Public Records Act, CEQA); 
• Knowledge and experience with laws and regulations governing airports; 

Writing Sample

Requirements for Application

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Writing Sample - Required to submit 1 writing sample

Telework

As a supervisor, this position generally requires the employee work in the office every day.

Location

The Division is located at Los Angeles International Airport at 1 World Way, Los Angeles, California 90045. Position is subject to assignment at any location within the County of Los Angeles.  

Probation

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

Classification

Internal applicants:  Placement in this position will initially 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.

Application and Deadline

Interested candidates should go to: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lacityattorney/

to apply online.

Resumes will be accepted until this position is filled.  Qualified applicants will be invited to interview.

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.