Deputy City Attorney II/III

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 of Los Angeles (“City”) with the highest caliber of legal services, ranging from prosecuting criminal misdemeanors and playing a leading role in criminal justice reform to 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 seek collaborative team players who understand that fulfilling our mission is key to making a positive impact.

About the Role

The Labor Relations Division (LR) advises and represents most of City government, including elected officials, in both employee relations and labor matters. The mission of LR is to advise and assist City elected officials and departments on how best to address employee and union matters in a manner that improves the workplace, complies with applicable laws, and reduces liability for the City. The Division is a high-profile, dynamic, confidential working environment requiring excellent verbal and legal research skills and attorneys who thrive in a quick-paced environment.

LR counsels and represents over 40 City departments, including the City Attorney’s Office itself, on employee relations and labor matters such as:

• Advising on employee grievances, collective bargaining with employee organizations, and the operation of the civil service system.
• Addressing employee equity issues, leaves, wage/hour requirements, and employee accountability.
• Handling reasonable accommodations and responding to public records requests concerning personnel matters.
• Workplace violence (WV) prevention and related issues.

The work is varied and fast-paced, involving team collaboration and active research. One of the primary goals of the Division is to work with departments to reduce or eliminate the filing of new employment or labor-related lawsuits and charges against the City.

The Division handles advisory requests from most of City government (excluding most LAPD and proprietary departments matters) and proactively advises on labor and employment matters. It also manages administrative cases brought by employees, unions, or agencies such as Cal-OSHA and the Labor Commissioner’s Office, including in-person and virtual hearings requiring expertise in direct and cross-examination.

Additionally, the Division assists the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) in preparing and presenting cases before the Board of Rights (BOR), including reviewing cases, writing legal briefs, conducting legal research, and training. The Division houses the Workplace Violence Prevention Unit, which handles WV reports, violence assessments, security concerns, and restraining orders for all City departments and Neighborhood Councils.

These responsibilities often involve interaction with high-ranking City officials, the Mayor’s Office, City Council, and the Executive Employee Relations Committee.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and advocacy on labor and employment matters, including grievances, collective bargaining, and workplace violence prevention.
• Handle administrative cases and hearings before courts and agencies at the state and federal level.
• Assist LAFD in preparing and presenting cases before the Board of Rights, including legal research, brief writing, and training.
• Conduct training on discrimination, harassment, and workplace violence prevention for departments, elected offices, and Neighborhood Councils.
• Address workplace violence reports, security assessments, and restraining orders.
• Collaborate with City officials, departments, and external agencies on complex and sensitive matters.

Requirements

• Valid license to practice law in all courts within the State of California.
• At least five years of legal experience (related experience may be considered).
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and multitasking skills.
• Excellent legal research and writing abilities.
• Strong oral advocacy and public speaking skills, including experience conducting training.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Desired Qualifications

• Knowledge of labor and employment law.
• Experience with administrative law, arbitrations, or hearings.
• Experience dealing with governmental agencies and public officials.
• Ability to resolve and advise on complex or sensitive matters.
• Familiarity with municipal law, including the Ralph M. Brown Act, Fair Employment and Housing Act, California Public Records Act, and Public Employee Relations Board.
• Ability to interact effectively with public officials, departmental management, and the public.
• Innovative problem-solving skills ("think outside the box").

Application Requirements

• Cover letter.
• Resume.
• Two recent writing samples personally authored within the last two years.

Work Location and Logistics

This position is based at City Hall East, 200 N. Main Street, Los Angeles, and may require assignment to any location within the Office of the Los Angeles City Attorney. The role requires regular onsite work. Employer-provided parking is limited and may not be available; employees may need to secure and pay for parking at nearby facilities. Applicants are encouraged to explore commute and transportation resources through the City’s COMMUTEwell program.

Probation and Tenure

Appointment to this exempt (non-Civil Service) position includes a two-year probationary period as required by Section 1050 of the City Charter. Successful completion results in tenure with the office.

Retirement Benefits

Employees participate in the Los Angeles City Employees’ Retirement System (LACERS), which includes mandatory employee pension contributions through payroll deduction. The City also contributes toward the employee’s retirement benefit. For more information, visit LACERS.