Associate Attorney - Public Law

Job Description

Job Description

Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo (AALRR) is a California-based AmLaw 200 law firm dedicated to providing legal services to both public and private organizations throughout the state. Established in 1979, with one office and five attorneys, AALRR has grown to more than 300 attorneys in ten offices throughout California.

Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo's Facilities, Construction & Property Practice Group (FCPPG) is seeking an Associate Attorney for its Irvine office. This position offers an excellent opportunity for a motivated attorney interested in developing a broad public law practice representing school districts, community college districts, cities, counties, special districts, and other public agencies throughout California.

The ideal candidate will have 3-5 years of experience in public law, municipal law, government law, or a related practice area and a strong interest in learning and handling a variety of public agency matters. The successful candidate will work closely with experienced attorneys and clients on advisory, transactional, administrative, and litigation-related matters affecting public entities.

Specific skills sought are:

• Three to five years of experience in public law, municipal law, government law, education law, or related areas of practice;
• Interest in developing a diverse public agency practice involving governance, public contracting, procurement, facilities, real estate, ethics, conflicts of interest, transparency laws, and regulatory compliance;
• Experience with or familiarity with the Brown Act, California Public Records Act, Political Reform Act, conflict-of-interest laws, and other laws governing public agencies is preferred;
• Excellent legal research and analytical skills, with the ability to quickly learn new subject matter and provide practical advice to clients;
• Excellent writing skills, including the ability to draft memoranda, correspondence, policies, resolutions, board materials, contracts, and other public agency documents;
• Ability to assist with contract review and negotiation, procurement matters, bid protests, public works issues, and facilities-related projects;
• Experience with or strong interest in advising public agencies regarding business operations, commercial transactions, vendor agreements, professional services agreements, technology agreements, and other business-contracting matters;
• Ability to assist in administrative proceedings and litigation matters, including preparing pleadings, discovery, legal research, and motions;
• Ability to interface effectively with clients, opposing counsel, consultants, and public officials while demonstrating professionalism and sound judgment;
• Willingness to learn multiple areas of public law and develop expertise in the unique legal and operational issues facing public agencies;
• Ability to manage assignments, prioritize competing deadlines, and handle matters with increasing independence under the guidance of senior attorneys;
• Willingness to take ownership of projects and develop practical, client-focused solutions;
• Personal attributes strongly preferred are: self-starter, excellent communication and follow-through skills, strong work ethic, impeccable judgment, attention to detail, and an entrepreneurial mindset.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to gain experience in a wide range of public law matters, including:

• Governance and board advisory services;
• Brown Act and Public Records Act compliance;
• Public contracting and procurement;
• Facilities/real estate planning and development;
• Public works and construction-related matters;
• Business operations counseling and commercial contracting for public agencies;
• Technology, software, consulting, professional services, and vendor contracting matters;
• Ethics, conflicts of interest, and governmental transparency;
• Policy development and regulatory compliance;
• Administrative proceedings and litigation support;
• General counsel services for public agencies.

This position is ideal for an attorney seeking hands-on experience and long-term growth in a sophisticated and collaborative public law practice serving California public agencies.