Deputy City Attorney - Government Team

Position Summary

The Government Team provides legal advice and serves as general counsel to San Francisco’s Mayor, Board of Supervisors, City Administrator, and an array of other City officials, City departments and agencies. This includes City departments and agencies that protect public safety, such as the Police Department, Fire Department, and Department of Emergency Management; those that enhance the quality of life in the City, such as the Recreation and Park Department, Arts Commission, and Public Library; those that promote good government and accountability, such as the Controller, Civil Service Commission, and Department of Police Accountability; and those that ensure careful review of agency decisions directly affecting the interests of the public, such as the Board of Appeals and the Assessment Appeals Board.

The Government Team also advises City clients and other teams within the Office on a wide range of legal issues arising under local, state, and federal law, including issues of municipal powers, government transparency, preemption, and constitutional questions. The Team generally does not handle litigation, except for third-party subpoenas and frequently provides input or support regarding litigation handled by other Teams in the Office, including lawsuits challenging City laws or the actions of City agencies.

Duties and Responsibilities

An attorney on the Government Team typically serves in an advisory role as general counsel to a mix of City officials and agencies. In that capacity, the attorney may perform many functions – providing interpretations and advice, both orally and in writing, formally and informally, on a broad range of legal issues. The attorney’s role could include interpreting City or State law or advising on the legal risks of a particular government action; drafting ordinances, ballot measures, and administrative regulations; reviewing contracts for legal and procedural sufficiency; and providing legal advice to commissioners before and during commission meetings. The attorney functions as the Office’s expert on laws administered by the City officials and agencies that the attorney advises. The attorney also may develop expertise in areas of law that transcend issues particular to the attorney’s client agencies and are relevant to many or all components of City government.

Qualifications and Prior Experience

Minimum Qualifications:

Licensed to practice law in California.

Desired Qualifications:

• Three or more years of experience, especially in an advice capacity as a government lawyer.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent legal analytical skills.
• Ability to assume responsibility for assignments and to work independently and efficiently.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and clients.
• Ability to manage and appropriately balance multiple assignments, meet deadlines, and adjust to fluctuations in workload.
• Ability to staff public meetings, including evenings.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a positive attitude.
• Commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.
• An interest in and commitment to public service.