Description:
We seek collaborative team players who understand that fulfilling our mission (https://cityattorney.lacity.gov/about#theoffice) is key to making a positive impact.Description:
The Department of Water and Power Division acts as General Counsel to the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (DWP), its officers and employees, and its Board of Commissioners. Division attorneys are responsible for legal representation, counsel and advice, and litigation related to DWP operations. The Civil Litigation (Tort) Section represents DWP in civil liability claims and litigation. The practice is active, interesting, and encompasses a large variety of cases, including personal injury, inverse condemnation, class actions, and wildfire litigation.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The supervisor of the group will be expected to:
- Handle all aspects of civil litigation, with a specific focus on personal injury and inverse condemnation cases;
- Assign and monitor cases, including monitoring caseloads;
- Monitor outside counsel;
- Approve and review all settlements and settlement offers;
- Work with the claims department to investigate and resolve claims;
- Provide advice to handling attorneys on case strategy, etc.;
- Assist other City attorneys with cases that relate to LADWP;
- Handle third-party subpoenas, including by defending depositions;
- Review claims settlements;
- Draft settlement letters to the Board and present settlements to the Board;
- Provide case updates to the insurance carriers and otherwise keep them apprised of cases potentially implicating insurance; and
- Work to foster a collegial and supportive environment for their colleagues.
Requirements:
- Be licensed to practice law in the State of California and admitted to practice in the United States District Court for the Central District of California;
- Have at least ten (10) years of legal experience;
- Have experience supervising attorneys and support staff.
Desired Qualifications:
- Knowledge of and experience with laws and regulations governing utilities;
- Experience with municipal law (including the Ralph M. Brown Act, California Public Records Act, and the California Environmental Quality Act);
- Ability to deal effectively with public officials, departmental executive management and personnel, and members of the public;
- Strong written and oral communication skills; and
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize and concurrently complete multiple assignments.