Deputy City Attorney (Construction Law) in Los Angeles, California at Los Angeles City Attorney's Office (CA)

The 20 attorneys at the Airport Division act as legal counsel to the Department of Airports, also known as Los Angeles World Airports, and to the Board of Airport Commissioners relating to the airports owned and operated by the City.

Attorneys in the Division handle representation of the Department of Airports in a wide variety of areas, including lawsuits in state and federal court, and appearances before various administrative bodies such as the Civil Service Commission and the United States and California Departments of Transportation. This representation involves litigation concerning contract and lease disputes, direct condemnation, inverse condemnation, nuisance, personal injury, landlord tenant disputes, First Amendment rights, and matters involving airport proprietor's rights covering a wide range of issues. Attorneys in the Airport Division also prepare many types of documents including leases, permits, reports, construction contracts, and concession agreements. In addition, a significant portion of the attorneys’ time involves general counselor skills providing advice to various levels of Airport management regarding numerous issues.

The selected attorney will be joining a team of attorneys working on engaging infrastructure projects to prepare the City’s Airports for the World Cup and Olympics. Responsibilities will focus on providing legal advice to the Department of Airports and Board of Airport Commissioners encompassing all phases of the construction contracting process, from bidding and negotiations through contract administration and performance to claims and litigation. Specifically, the selected attorney’s duties will include, without limitation, the following tasks:

• Assist with contract matters including but not limited to construction bidding, and drafting, reviewing and analyzing contract documents such as bid/proposal packages and bonds;
• Enforce provisions of payment and performance bonds;
• Assist in reviewing and processing of construction claims and change orders;
• Assist the Department of Airports in claims avoidance and resolution procedures, insurance, risk management, and bonding requirements;
• Litigation before both state and federal courts and administrative agencies, and alternative dispute resolution, involving various types of performance issues, such as delay, construction defects, cost overruns, design errors, regulatory compliance, and other related claims;
• Defend imposition of stop notices; and
• Assist the Department of Airports on project management issues, including drafting contracts for a variety of airport needs, contract administration and interpretation during performance, negotiations, and documentation of disputes.

Applicants for this position must have a license to practice law in the courts of the State of California and the United States District Courts, as applicable. Additional requirements include:

• A minimum of three (3) years of construction law experience.
• Candidates should have excellent writing and problem-solving skills and demonstrated ability to work effectively with public officials, non-attorney proprietary department employees, personnel and members of the public; and
• Strong oral communication skills.

Requirements for Application

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Writing Sample personally authored in the last two years.

Telework

This position may qualify for up to two days of telework per week after three months of employment. Eligibility is based on performance and operational needs, and is not guaranteed.

Location

The Airport Division is located at Los Angeles International Airport, One World Way, Room 104, Los Angeles. Position is subject to assignment at any location within the City of Los Angeles.

Probation:

Appointment to this exempt position (non Civil-Service) will be subject to a two (2) year probationary period as required by Section 1050 of the City Charter. Successful completion of the two (2) year probationary period will result in tenure with the office.

Classification

Internal applicants: Placement in this position will be as a lateral transfer with the selected candidate assuming the position in their current classification.

Application and Deadline

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

Qualified applicants will be invited to interview. Position will remain open until filled.

Conflict of Interest

This position is designated as Category 1 on the Conflict of Interest Code.

Contact

Questions? Please email atty.recruit@lacity.org.