Assistant City Attorney – Public Utilities

Assistant City Attorney Public Utilities
City Attorneys Office
City of Anaheim, California
Annual Salary: $156,264 $234,396 DOE/DOQ
*Scheduled COLAs: 5% in June 2024 and 5% in June 2025*

The City of Anaheim, California, seeks an Assistant City Attorney to act as General Counsel for its Public Utilities Department, which serves the water and power needs of the Anaheim community. This Attorney will serve as the primary legal advisor for the Department, offering legal expertise on a wide range of utility issues, including policy discussions, transactional matters, and utilities litigation. The ideal candidate is a passionate, motivated, and personable general counsel with exceptional communication and mentorship skills. They will be a critical partner for the Department, capable of making sound independent judgments, advising executive leadership on complex policy and regulatory matters, and providing leadership as well as utilities expertise for two Deputy City Attorneys. The City Attorneys Office offers a vibrant work environment, characterized by stability, good work-life balance, and flexibility. With unique opportunities for professional growth and development, including exposure to high-profile projects such as the decommissioning of a nuclear power plant and engagement in power purchase agreements, the Assistant City Attorney will find ample room to make a meaningful impact while contributing to the City's continued growth and success. Use your exceptional legal skills in a dynamic and exciting work environment apply today!

View the full recruitment brochure here: https://indd.adobe.com/view/ba22b9e8-e383-48ac-aad0-a396f94470de

THE JOB
This position offers a unique opportunity to serve as a key legal advisor and strategist for the Citys Public Utilities Department, acting as the Departments General Counsel. This Assistant City Attorney will work closely with and advise the Departments General Manager and executive leadership, as well as the Public Utilities Board, and will spend a substantial amount of time on-site at the Department. They will oversee all legal operations for the Department, which will include taking the lead on critical projects such as power purchase agreements, and playing a crucial role in guiding and mentoring two Deputy City Attorneys also assigned to the Public Utilities Department. The Assistant City Attorney will take on the most complex departmental transactions and negotiations, work directly with litigators to represent the City on utility matters as needed, and provide sound written and verbal legal opinions on a wide array of utility issues. They will also engage in long-term strategic planning to proactively address upcoming challenges, such as rate adjustments, obtaining new water and power sources, and compliance with regulatory requirements.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in utility law and/or general counsel experience within a public sector organization with skills transferable to the position, coupled with the ability to lead, influence, and run legal operations independently. They will serve as a critical partner to the Public Utilities Department, prioritize mentorship and development of junior attorneys, and ensure alignment with the Citys objectives while adhering to legal and regulatory frameworks, such as the Anaheim City Charter, Brown Act, Proposition 26, Proposition 218, the Public Contracts Code, and CEQA and other environmental rules and regulations. Experience navigating the complexities of a highly regulated environment is essential for this role, as is experience working with executive leadership and elected or appointed officials. The ability to persuade others, inspire collaboration, and act as a business partner will be critical for success. This Assistant City Attorney will be an engaging, diplomatic, politically astute, and confident leader who is flexible and open to diverse ideas and change.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

• Education: Juris Doctorate degree from a fully accredited school of law.
• Experience: Seven years of increasingly responsible experience directly related to area of assignment/specialty, such as in the field of municipal, utilities, public works/contracting, public financing, and administrative law including two years of advanced journey level experience directly related to the position. Prior experience working for a publicly- owned utility is highly desirable.
• Licenses:
  • Membership in the State Bar of California and license to practice in the federal courts.
  • Valid California drivers license.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

An annual salary of $156,264 $234,396 DOE/DOQ*, plus a generous benefits package.

HOW TO APPLY

For first consideration, apply by May 16^th at wbcpinc.com/job-board/

SAVE THE DATES

Round one virtual interviews will take place on June 4^th; Finalists will move forward to round two in-person interviews on June 13^th. Selected candidates must be available for both interview dates.

Please contact your recruiter, Lauren Gerson, with any questions:

• [email protected]
• 866-929-WBCP (9227) toll free