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.
