The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California delivers reliable water to a region with 19 million people and relies on a team of talented employees: innovators, problem-solvers, and collaborators who make it all possible. 

The successful candidate will act as lead counsel in defending the District’s interests in state and federal courts, with a particular emphasis on Writ of Mandate proceedings (CCP §1085 and §1094.5). This role requires an expert litigator capable of navigating the California Government Claims Act and the MWD Act to defend against complex tort and jurisdictional challenges. You will provide strategic advocacy in disputes involving Public Finance and debt issuance, as well as high-stakes Public Contract litigation related to capital projects bid protests and vendor contracts. 

Additionally, the role involves defending the District’s policies in emerging areas such as public agency social media use and Employee First Amendment rights. This is a pivotal opportunity for an accomplished litigator to provide the 'shield' that protects the infrastructure and policies sustaining Southern California’s water future. The ideal candidate will have experience as a first chair litigator of complex matters, experience in negotiation and documentation of complex transactions, and/or experience in representing parties in administrative proceedings at the local, state and/or federal level.

Qualifications: A Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school, along with at least seven (7) years of progressively responsible, directly related legal experience handling complex and varied assignments. Experience representing public agencies is preferred.

Directly related experience includes labor relations/employment law, litigation/environmental resources law, or public agency litigation. Candidates should identify their primary area of expertise in the application questionnaire.

Active membership in the California State Bar, or the ability to obtain active status prior to employment.

This role requires strict confidentiality and regular access to sensitive information, including personnel matters and strategic corporate data.

This position is a hybrid work schedule. This typically includes two days a week in person and the other days remote. This is subject to change dependent on organizational needs.

View the position description and apply HERE.