Public Law
Woodruff & Smart is a full-service law firm specializing in public law, serving as general counsel and special counsel to cities, counties, and special districts throughout Southern California since 1976. Additionally, we represent private clients on a diverse range of legal matters. Our dedicated team provides expert advice and representation in practice areas including Civil Rights, Code Enforcement, Construction, Eminent Domain/Inverse Condemnation, Environmental Law, Land Use, Labor/Employment, Public Law, Tort Liability, and Transportation. To learn more about our attorneys and practice areas, please visit us at www.woodruff.law.
Role Description
Woodruff & Smart serves as general counsel and city attorney to numerous government agencies. Attorneys in the Public Law Group regularly advise public agency clients on a wide variety of legal matters, including municipal law, state and federal procurements, land use and zoning, environmental law, ethics and open government, constitutional law, elections law, law enforcement, real estate, and housing, among others. The ideal candidate will be able to research and draft contracts, ordinances, resolutions, legal opinions, real property instruments, and will be able to advise public agency staff, as well as elected and appointed public officials, on a wide array of legal matters.
This is a full-time hybrid role based in Costa Mesa, CA.
Qualifications
- Law degree from an ABA-accredited law school
- Licensed to practice law in California
- Good time management and organizational skills
- 5+ years with public or private sector experience in public law, including General Plan and Housing Element Law, Density Bonus Law, Recent California Housing Legislation, Public Works Construction, California Environmental Quality Act, Code Enforcement, Surplus Land Act, public Records Act, Subdivision Map Act, Ralph M. Brown Act, Real Property, Development and Entitlements, California Public Contract Code
- Excellent research, analytical, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to effectively communicate complex legal concepts to clients
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team
- Strong negotiation and advocacy skills
- Experience representing public entities or working in the public sector is a plus
Woodruff & Smart offers unique opportunities for growth and mentorship in a fun, collaborative, and professional environment, along with the opportunity to work remotely several days each week. The firm offers a competitive salary ($120k-$180k), discretionary bonuses, and employee benefits package and provides associates with direct client involvement on many challenging projects involving high profile clients throughout Orange County and Southern California.