City of Compton · 1 month ago
Municipal Law Division Chief
Compton, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
12+ years expThe City of Compton is seeking a Municipal Law Division Chief to serve as the primary legal advisor for the municipality, ensuring compliance with laws and representing the city in legal matters. The role involves overseeing legal operations, providing legal advice to officials, and managing the Legal Department's budget and staff.
Financial ServicesGovernmentManufacturing
Responsibilities
Lead and oversee all legal aspects of municipal governance with accountability to the Mayor and City Council
Provide legal advice and interpretation of laws, statutes, regulations, and ordinances to elected officials, city departments, boards, and commissions
Draft, review, and approve complex contracts, ordinances, resolutions, policies, and other legal documents involving high-value or high-risk municipal interests
Represent the municipality in high-stakes civil litigation, administrative hearings, and negotiations; manage and evaluate performance of outside counsel
Ensure strict legal compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws across all municipal operations, including emerging regulatory areas
Advise on advanced legal issues including constitutional law, municipal finance, labor and employment law, land use and zoning, and risk management
Attend and provide strategic counsel at city council meetings, committee sessions, closed sessions, and public hearings
Monitor, interpret, and recommend responses to proposed legislation and evolving legal standards affecting municipal operations
Develop, manage, and forecast the Legal Department/Division budget; ensure alignment with organizational goals and financial constraints
Supervise, mentor, and evaluate performance of legal staff; ensure continuous professional development and legal compliance
Qualification
Required
Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
Admission to the California State Bar and active membership in good standing
Minimum of twelve (12) years of progressively responsible experience practicing municipal law, including at least five (5) years in a senior legal leadership role supervising attorneys and legal staff in a public agency
Minimum of three (3) years providing legal counsel directly to elected officials or executive municipal leadership, including advising during closed sessions, legislative processes, and high-impact municipal decisions
Demonstrated experience managing outside legal counsel and coordinating complex legal matters across multiple departments
Substantial experience with complex municipal transactions, such as land use redevelopment agreements, public-private partnerships, and municipal finance instruments (e.g., bond counsel)
Experience litigating high-stakes matters in state and federal courts, including constitutional or civil rights claims
In-depth knowledge and application of California municipal law, including the Brown Act, California Public Records Act, Political Reform Act, conflict of interest laws, and related regulatory frameworks
Demonstrated experience managing a departmental budget of $2 million or more and direct supervision of five (5) or more full-time legal personnel
Completion of specialized public law training or certification (e.g., League of California Cities, ICMA, or equivalent) within the past five (5) years
Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License required
Preferred
Possession of a Certified Public Manager (CPM) credential, LL.M. in Public or Administrative Law, or other comparable executive legal or public management training
Benefits
CalPERS Retirement– Secure pension through the California Public Employees’ Retirement System
Lifetime Medical Coverage for Retirees– Fully funded by the City after 5 years of service with CalPers
CalPERS Health Benefits Program– Choice of 10 health plans, with City-paid premiums for employees and eligible dependents (up to the annual Kaiser family rate)
Employer-Paid Vision and Dental Insurance– For both employees and eligible dependents
Employer-Paid Life Insurance– Offered through UNUM
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)– For healthcare and dependent care expenses through American Fidelity
Employee-Sponsored Supplemental Benefits– Optional coverage such as life, disability, and accident insurance
Generous Paid Time Off– Vacation, sick leave, and 16 paid holidays per year
4/10 Flexible Work Schedule– Most Administrative roles based at City Hall enjoy a 4-day workweek, with Fridays off
Educational Reimbursement– Up to $3,000 per fiscal year for tuition and books
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)– Confidential services for personal and professional support
Professional Development Opportunities– Ongoing training and career growth resources
Company
City of Compton
City of Compton is a government administration firm that provides financial and textile manufacturing services.
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageRecent News
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