City of Santa Monica · 5 days ago
General Counsel
Santa Monica, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
$196K/yr - $241K/yr
7+ years expThe City of Santa Monica is seeking a General Counsel to serve as the chief legal advisor for the Rent Control Board, playing a vital role in shaping housing stability and tenant protections. The General Counsel will provide legal guidance on complex matters, oversee litigation, and contribute to the agency's regulatory framework while leading the Legal Department.
CommunitiesGovernmentLaw EnforcementPublic Safety
Responsibilities
Advises the Board, Executive Director, and senior leadership on complex matters involving rent stabilization, eviction controls, tenant protections, administrative law, and governance
Oversees all litigation involving the Board, including administrative appeals, writs of mandate, constitutional challenges, and appellate matters
Represents the Board and individual Board members in legal proceedings arising from actions taken in their official capacities
Drafts and interprets ordinances, regulations, Board policies, and legal opinions; monitors and analyzes housing-related legislation and court decisions
Works closely with lobbyists and City partners to advance and protect the Board’s interests
Supervises and mentors legal staff in a professional, supportive, and coaching manner
Oversees the Legal Department budget and contributes to overall operational oversight
Qualification
Required
Public-sector legal experience
Sound judgment
Demonstrated ability to advise public governing bodies in complex, high-visibility environments
Juris Doctor (J.D.) or equivalent degree from an ABA-accredited law school
Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible legal experience
At least five (5) years of litigation practice
At least two (2) years of municipal or other public-sector legal experience involving work with elected or appointed public bodies
Experience with public meetings and compliance with open-meeting laws, including the Brown Act
Benefits
An attractive benefits package which includes retirement benefits provided by CalPERS
A relocation package and other amenities may be offered, as appropriate, as part of the total compensation negotiated in the employment agreement.
Company
City of Santa Monica
City of Santa Monica is a beachfront city in los angeles county that is bordered on five sides by different los angeles neighborhoods
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Stelios Makrides
Chief Operating Officer Public Works/Airport Director
Lindsay Barker Call
Chief Resilience Officer
Recent News
Press Telegram
2025-05-23
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