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 ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in all areas of California public agency labor and employment law, including the Meyers-Milias-Brown Act (MMBA), PERB proceedings, and Skelly due process requirements. This individual will serve as a primary legal strategist, handling complex labor and employment matters from initial investigation through administrative hearings, arbitration, writ proceedings, and litigation, including employment-related constitutional claims. First-chair litigation experience is highly desirable, along with the ability to effectively supervise outside counsel and manage all phases of mediation and litigation.

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience negotiating with labor unions and drafting collective bargaining agreements, settlement agreements, and other employment-related transactions, as well as representing public agencies in union grievances and administrative proceedings at the local, state, and federal levels.  

The candidate must also provide strategic and practical legal advice on a wide range of employment-related issues, including disciplinary actions, workplace investigations, and compliance with key statutory frameworks such as the Brown Act, California Public Records Act (CPRA), Government Claims Act, and Political Reform Act. Familiarity with the Metropolitan Water District Act (MWD Act), CalPERS regulations, and the intersection of disability law with the interactive process is also highly desirable.   

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.