Deputy City Attorney - Health & Human Services Team - City Attorney's Office (8177)

Deputy City Attorney Position

The San Francisco City Attorney's Office is looking for a qualified and motivated attorney to join its Health & Human Services Team. The Office provides exceptional legal services to the City's Mayor, Board of Supervisors, officials, and departments. The Office recognizes that diversity in the backgrounds, identities, and experiences of our employees enriches our workplace and enhances our work.

The Health & Human Services Team serves as general counsel for the Department of Public Health, the Human Services Agency, the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing, and certain other departments that protect and promote the health and wellbeing of the City's residents. The team also advises the Mayor's Office, the Board of Supervisors, and other City officials and departments on matters relating to health care and human service programs.

An attorney on the Health & Human Services Team typically serves in an advisory role as general counsel to a mix of City officials and departments. In that capacity, the attorney may perform many functions – providing interpretations and advice, both orally and in writing, formally and informally, on a broad range of legal issues. The attorney's role could include interpreting City or State law or advising on the legal risks of a particular government action; drafting ordinances, ballot measures, and administrative regulations; reviewing contracts for legal and procedural sufficiency; and providing legal advice to commissioners before and during commission meetings.

Minimum Qualification

Licensed to practice law in California.

Desired Qualifications

At least five years of experience in the practice of law, especially in an advice capacity as a government lawyer. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Excellent legal analytical skills. Ability to assume responsibility for assignments and to work independently and efficiently. Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and clients. Ability to manage and appropriately balance multiple assignments, meet deadlines, and adjust to fluctuations in workload. Strong interpersonal skills and a positive attitude. Commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment. An interest in and commitment to public service. Experience advising on legal issues related to daily hospital operations, including patient care, consent, bioethics, risk management, medical staff issues, and licensing and certification. Experience advising covered entities and business associates on adherence to HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules. Familiarity with federal and state laws protecting the privacy of information relating to individuals' participation in public benefit programs.

Verification Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point during the recruitment and selection process. All work experience, education, training and other information substantiating how you meet the minimum qualifications must be included on your application by the filing deadline.

Selection Procedures

The selection process will include evaluation of applications in relation to minimum requirements. Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement to the interview. Depending on the number of applicants, the Department may establish and implement additional screening mechanisms to comparatively evaluate the qualifications of candidates. If this becomes necessary, only those applicants whose qualifications most closely meet the needs of the Department will be invited to participate in the oral/performance interview.

Salary and Benefits

The Deputy City Attorney position has a 16-step salary scale ranging from $153,140 to $268,320. Effective 1/3/26, this job classification will receive a 1.5% wage increase. The successful applicant is appointed to a salary step based on years of experience as a lawyer. The City offers robust health, retirement and other benefits.

How to Apply

Applications for City and County of San Francisco jobs are only accepted through an online process. Visit

https://careers.sf.gov/ and begin the application process. Select the "Apply Now" button and follow instructions on the screen. Include your CA Bar Number in the education section on your application. Upload a Cover Letter and a Resume. Applicants who advance in the selection process must submit at least two references and two writing samples.