Deputy City Attorney - Health & Human Services Team - City Attorney's Office (8177)
City and County of San Francisco · San Francisco, CA, United States · Posted May 29, 2026
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Position Responsibilities
Deputy City Attorneys on the Health and Human Services Team advise clients on complex legal and operational matters, help develop practical solutions to emerging challenges, and support major public initiatives and programs. This role offers substantial responsibility and meaningful client interaction.
Advising City departments and officials on complex legal and policy matters related to health care, public health, social services, homelessness programs, and government operations
Providing real-time legal guidance on operational, regulatory, and compliance issues affecting hospitals, clinics, behavioral health programs, and public benefit systems
Counseling clients on legal risk, statutory interpretation, and administrative decision-making
Drafting ordinances, regulations, ballot measures, and policies
Reviewing and negotiating contracts, procurements, and requests for proposals
Advising commissions and policy bodies before and during public meetings
Interpreting federal, state, and local laws governing health care systems, human services programs, privacy protections, and public funding
Advising on public records, open government, and government ethics issues
Developing subject-matter expertise in areas critical to City governance and public service delivery.
Advising on health care operations, regulatory compliance, HIPAA, and other privacy laws.
About the Health & Human Services Team
The Health and Human Services Team serves as legal counsel to some of San Francisco’s most vital and visible public-serving departments, including:
The Department of Public Health
The Human Services Agency
The Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing
The Department of Children, Youth, and their Families
The Department of Early Childhood
Other departments and commissions dedicated to protecting the health, safety, and wellbeing of San Francisco residents
The practice is highly collaborative and interdisciplinary, requiring attorneys to work closely with policy experts, health professionals, administrators, and elected officials in solving novel and evolving legal challenges.
About the Office
The San Francisco City Attorney’s Office is one of the nation’s premier public law offices, recognized nationally for its innovative legal work and commitment to advancing justice, equity, and effective government. With nearly 350 talented attorneys and staff, the Office serves as trusted counsel to the City and County of San Francisco, helping City leaders solve complex challenges and deliver critical public services.
Our attorneys tackle issues that are legally sophisticated, socially significant, and often nationally influential. The Office’s work spans constitutional law, public health, consumer protection, housing, labor and employment, environmental justice, government ethics, and complex litigation — all in service of protecting and improving the lives of San Franciscans.
We are equally committed to fostering a workplace where talented people from all backgrounds can thrive. We value diversity of experience, identity, and perspective, and we strive to create an environment where all employees feel respected, supported, and empowered to grow professionally and personally.
The Office offers a hybrid work schedule for eligible employees.
To learn more about the City Attorney's Office please visit our website .
The Ideal Candidate
We are seeking candidates who combine excellent legal judgment with strong interpersonal skills, intellectual flexibility, and a commitment to public service.
Ideal candidates will have:
At least five years of legal experience, particularly in an advisory, health care, or government counsel role
Experience advising hospitals, health systems, or public agencies on operational and regulatory matters
Experience advising on HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules and related compliance obligations is preferred, but not required
Familiarity with federal and state laws governing privacy protections for public benefit and health information
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities
The ability to independently manage complex assignments in a fast-paced environment
Sound judgment and the ability to provide practical, solution-oriented legal advice
A collaborative approach and commitment to respectful and inclusive teamwork
Minimum Qualifications
Licensed to practice law in California
Verification
Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point during the recruitment and selection process. If education verification is required, information on how to verify education requirements, including verifying foreign education credits or degree equivalency, can be found at https://sfdhr.org/how-verify-education-requirement s .
Note: Falsifying one’s education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification fo…