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

Importance of the Role
San Francisco operates one of the most comprehensive public health and human services systems in the country. Our team advises policymakers, department leaders, clinicians, social services professionals, and commissions on high‑stakes operational, regulatory, and policy matters that directly affect service delivery and public health outcomes.
The work is fast‑paced, varied, and consequential. Attorneys regularly address issues involving law, medicine, ethics, privacy, and government operations, and serve as trusted advisors during periods of operational and public scrutiny. This role provides the opportunity to build a sophisticated public law practice while meaningfully impacting the lives of San Franciscans.
Position Responsibilities
Deputy City Attorneys on this team advise on complex legal and operational issues, develop practical solutions, and support major public initiatives. Responsibilities include:
Reviewing and negotiating contracts, procurements, and RFPs
Advising departments on legal and policy issues involving health care, public health, social services, homelessness systems, and government operations
Providing real‑time guidance on regulatory, compliance, and operational matters affecting hospitals, clinics, behavioral health programs, and public benefit systems
Counseling clients on risk, statutory interpretation, and administrative decision‑making
Interpreting federal, state, and local laws governing health care systems, human services programs, privacy, and public funding
Advising on public records, open government, and government ethics requirements
Developing subject‑matter expertise in areas central to City governance and service delivery
Advising on health care operations, compliance, HIPAA, and related privacy laws
About the Health and Human Services Team
We serve as legal counsel to departments central to the City’s safety net, including:
Department of Public Health
Human Services Agency
Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing
Department of Children, Youth, and Their Families
Department of Early Childhood
Additional departments and commissions dedicated to public health, safety, and wellbeing
The practice is collaborative and interdisciplinary, working closely with policy experts, clinicians, administrators, and elected officials to solve complex and evolving legal challenges.
About the Office
The San Francisco City Attorney’s Office is a nationally recognized public law office committed to advancing justice, equity, and effective government. With over 350 attorneys and staff, we provide counsel on issues that are legally sophisticated, socially significant, and often nationally influential. We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees can thrive. A hybrid work schedule is available for eligible employees.
Learn more at: www.sf.gov/cityattorney
The Ideal Candidate
We seek a candidate with excellent legal judgment, strong communication skills, and a commitment to public service. Desired qualifications include:
Familiarity with healthcare regulatory frameworks (Medi‑Cal, CMS, HIPAA, fraud‑and‑abuse laws, licensing rules)
Experience with solicitations, vendor selection, bid protests, and procurement compliance
Experience with healthcare contracting, including managed care, data‑sharing, privacy/security, and clinical service agreements
At least five years of legal experience, preferably in an advisory, healthcare, or public agency role
Experience advising on hospital or health system operations and regulatory compliance
Knowledge of HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules and related privacy laws (preferred)
Strong writing, analysis, and problem‑solving skills
Ability to manage complex assignments independently
Sound judgment and practical, solution‑oriented advice
Collaborative approach and commitment to inclusive teamwork
Minimum Qualification
Licensed to practice law
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-requirements.
Note: Falsifying one’s education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification for this and future job opportunities with the City and County of San Francisco.
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. Information submitted after the filing deadline will not be considered in determining whether you meet the minimum qualifications.
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed City and County of San Francisco application.
Applications completed improperly may be cause for ineligibility, disqualification or may lead to lower scores.
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.

Employment type
Full-time

Work arrangement
No