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

Appointment Type: Permanent Exempt (PEX)  position; individuals who are appointed to Exempt Positions are appointed at the pleasure of their appointing officer and are considered to be "at-will." Application Opening : May 29, 2026 Application Deadline : Continuous, earliest close 5:00 p.m. Thursday, June 11, 2026 Compensation Range:  $155,428-$272,350 Recruitment ID : RTF0163587-01076960 The San Francisco City Attorney’s Office seeks an exceptional attorney to join its Health and Human Services Team — a dynamic and high-impact legal practice at the forefront of public health, social and human services, and public policy. This is an exciting opportunity to serve as a strategic legal advisor on issues that directly affect the health and wellbeing of hundreds of thousands of San Franciscans. The attorney selected for this role will help City leaders navigate some of the most urgent and complex public health and services challenges facing local government today while supporting one of the nation’s most innovative public-sector health and human services systems. The ideal candidate is intellectually curious, collaborative, practical, and motivated by public service and meaningful impact. Importance of this Role San Francisco operates one of the country’s most expansive and visible public health and human services systems. The City’s hospitals, clinics, behavioral health programs, homelessness response systems, and social safety-net services play a critical role in protecting vulnerable populations and advancing public health and equity. Attorneys on the Health and Human Services Team help shape how those systems function. The team advises policymakers, department leaders, medical and social services professionals, and commissions on high-stakes operational, regulatory, and policy issues that influence how essential services are delivered across the City. The work is dynamic, fast-paced, and consequential. Attorneys on the team are trusted advisors during moments of significant operational, legal, and public scrutiny, and regularly engage with issues that sit at the intersection of law, medicine, ethics, privacy, public policy, and government administration. This position offers the opportunity to build a uniquely broad and sophisticated public law practice while making a tangible difference in the lives of San Francisco residents. 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