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  • DEPUTY PORT ATTORNEY III

    530 Water Street, Oakland, California 94607 United States Port of Oakland Full Time $17,294.00 - $21,419.00 Monthly Sep 27, 2025
    Port of Oakland Employer:

    Port of Oakland

    Your Port. Your Community. The Port of Oakland oversees the Oakland seaport, Oakland International Airport, and 20 miles of waterfront. The Oakland Seaport is the fourth busiest container port on the U.S. West Coast; Oakland International Airport is the second largest San Francisco Bay Area airport offering over 300 daily passenger and cargo flights; and the Port’s real estate includes commercial developments such as Jack London Square and hundreds of acres of public parks and conservation areas. Together, through Port operations and those of its tenants and users, the Port generates more than 98,000 jobs in the region and supports over one million jobs across the United States. The Port of Oakland was established in 1927 and is an independent department of the City of Oakland. The Port of Oakland is a dynamic organization providing great pay, excellent benefits and an exciting corporate culture. When you join the Port, you become part of a proud local legacy, an organization that touches virtually every resident with its services.      

    Apply Now View job Employer Profile

    Job Description

    Job Description

    *** All completed applications for this position must be submitted online no later than 5:00 pm, on the closing date of the recruitment. PAPER APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED . Please follow all submission instructions to ensure your application is complete. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of online applications, therefore, it is important for online applications to be completed fully. Late applications will not be accepted beyond the closing time and date for any reason, including any technical issues, such as system, browser, or computer failures, etc. ***

    THE PORT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE

    The Port Attorney’s Office is a collaborative team staffed with nine attorneys (Port Attorney, Assistant Port Attorney, seven Deputy Port Attorneys), three paralegals, and three legal secretaries. The Office provides legal services to the Board of Port Commissioners, the Executive Director and the senior management team, the revenue divisions (Aviation, Maritime, Commercial Real Estate, and Utilities) and the support divisions (finance, environmental, engineering, human resources, IT and social responsibility). Our Office operates in a dynamic and innovative environment, and our goal is to be responsive and present creative legal solutions for our clients that both furthers the Port’s interests and protects the Port.

    THE POSITION

    The Port is currently recruiting for one position of Deputy Port Attorney III; this position reports to the Port Attorney. Under direction, the Deputy Port Attorney III provides expert legal counsel for the Port on a wide variety of complex legal matters; the Deputy Port Attorney III may function as project leader on selected legal projects. The incumbent may perform other related duties at the equivalent level.

    The Port Attorney’s Office is seeking candidates with expertise in the following practice area:

    Procurement of goods and services, IT transactions, and public works contracting: Counsel on matters relating to the procurement of goods and services, including information technology transactions, and public works contracting. This work will cover the spectrum of the procurement process such as bid/proposal preparation, contract drafting and negotiations, bid protests, and contract claim resolution.

    Examples of Duties

    Typical duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

      ◦ Provides counsel on a variety of legal matters, which may include complex work related to Port financial matters, pension plans, contracts, real estate, commercial law, environmental law, regulatory law, administrative law, labor law and related areas; responds to requests for legal opinions as directed; confers with other Port legal and management staff; prepares a variety of opinions for officials, commission or board members, and other Port staff.


      ◦ Conducts legal research, prepares opinions, and consults with senior management on legal matters; prepares ordinances, resolutions, contracts, leases, and memoranda for the Port Attorney and other Port officials.


      ◦ Negotiates and drafts contracts for projects and financing for the Port of Oakland.


      ◦ Represents the Port in court and administrative proceedings: develops legal background information, discusses legal points, plans legal strategy, and prepares cases for proceedings; investigates, evaluates and solves a variety of legal problems.


      ◦ Reviews, approves, and responds to legal documents as appropriate, negotiating as necessary.


      ◦ Performs related duties as appropriate.


    Minimum Qualifications

    Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a juris doctorate.

    Experience: Five years of professional work as an attorney.

    KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

    To perform the typical tasks and duties of the position successfully, the knowledge, skills and/or abilities listed below are required.

    Knowledge of:
      ◦ Federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and procedures.

      ◦ City Charter, Port Ordinance, Board of Port Commission By-Laws and Administrative Rules, and Port policies and procedures.

      ◦ Civil Service Rules, Memoranda of Understanding, and other policies and procedures governing employee affairs.


    Ability to:
      ◦ Define legal issues, collect information, analyze information, and take or recommend action.

      ◦ Negotiate with other parties.

      ◦ Write a variety of legal documents, including but not limited to briefs, ordinances, resolutions, correspondence and supporting documents.



    THE SELECTION PROCESS

    Stage I: Application, Supplemental Questionnaire, and Copy of California Bar Association Membership Card Evaluation (Pass/Fail) - The first stage in the selection process will consist of an application, supplemental questionnaire, and copy of California Bar Association Membership Card appraisal review (pass/fail). Applications submitted without a completed supplemental questionnaire and copy of California Bar Association Membership Card will not be given further consideration. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee advancement to the next stage. Only the most suitably qualified candidates will be invited to Stage II.

    Stage II: Assessment Examination (Weighted 100%) - The second stage of the selection process may consist of a combination of job-related situational project exercises and an oral panel interview designed to assess technical knowledge and any additional KSAs. Job-related situational project exercises may consist of written exercises, performance exercises or other situational exercises that would assess the KSAs. The Assessment Examination is designed to test the applicant’s overall aptitude for the position.

    Candidates must achieve a scale score of 70 or more on this examination to be placed on the hiring list for employment consideration . The Port reserves the right to modify the selection process, as necessary, to conform to administrative or business necessity.

    ADVISORIES

    Immigration and Reform Control Act: In compliance with the Immigration and Reform Act of 1986, the Port will only hire individuals who are legally authorized to work in the United States. Social Security card must be presented, and the name on it must match the name on the application.

    Americans with Disabilities (“ADA”): In compliance with State and Federal Laws, the Port will employ and promote qualified individuals without regard to disability. The Port is committed to making reasonable accommodations in the selection process and in the work environment. Individuals requesting reasonable accommodations during the selection process must notify gportugal@portoakland.com within seven (7) calendar days of the closing date of the job announcement. The Port requires applicants to provide supporting medical documentation to substantiate a request for reasonable accommodation.

    Additional Requirements

    Must pass the State of California Bar Examination and be licensed to practice law in all California State Courts, Federal District Courts in California, Courts of Appeal in California and the District of Columbia.

    Must be a current member of the California State Bar Association.

    The Port of Oakland requires each incumbent to successfully complete a Transportation Security Administration (“TSA”) background check, which will include a fingerprint-based Criminal History Records Check (“CHRC”) and a Security Threat Assessment (“STA”), prior to being considered for this position. This status must be maintained for the duration of employment at the Port.

    The Port of Oakland is an Equal Opportunity Employer

    The Port of Oakland'sbenefit program ranks among the best in the region for public jurisdictions and is designed to reward performance and promote a balanced lifestyle, both at the workplace and away from the workplace, for its employees and their families. The Port is committed to the health and well-being of its employees and has been recognized as a FIT-Friendly Employer by the American Heart Association.
      ◦ The Port is part of the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). CalPERS is a defined pension provided to regular full-time employees that work for the Port. The CalPERS defined pension is based on predetermined formula that factors in an employee's earnings history, tenure of service and age. The retirement formula for new hires is 2% at 62 years of age or 2.5% at 55 for with other CalPERS service and/or reciprocity.
      ◦ The Port offers retiree medical benefits for employees and dependents after 10 years of CalPERS service (including 5 years at the Port).
      ◦ The Port pays 100% of the premium cost for employees and dependent health insurance coverage not to exceed the Kaiser-HMO Family Plan; cash in lieu of medical benefit is also available.
      ◦ The Port pays 100% of the premium cost for dental and vision coverage.
      ◦ The Port pays 100% of the premium cost for Long Term Disability (LTD) coverage and reimburses employees for the State Disability Insurance.
      ◦ The Port pays 100% of the premium cost for life insurance at one-time annual salary with certain limits.
      ◦ The Port offers aDeferred Compensation Plan allowing employees to save and invest money for retirement with tax benefits.

    Time Away from Work
      ◦ From 2 to 5 weeks of vacation depending on years of employment at the Port.
      ◦ 10 days of management leave for employees exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
      ◦ 1 paid Floating Holiday per year.
      ◦ 12 days of sick leave per year after three months of employment which includes 4 days of personal leave.
      ◦ 13paid holidays as well as the second half of the shift on December 24 and December 31.


    Closing Date/Time: 10/24/2025 5:00 PM Pacific
    Apply Now View job Employer Profile

    Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.

LATEST JOBS

Top Government Legal Jobs: A Guide to Finding the Best Opportunities

Top Government Legal Jobs: A Guide to Finding the Best Opportunities
 

Introduction to Government Legal Careers

Government legal jobs offer diverse opportunities for law students, recent graduates, and experienced attorneys to work in various government agencies and departments. These roles enable professionals to contribute to impactful cases while developing expertise in specific areas of law.

The federal government, state governments, and various agencies provide many career paths for legal professionals. With attorney positions available across sectors, government legal careers offer the chance to influence policy, engage in public service, and develop a deep understanding of the law.

Key highlights of government legal careers:

  • Work on high-profile and significant cases.
  • Gain specialized knowledge in areas like government contracts and compliance.
  • Contribute to public service, shaping laws and regulations.
 

Types of Government Agencies

Legal professionals are employed by government agencies at both the federal and state levels. These agencies offer positions for attorneys, paralegals, and specialists and cover a wide range of legal functions, from litigation to regulatory compliance.

Some of the key agencies that hire legal professionals include:

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  • Federal agencies: The Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Federal Trade Commission.
  • State government agencies: State attorneys general offices, legislative legal departments, and public defenders’ offices.
  • Government contractors: Companies working with the government often employ legal professionals to handle regulatory compliance and government contracts.

This variety of agencies allows attorneys to explore different areas of law and government service, making government legal jobs diverse and highly rewarding.

 

Requirements for Government Legal Jobs

Candidates must meet educational and professional standards to qualify for most government legal jobs. Attorney positions typically require a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association. Paralegal specialist roles often require a bachelor’s degree and relevant experience in legal practice.

Here are some key requirements:

  • Attorney positions: Requires a J.D. degree and, in many cases, bar membership in good standing.
  • Paralegal specialist positions: Requires a bachelor’s degree and experience in legal work.
  • Entry-level attorney positions: Recent law school graduates can apply for positions through the federal government’s excepted service programs or state government agencies.

To succeed in these roles, having a solid legal foundation, an understanding of governmental structures, and knowledge of the specific requirements outlined in each vacancy announcement is essential.

 

Application & Hiring Process

Applying for government legal jobs requires following a formal process. The federal government and many state agencies use USAJOBS to list available positions, while other agencies might have their career portals. Understanding how to navigate these systems is essential for securing a position.

The typical application process includes:

  1. Finding job listings: Check USAJOBS or individual agency websites such as the Department of Justice or the Securities and Exchange Commission.
  2. Submitting an application: Most applications require a resume, cover letter, and writing samples demonstrating legal expertise.
  3. Meeting qualifications: Each vacancy announcement lists the required qualifications, including specific legal experience, educational background, or bar status.
  4. Screening process: Many agencies conduct interviews and thorough background checks as part of their hiring process.
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Applicants should pay close attention to the specific criteria in the job announcements to ensure their application materials are tailored to the role.

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Benefits of Government Legal Careers

One of the main attractions of government legal careers is the stability and long-term benefits they provide. These positions offer not only competitive salaries but also excellent job security. Furthermore, government employees often enjoy comprehensive healthcare plans, retirement benefits, and opportunities for professional development.

The benefits include:

  • Job security: Government positions offer reliable and stable employment.
  • Professional growth: Opportunities for advancement and specialized training are often available, allowing attorneys to develop expertise in particular legal areas.
  • Public service: Contributing to the justice system and working on impactful cases can be deeply fulfilling for those passionate about the law.

Many attorneys in government roles find the combination of career growth and public service an ideal mix for long-term professional satisfaction.

Specialized Government Legal Roles

Government legal jobs are not limited to general practice; they often involve specialization in specific legal fields. Attorneys working for government agencies can focus on environmental law, national security, labor law, or government contracts.

category039-image-003-careers-in-government

Specialized roles include:

  • General Counsel: Provides legal advice to government agencies, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations.
  • Attorneys in niche fields: These roles include legal professionals working on intellectual property, government contracts, and public policy issues.
  • Paralegal specialists: Support attorneys in legal research, document preparation, and case management tasks.

Such roles allow attorneys to dive deep into specific legal areas while contributing to government policies and regulations.

 

Finding Government Legal Jobs

For those interested in government legal careers, several resources can assist with job searches:

  • USAJOBS: This platform comprehensively lists federal government job openings, including legal positions.
  • Agency websites: Federal agencies like the Department of Justice and state government websites regularly post job opportunities.
  • Networking: Connecting with current or former government attorneys can open doors to hidden opportunities and provide valuable insights into the application process.

These resources can help streamline the search for government legal positions and increase the chances of landing a role that fits your expertise.

 

Resources for Government Legal Job Seekers

Several professional organizations and resources provide guidance and support for those seeking government legal jobs:

  • American Bar Association (ABA): Offers tools and advice for law students and recent graduates looking to enter public service law.
  • National Association of Law Placement (NALP): Provides job listings and career guidance for government and public interest legal positions.
  • Government agency websites: Many agencies, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Department of Justice, offer career resources for aspiring government attorneys.
category039-image-004-careers-in-governmen

These resources can help candidates navigate the complexities of the government hiring process and build successful careers in public service law.

 

Tips for Success in Government Legal Careers

To excel in government legal jobs, consider the following strategies:

  • Strengthen research and writing skills: These are crucial for success in government attorney positions.
  • Develop expertise in a niche area: Specialization in areas like environmental law or government contracts can boost your career prospects.
  • Network with professionals: Building relationships with government legal professionals can provide valuable career insights and opportunities.

Aspiring government attorneys can position themselves for success and growth within the public sector by focusing on these areas.

 

Conclusion

Government legal jobs offer many opportunities for law students, recent graduates, and seasoned professionals. With roles available at federal and state levels, government agencies provide meaningful career paths that allow legal professionals to develop specialized knowledge, serve the public, and contribute to the justice system. By understanding the requirements, application process, and available resources, you can successfully navigate your way to a rewarding career in government law.

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