Description

The Department of the Corporation Counsel seeks attorneys to join our Counseling and Drafting Division in a variety of positions, all of which offer the unique and fulfilling career as a public sector attorney committed to serving government. 

Land Use Section

The Department seeks an attorney to join the Land Use Section to represent and advise the Department of Planning and Permitting in legal matters relating to zoning, planning, development, coastal zone management, historic preservation, the acquisition of property for public purposes through eminent domain, and environmental review. Land Use deputies litigate in state and federal court and appear before administrative boards, such as the Zoning Board of Appeals. The ideal candidate will have a broad range of legal skills and experience, including legal research, drafting legal pleadings, client counseling, contested case hearings, and litigation. Experience in civil litigation, administrative law, and open government and open records law is a plus.

Transportation & Housing Section

The Department seeks an attorney with experience in real estate transactions, real property law, and the development, financing, and management of affordable housing projects, including mixed-income and mixed-use projects, to represent and advise the Department of Housing and Land Management (DHLM), which handles the City’s real property acquisitions, dispositions, and leases, and manages the City’s residential and commercial projects. DHLM is currently in the midst of an unprecedented initiative, in partnership with private developers, to deliver creative and innovative affordable housing opportunities, which foster community, revitalize neighborhoods, and enhance well-being. COR provides legal representation and counsel to DHLM in these transactions and in all aspects of strategic planning, development, financing, and administration of the City’s real property assets, including necessary coordination and arrangements with a broad range of public and private stakeholders. DHLM is also responsible for the stewardship and conservation of lands with historic, cultural, natural, and ecological, significance on O‘ahu. The Department also seeks an attorney with the legal experience, interpersonal skills, and professional judgment to serve as legal counsel to the Boards and Commissions advised by the Transportation & Housing Section, including the Board of Directors of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation.

Finance Section

The Department seeks an attorney to join the Finance Section to represent and advise the Department of Budget and Fiscal Services (BFS) in legal matters relating to real property tax, including analyzing claims, litigating appeals, and reviewing contracts and legislation. The ideal candidate will have a broad range of legal skills and experience: legal research and writing skills; client counseling; litigating in state court; administrative law; contract drafting, negotiation, interpretation and enforcement; and legislation. Specific experience in tax appeal court, land use and/or procurement is a plus.

In addition to the generous employment benefits of government service, the Department encourages a healthy work-life balance. Civil litigation and administrative law experience, experience working with governmental entities, and familiarity with public procurement and open records laws are factors of particular value.

If you are interested in joining our team, please submit a letter of interest, resume, two writing samples, and references at cor@honolulu.gov.

For more information, visit the Department of the Corporation Counsel website at: https://www8.honolulu.gov/cor/