Senior Legal Analyst - Consumer Protection Division
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Senior Legal Analyst - Consumer Protection Division
Salary
See Position Description
Location
City of Santa Monica, CA
Job Type
Full-Time Regular
Job Number
0871-04
Department
City Attorney
Division
City Attorney
Opening Date
05/19/2026
Closing Date
6/2/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Benefits
Job Summary
Join the Santa Monica City Attorney's Office
The Santa Monica City Attorney's Office seeks a Senior Legal Analyst with at least 5 years of experience to conduct investigations for the office's Consumer Protection Division. The Consumer Protection Division enforces consumer, tenant, and worker protection laws, including through affirmative litigation and criminal prosecution. The Division also defends the City in legal challenges to consumer protection programs and in appeals of administrative enforcement actions, prosecutes code enforcement and nuisance abatement cases, advises the Code Enforcement Division and Housing Division, and educates the public on laws enforced by the Division.
The mission of the Santa Monica City Attorney is to do excellent legal work efficiently and cost-effectively. As advisors to City officials and staff, to provide timely and complete assistance. As advocates, to represent the City and its employees vigorously and fairly. As prosecutors, to diligently and justly enforce the law on behalf of the People of California.
Per the Santa Monica City Charter, the City Attorney's Office represents and advises the City Council and all City officials pertaining to their official duties. The City Attorney's Office also prosecutes criminal cases against those accused of committing state and local misdemeanor offenses. The City Attorney's Office also defends the City, City employees, and Councilmembers in civil lawsuits.
The office currently consists of 26 attorneys and 21 administrative professionals and is part of the citywide Realignment Plan that is working to restore Santa Monica to one of the premiere destination cities in the region. As part of the Realignment Plan, in October 2025, the City Council adopted recommendations that included a series of new investments and policy actions designed to transition the City from organizational stabilization toward economic revitalization. Since the Plan was adopted more than six months ago, the City has delivered measurable results across its five strategic priorities.
The City Attorney's Office is expanding its team to support of the City's evolving needs.
Position Overview
The ideal candidate will have substantial experience conducting investigations, including interviewing witnesses, auditing voluminous records, and preparing and presenting investigative reports. The candidate should also have experience working with members of the public from diverse backgrounds, including people with disabilities and people with limited English proficiency. Special consideration will be given to candidates with experience investigating violations of worker protection laws and auditing payroll records, timecards, and employer policies.
Duties include, but are not limited to:
Investigating complaints related to violations of tenant, worker, and/or consumer protection laws, including minimum wage and paid sick leave violations;
Requesting and acquiring payroll and other business records, remotely and through in-person site visits
Analyzing large volumes of records, organizing data, primarily into Excel spreadsheets, and evaluating records for compliance with applicable laws and regulations;
Preparing and presenting investigative reports, including testifying in civil, criminal, and administrative hearings;
Communicating frequently with complainants;
Maintaining accurate, complete, and up-to-date case files;
Handling a high volume of calls and emails from the public and providing information on consumer, tenant, and worker protection topics; and
Assisting with drafting legal notices and public education materials and conducting outreach to tenants, workers, consumers, landlords, and businesses.
Required Qualifications
At least 5 years of experience as an investigator, paralegal, or similar profession, ideally in a law firm or government legal department. Experience in wage and hour, landlord-tenant, or other consumer protection law is preferred.
Strong organizational skills and ability to design and conduct large-scale investigations while managing the demands of frequent daily inquiries from the public.
High level of proficiency with legal software and macros, preferably MS Office Suite (especially Excel), Adobe Acrobat Pro, Prolaw, and Westlaw.
Exceptional communication skills and ability to communicate efficiently, professionally, and clearly, including with attorneys, colleagues, clients, members of the public, complainants, witnesses (including experts), and opposing counsel.
Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment and discretion.
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the required qualifications.
Work Schedule
Division work assignments are subject to change based on the operational needs and workload of the City Attorney's Office overall. The hours of the position are 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, and 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on alternate Fridays. This is a 9/80 work schedule. Hybrid remote work schedule is currently available but not guaranteed, with a minimum of three days in the office. Evening and weekend duties may be required to attend City Council meetings, public meetings or events.
Application Instructions and Compensation
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample of no more than ten pages, and the names of three references (will not be contacted prior to interview). These materials should be submitted in a single pdf document by email to CAO.Opportunities@santamonica.gov with the subject line: "Application - Senior Legal Analyst - Consumer Division" Candidates must apply by Tuesday, June 2, 2026, when consideration of applicants will begin.
A background check will be required prior to beginning employment. Salary is dependent on qualifications and experience, excellent benefits. Annual s alary range Steps 1-5 from $107,616 to $132,852. This position is at will but is part of the Public Attorneys Legal Support Staff Union. (https://www.santamonica.gov/memoranda-of-understanding) E qual Opportunity Employer. See the EEO Policy on the City Attorney's Office website.
