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Assistant City Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The City seeks an Assistant City Attorney with a litigation and transactional background, and requires experience representing state or local government This position will focus on California housing ...

Assistant City Attorney

Rockville, MD · Hybrid

$107K - $177K/yr

Job Summary The Office of the City Attorney for the City of Rockville, Maryland, is accepting applications for a permanent full-time Assistant City Attorney (salary range $107,629 - $177,586). The ...

Assistant City Attorney

Rockville, MD · On-site

$107K - $177K/yr

The position may, however, be filled at the Senior Assistant City Attorney level (salary range $113,010 - $186,466), depending on experience and qualifications. This position involves the provision ...

Description The Assistant City Attorney II serves as an assistant to the City Attorney and performs highly responsible legal work involving a broad range of complex municipal legal matters. The ...

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Assistant City Attorney information

See salary details

$55.5K

$115.7K

$187K

How much do assistant city attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant city attorney in the United States is $115,722.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,500.00 and $137,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Assistant City Attorneys?

Assistant City Attorneys are legal professionals who work for a city’s legal department, providing legal advice and representation to the city, its officials, and departments. Their responsibilities often include drafting and reviewing ordinances, representing the city in civil and criminal cases, and advising on municipal law matters. They help ensure that city operations comply with local, state, and federal laws, and may also prosecute violations of city codes. Assistant City Attorneys play a crucial role in supporting city governance and protecting the city's legal interests.

What are some typical challenges faced by an Assistant City Attorney in municipal legal work?

Assistant City Attorneys often handle a diverse caseload that can include drafting ordinances, advising city departments, and representing the city in litigation. A common challenge is balancing immediate legal issues—such as responding to urgent public records requests or last-minute council agenda items—with long-term projects like policy development. Additionally, they must navigate complex relationships among elected officials, city staff, and the public, requiring strong communication and diplomatic skills. Adapting quickly to evolving legal standards and staying informed about changes in municipal law is also essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Assistant City Attorney vs City Attorney?

AspectAssistant City AttorneyCity Attorney
CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), State Bar licenseJuris Doctor (JD), State Bar license, often more experience
Work EnvironmentSupports city legal team, handles specific legal mattersLeads legal department, oversees all legal functions for the city
Employer & IndustryMunicipal government, public sectorMunicipal government, public sector
Common Search/ComparisonAssistant City Attorney vs City Attorney

The Assistant City Attorney typically supports the City Attorney by handling specific legal tasks and cases within the municipal government. The City Attorney serves as the head of the city's legal department, providing overall legal guidance and leadership. While both roles require similar legal credentials, the City Attorney usually has more experience and responsibilities, overseeing the entire legal operations of the city.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant City Attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant City Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, and strong knowledge of municipal law, litigation, and legal research. Familiarity with legal research platforms like Westlaw or LexisNexis, as well as proficiency in case management systems, is typically required. Excellent written and verbal communication, negotiation, and ethical judgment are crucial soft skills for this position. These competencies ensure effective legal counsel, risk mitigation, and strong representation of the city’s interests in legal matters.
More about Assistant City Attorney jobs
What cities are hiring for Assistant City Attorney jobs? Cities with the most Assistant City Attorney job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Assistant City Attorney jobs? The top employers for Assistant City Attorney jobs are:
What states have the most Assistant City Attorney jobs? States with the most job openings for Assistant City Attorney jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Assistant City Attorney jobs? For Assistant City Attorney jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Assistant City Attorney job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 16% Full Time, and 79% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,722 per year, or $55.6 per hour.
Assistant City Attorney

Assistant City Attorney

City of Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg, VA • On-site

$84K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago


City Of Fredericksburg (Texas) rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

131st of 663 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

NOW HIRING
Assistant City Attorney
Full-Time | Benefits | Paid Training
Build your skills. Serve your community. Advance your career with the City of Fredericksburg.Career Growth and Pay
Assistant City Attorney
$84,997 - $93,496 (hiring range)
The Assistant City Attorney advises the City Council and staff under the City Attorney's guidance.Senior Assistant City Attorney
$96,363 - $105,999 (hiring range)
The Senior Assistant City Attorney provides complex legal advice and counsel to various city officials and departments, guided by the City Attorney's Office Strategic Plan.What You'll Do
As an Assistant City Attorney, you will work alongside the City Council, the City Manager, and City staff, offering legal guidance to help accomplish the Council's goals and initiatives. Your responsibilities may include:
Assistant City Attorney
Legal Advisory and Drafting: Offer timely legal advice to various city entities, drafting ordinances and resolutions, preparing supporting memoranda, and ensuring legal clarity in City policies and procedures.
Transactional Legal Services: Handle a range of legal matters, from drafting and negotiating contracts to creating uniform transaction templates for efficiency.
Legislation Tracking and Evaluation: Track new legislation and assessing potential implications of proposed laws, particularly those from the Virginia General Assembly.
Litigation, Administrative Proceedings, and Additional Duties: Manage civil litigation, facilitating communication with external parties, and supporting document review and compliance tasks. It also includes attending meetings and participating in emergency response efforts.
Senior Assistant City Attorney
Program Management: Oversees the City Attorney's Office Summer Intern/Law Clerk Program, offering direct supervision and guidance to program participants.
Meeting and Coordination: Participates in public meetings and hearings as assigned, which may include preparatory meetings in collaboration with the City Clerk and City Manager.
Training and Orientation: Conducts training sessions, such as FOIA and COIA, for City Council members, Constitutional officers, and other local boards and commissions; engages in staff training on FOIA, COIA, and the Procurement Act, actively participating in the orientation of new City Council members and taking part in City Council retreats.
Independent Work and Support: Performs work independently across various specialized areas, with the capacity to train others, while maintaining regular communication with the City Attorney, and carries out the Essential Job Functions of the Assistant City Attorney.Why Join our Team?
A Career with Purpose
Join a supportive team that values safety, teamwork, public service, and the opportunity to develop new skills while contributing to the community every day.Comprehensive Benefits
The City offers a competitive benefits package that includes medical, vision, and dental coverage, paid leave, paid training, and participation in the Virginia Retirement System.Minimum Qualifications
Assistant City Attorney
  • Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school;
  • Previous experience practicing law, especially local government law is preferred.
Senior Assistant City Attorney
  • Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school;
  • Five years of full-time experience in the practice of local government law with demonstrated mastery and progression of supervisory duties or increasing complexity of legal representation with minimal supervision, or equivalent experience as a licensed attorney in public or private sector.
Work Environment
The role requires minimal physical effort during sedentary tasks like typing, listening, and speaking, with responsibilities including lifting moderately weighted objects (12-20 pounds) and on-site property visits. Occasional travel to Richmond for meetings and additional travel for education may be necessary. Proficiency in skilled movements and good visual acuity are essential.
BE PART OF SOMETHING ESSENTIAL
This is more than a job. It is an opportunity to build a stable, rewarding career while serving the residents and businesses of Fredericksburg. Join a knowledgeable, dedicated team that values accuracy, fairness, collaboration, public service, and committed to the City's Core Values
Apply online: www.fredericksburgva.gov/careers
The position will remain open until filled. Completed City Employment Applications should be submitted by 4:00 p.m. on July 17, 2026.
Questions? [email protected]
The City of Fredericksburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The City provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment based on any characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.