1

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 ...

City of Hobart, Indiana Assistant City Attorney Department: Office of the City Attorney Classification: Full-Time / Exempt Reports To: City Attorney FLSA Status: Exempt Position Summary The Assistant ...

Assistant City Attorney II

Ocala, FL · On-site

$113K - $141K/yr

The Assistant City Attorney II also performs a wide variety of administrative and managerial functions necessary for the efficient and effective operation of the City Attorney's Office, including ...

Assistant City Attorney II

Ocala, FL · On-site

$113K - $141K/yr

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 ...

ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY II

Buckeye, AZ · On-site

$110K - $166K/yr

1 Accessible Text Version - Assistant City Attorney II - City of Buckeye Job posting graphic for Assistant City Attorney II at the City of Buckeye. Select the link above for the full accessible text ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

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 8, 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:
Assistant City Attorney - Housing

Assistant City Attorney - Housing

City of Oxnard

Oxnard, CA • Hybrid

$198K - $257K/yr

Other

Retirement

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Description *This recruitment is open until filled. Early submissions are encouraged as applications will be reviewed on a regular and ongoing basis.* The City of Oxnard's City Attorney's Office is seeking a well-qualified, highly motivated Assistant City Attorney to provide sound and ethical legal advice. 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 laws; local Housing Authority issues; City tenant protection laws; administrative hearings and writ proceedings related to housing; working in partnership with the City Attorney; and may include work on general municipal matters. The ideal candidate will serve as the primary point of contact for legal advice and opinions to assigned City departments, and should be a hands-on leader with experience serving public sector organizations. WHAT YOU'LL DO: Represent the City in administrative hearings, superior court proceedings (writs and trials), and brief the City Council on housing litigation matters.

Provide legal advice and opinions to the Oxnard Housing Authority, Oxnard Housing Department, and Oxnard City Council; and assist the City Manager regarding state and local housing-related matters. Serve as lead Assistant City Attorney implementing the City's Tenant Protection Laws including Rent Stabilization, Just Cause Eviction, and Anti-Harassment Ordinances. Assist and advise department directors and staff; interface with members of the public/community, local organizations, and advocacy groups that represent property owners, landlords or tenants.

Under general direction, the Assistant City Attorney provides a wide range of professional legal services to all City departments and divisions, City Council and various boards, commissions, committees; may assist in coordinating the work of contract attorneys on complex or specialized matters; and performs related duties as assigned. This position requires a strong understanding of municipal law, landlord-tenant relations, and civil litigation/administrative proceedings, with an emphasis on compliance and dispute resolution. PAYROLL/CLASSIFICATION TITLE: Assistant City Attorney DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: The Assistant City Attorney is the advanced journey level in the professional legal series.

This class is distinguished from the next lower class of Deputy City Attorney IV by the level of difficulty and complexity of responsibilities performed. An incumbent in this class is expected to use a high degree of independent judgment and is expected to represent the City Attorney at various meetings, functions and proceedings as required. SUPERVISION RECEIVED/ EXERCISED: General direction is provided by the City Attorney.

The Assistant City Attorney may exercise technical or functional supervision over Deputy City Attorneys, paralegals and clerical staff. WORK SCHEDULE: The normal work week is Monday-Thursday, 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., and alternating Fridays, 8:00 a.m

- 5:00 p.m. Depending on the work assignment staff may be assigned to a shift that is outside the standard work hours. In addition, this position may be required to be available to work additional hours in response to peaks in workloads and changes in department needs

The standard work environment varies depending on assignment but is typically either dependent on each position which is primarily in an office setting or out in the field. The City does not offer hybrid or remote work. Essential Functions The essential functions for this position include but are not limited to the following: Works closely with the Housing Department providing advice and Opinions to the Oxnard Housing Department regarding the City's Tenant Protection Laws, including Rent Stabilization, Just Cause Eviction, and Anti-Harassment Ordinances.

Confers with and renders assistance to department directors and division managers in establishing policies by developing and applying legal analysis and procedures; recommends changes in policies and procedures to meet legal requirements. Prepares matters for administrative hearings and represents the City in such hearings; handles litigation related to the City's Tenant Protection laws, such as writs of mandate. Drafts ordinances, resolutions, contracts, deeds, leases and other legal documents and instruments; reviews such documents and offers opinions as to legality.

Performs legal research and prepares opinions on various legal issues for City departments and divisions, the City Council and various boards, commissions and committees. Attends meetings of boards, commissions and committees as may be required; renders legal advice as requested. Represents the City Attorney at various meetings, functions and proceedings when necessary.

Responds to citizen complaints and requests for information. Represents the City in the community and at professional meetings as required. Conducts and oversees investigations into complaints of ordinance violations, including gathering evidence, conducting interviews, and coordinating with external agencies such as fair housing organizations.

Minimum Qualifications The following are the minimum qualifications necessary for entry into the classification: Education: A Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school. Experience: The equivalent of eight (8) years of experience in the practice of municipal law with emphasis on state and local housing laws and civil or administrative litigation experience or related experience. Licensing and Certification: Membership in the State Bar of California.

Additional certifications, licenses, endorsements and training may be required, depending on assignment. You may be required to submit documented proof of these requirements. Other Requirements: Must be able to effectively communicate in English, both orally and in writing.

General Information About the Benefits In exchange for all your hard work and determination, you will receive a competitive salary of $198,059 to $257,477, negotiable based on experience and qualifications, along with a wide host of benefits including: Enjoy CalPERS Retirement membership: Classic 2% at 55, New 2% at 62; your contribution secures your future; no Social Security participation. 12 paid holidays off per year. The City contributes 4.5% of employee base salary to the City-sponsored 401 (a) plan

The City contributes 1% of employee base salary to a Retirement Health Savings Program. Leave accrual rates vary between 6.24 - 11.78 hours per pay period based on years of service with the City of Oxnard. 60 hours of Administrative Leave per fiscal year

The City will contribute $2,054.00 monthly towards medical insurance premiums with no cash back. Employees who waive medical insurance will receive $500.00 per month cash back with proof of other qualifying coverage. The City will continue to provide $66.79 per month towards dental insurance

One-Time Cash Payments: In lieu of cost of living adjustments, the City will provide a one-time cash payment for the years specified below. Employees must have worked the 12 months (2080 hours) preceding the payment to be eligible for the full amount. Employees who worked less than the 12 months (2080 hours) requirement, will receive a prorated amount based on the total number of hours they have worked.

First full pay period July 2026- 3% of base salary First full pay period July 2027 - 3% of base salary If you share our passion for city growth and possess the skills for success, apply now. APPLICATION PROCESS: Submit NEOGOV/Government Jobs on-line application. Complete and submit responses to the supplemental questions, if required.

Upload resume, cover letter, proof of degree (transcript), or other requested documents. Your application may be rejected as incomplete if you do not include the relevant information in the online application and include the information only on the resume. Applications and/or Supplemental Questionnaires that state "see my resume" or "see my personnel file" are considered incomplete and will not be accepted.

Cover letters and/or optional resumes are not accepted in lieu of a completed application. The list of qualified candidates established from this recruitment may be used to fill other full-time, part-time, regular, and temporary assignments.There is currently one (1) full-time vacancy in the City Attorney's Office. UNION MEMBERSHIP: Regular full-time and part-time positions in this classification within the City Attorney's Office are unrepresented and follow Resolution 16,006

Selected candidate(s) must pass a thorough background investigation NOTE: For most positions, the City of Oxnard relies on office automation (Microsoft Office/Google) and web-based enabled tools, therefore candidates must be proficient and comfortable with computer use to perform functions associated with on-going work. Regular and reliable attendance, effective communication skills, and development of effective working relationships are requirements of all positions. Employees are required to participate in the City's direct deposit plan and are paid on a bi-weekly basis.

This position requires a 12 month probationary period. Pursuant to California Government Code Section 3100, all public employees are required to serve as disaster service workers subject to such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them. If a candidate accepts a conditional job offer with the City of Oxnard, any and all pending applications for active recruitments with the City of Oxnard will be withdrawn and no longer considered.

This position is not governed by the overtime provisions of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act and is not eligible for overtime pay. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY: The City of Oxnard is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from all qualified applicants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, medical condition, disability or sexual orientation.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: The City of Oxnard makes reasonable accommodations for individuals/people with disabilities. If you believe you require special arrangements to participate in the testing process, you must inform the Human Resources Department in writing no later than the filing date. Applicants who request such accommodation must document their request with an explanation of the type and extent of accommodation required.

LEGAL REQUIREMENT: On the first day of employment, new employees must provide proof of citizenship or documentation of legal right to work in the United States in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, as amended. The City participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment

Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9. For more information on E-Verify, please contact DHS. 888-897-7781 dhs.gov/e-verify If you have any questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Jackie Ramos at jackie.ramos@oxnard.org

NOTE: The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.