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Assistant City Attorney Jobs in Springfield, MO (NOW HIRING)

Assistant City Attorney information

See Springfield, MO salary details

$52.2K

$108.9K

$176K

How much do assistant city attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant city attorney in Springfield, MO is $108,895.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,200.00 and $129,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an assistant city attorney?

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 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.

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 popular job titles related to Assistant City Attorney jobs in Springfield, MO?

For Assistant City Attorney jobs in Springfield, MO, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Assistant City Attorney jobs in Springfield, MO look for?

The top searched job categories for Assistant City Attorney jobs in Springfield, MO are:

What cities near Springfield, MO are hiring for Assistant City Attorney jobs?

Cities near Springfield, MO with the most Assistant City Attorney job openings:

Assistant City Attorney - Environmental Focused

City of Springfield (MO)

Springfield, MO • On-site

$89K - $162K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


City Of Springfield (Missouri) rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

545th of 849 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Description Are you looking for an opportunity to use your legal expertise that will directly impact your community. Join a Leading Environmental Utility: Assistant City Attorney - Environmental Services The City of Springfield is seeking an experienced legal professional to serve as an Assistant City Attorney, focusing on the Department of Environmental Services. This is a unique opportunity to practice law in a specialized area that helps shape Springfield's future through environmental compliance and the legal issues that arise in the day-to-day operation of a public entity.

You will provide advanced legal services for Environmental Services, including Clean Water Services and Solid Waste Management. Responsibilities include advising on regulations related to water quality, stormwater, wastewater, and solid waste, as well as supporting utility operations, infrastructure projects, permitting, regulatory compliance, contracts, enforcement matters, and coordination with operational staff. You will be working directly with agencies such as the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the Environmental Protection Agency.

This role is ideal for attorneys with a background in environmental law and, most importantly, practical experience with the legal, regulatory, and operational issues involved in running a utility. Springfield's utilities are recognized for their innovation, award-winning performance, and advanced treatment technologies. You will join a high-performing team that values forward thinking, problem solving, and public service.

If you thrive in complex legal work, enjoy collaboration, and want to contribute to a community's long-term success and quality of life, please submit your application. This Assistant City Attorney position may be filled at any level (Assistant City Attorney III-V; please see "Functions" below for additional information) dependent on the candidate's qualifications and experience. About the Law Department For more information about the Law Department, click here.

About the Environmental Services Department For more information about the Environmental Services Department, click here. Benefits City of Springfield employees enjoy competitive benefits including an Employee Health coverage plan that provides coverage with zero-dollar premiums to employees who work at least 30 hours per week., generous paid leave time, a LAGERS pension program, which is 100% paid by the City and requires no employee contribution., and Life/Dental/Cafeteria Plan options. To read further about the City's benefits, click here

This position is open until filled. Applications received by June 19, 2026 are guaranteed review. Qualifications and Requirements The minimum requirements for an Assistant City Attorney V are provided below.

Graduation from an accredited law school; AND Ten years of law experience; Licensing/Certification Must be licensed to practice law by the State of Missouri, or have the ability to obtain licensure within one year of employment. The minimum requirements for an Assistant City Attorney IV are provided below. Graduation from an accredited law school; AND Eight years of legal experience.

Licensing/Certification Must be licensed to practice law by the State of Missouri. The minimum requirements for an Assistant City Attorney III are provided below. Graduation from an accredited law school; AND Five years of experience in the practice of law.

Licensing/Certification Must be licensed to practice law by the State of Missouri. Functions For more information on essential functions and other requirements for the various Assistant City Attorney positions, please see the job descriptions below. Assistant City Attorney V Salary: $89,958.75 - $157,105.10 Assistant City Attorney IV Salary: $76,071.01 - $132,823.81 Assistant City Attorney III Salary: $70,796.34 - $123,698.85 Other Requirements The City of Springfield promotes equal employment opportunities to all without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability, or other legally protected status

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. Individuals with disabilities who believe they will need an accommodation to undergo any part of the interview, examination, or pre-employment process, should request a reasonable accommodation in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act prior to the testing or appointment. Requests should be requested by contacting City of Springfield Human Resources by phone, 417-864-1607, or in person at the Municipal Busch Building, 840 Boonville Ave.

Springfield, MO 65802. Proof of United States Citizenship/Authorization to Work in the United States as established by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986 is a condition of employment. We are committed to a drug-free workplace.

Pre-employment drug testing is required. All interested candidates MUST complete the City of Springfield on-line application in its entirety. The candidate profile must include all employment history with accurate and complete information prior to submission.

Resumes alone will not be accepted as the application, but they may be submitted as supplemental documentation.


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