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City Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The City of Torrance invites your interest in the position of Assistant City Attorney. Monthly Salary Range $18,967 (Minimum) - $22,760 (Reference) - $26,174 (Maximum) monthly plus benefits ...

ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY

Torrance, CA · On-site

$227K - $314K/yr

CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE Opening Date: 07/02/2026 DESCRIPTION WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE APPLICANTS TO READ THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THIS POSITION. The City ...

DEFINITION Under general direction of the City Attorney, assists in providing comprehensive legal services including counsel, representation, and litigation oversight over citywide matters including ...

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 ...

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

Tyler, TX · On-site

$73K - $110K/yr

Purpose Of Position Under the general direction of the City Attorney, the attorney will handle all aspects of criminal and civil proceedings/trials at Municipal Court and related appeals in the ...

Assistant City Attorney

Los Banos, CA · On-site

$213K - $272K/yr

DEFINITION Under general direction of the City Attorney, assists in providing comprehensive legal services including counsel, representation, and litigation oversight over citywide matters including ...

Assistant City Attorney

Tyler, TX · On-site

$73K - $110K/yr

Legal Opening Date: 05/11/2026 Purpose Of Position Under the general direction of the City Attorney, the attorney will handle all aspects of criminal and civil proceedings/trials at Municipal Court ...

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City Attorney information

See salary details

$76.5K

$167.9K

$272K

How much do city attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for city attorney in the United States is $167,939.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $125,500.00 and $200,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a City Attorney's job?

A City Attorney is the chief legal advisor for a city government, providing legal counsel to city officials, departments, and agencies. They represent the city in legal matters, including litigation, contracts, and ordinance enforcement. The City Attorney ensures compliance with local, state, and federal laws while drafting and reviewing legal documents. They may also prosecute or defend the city in court and help shape policies to minimize legal risks.

What does a typical workday look like for a City Attorney?

A typical day for a City Attorney involves drafting and reviewing ordinances and contracts, providing legal advice to city departments, representing the city in court or administrative hearings, and responding to inquiries from city officials. The role often requires attending city council meetings, collaborating with law enforcement, and handling liability claims against the city. City Attorneys work closely with colleagues in legal departments and other municipal staff, fostering a dynamic and collaborative environment. Due to the wide variety of legal issues municipalities face, the position offers diverse and challenging work every day.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the City Attorney position, and why are they important?

A City Attorney must possess deep knowledge of municipal law, strong legal research and writing abilities, and a Juris Doctor (JD) degree with a valid state bar license. Experience with case management software, legal research platforms like Westlaw or LexisNexis, and familiarity with government procedures is often required. Exceptional negotiation, public speaking, and interpersonal skills help City Attorneys advise city officials and represent the municipality effectively. These skills are critical to ensure efficient legal compliance, mitigate risk for the city, and provide sound counsel to public entities.

More about City Attorney jobs
What cities are hiring for City Attorney jobs? Cities with the most City Attorney job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of City Attorney jobs? The most popular types of City Attorney jobs are:
What states have the most City Attorney jobs? States with the most job openings for City Attorney jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to City Attorney jobs? For City Attorney jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various City Attorney job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $167,939 per year, or $80.7 per hour.
ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY

$227K - $314K/yr

Other

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

DESCRIPTION WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE APPLICANTS TO READ THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THIS POSITION. ____________________________________________________________ The City of Torrance recognizes the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to the City of Torrance today.

The City of Torrance invites your interest in the position of Assistant City Attorney. Monthly Salary Range $18,967 (Minimum) - $22,760 (Reference) - $26,174 (Maximum) monthly plus benefits Appointment to the position is made between the entry and reference point depending on qualifications. The Department The Office of the City Attorney plays a vital role in supporting the City's mission by providing legal counsel and guidance to the City Council, City departments, commissions, and staff on a wide range of municipal matters.

The office works collaboratively across the organization to help ensure City programs, policies, and operations comply with applicable laws and regulations. In addition to serving as the City's legal advisor, the City Attorney's Office is responsible for prosecuting misdemeanor violations and enforcing the Torrance Municipal Code. Through these functions, the office helps protect the City's legal interests, uphold public safety, and promote effective local governance.

Committed to professionalism, integrity, and public service, the City Attorney's Office supports the delivery of high-quality municipal services and contributes to maintaining Torrance as a thriving and well-governed community. The Position The Assistant City Attorney performs advanced professional legal work in support of the City Attorney's Office, with a primary focus on civil municipal law, legal advisory services, related litigation, and administrative matters. This position provides legal counsel to City officials and staff; drafts, reviews, and revises legal documents; represents the City in civil litigation and administrative proceedings; and assists with the management and operations of the City Attorney's Office.

The Assistant City Attorney position requires extensive knowledge of California municipal law, civil litigation, administrative law, and the legal principles governing local government operations. The incumbent must possess a thorough understanding of legal research and analysis, public agency governance, land use, public contracting, labor and employment law, ethics, the Brown Act, the Public Records Act, CEQA, and other laws affecting municipalities. In addition, the position requires knowledge of legal office administration, personnel management, and the principles and practices of effective supervision.

The Assistant City Attorney assists in developing legal and operational strategies, managing daily office functions, reviewing budget and financial information, and supporting relationships with elected officials, appointed officials, and other key stakeholders. The position is further distinguished by the breadth and complexity of its assignments, the expectation of handling sensitive and high-profile matters, and the responsibility for providing practical legal guidance to elected officials, executive leadership, and department managers. While the position may interact with criminal prosecution functions, its primary focus remains civil municipal law and related legal services.

For more information about the duties of the position, click here. Typical office hours include a 9/80 compressed work week schedule from Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., closed on alternate Fridays

Staff is also required to work some off Fridays, evenings, weekends, and holidays, as necessary in order to complete various duties. The City offers ample opportunities for career growth throughout the organization with its 14 departments, which work together to provide quality service, enriching programs, and exciting events to keep the community safe and thriving. The City also proudly offers exceptional employee benefits and perks.

Please click here for more information on Employee Benefits, Discounts, & Incentives. QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES Education/Experience Graduation from an American Bar Association-accredited law school and ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in civil litigation, municipal law, or related public agency legal work. Experience in one or more of the following areas is highly desirable: Municipal advisory practice.

Public agency litigation. Land use and planning. California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

Public contracting and procurement. Brown Act and Public Records Act compliance. Labor and employment law.

Ethics and conflict-of-interest law. Supervision of legal staff or coordination of outside counsel. Office leadership or lead attorney responsibilities.

License and/or Certificates Active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California is required. Ideal Candidate The successful candidate must demonstrate the ability to exercise sound independent judgment, maintain confidentiality, and navigate politically sensitive issues with professionalism, diplomacy, and integrity. Strong leadership and organizational skills are essential to coordinate office operations, supervise legal staff, manage outside counsel, prioritize multiple assignments, and ensure the timely completion of legal matters.

The position also requires the ability to build collaborative working relationships, provide practical legal guidance and training to City departments, and effectively represent the City in negotiations, administrative proceedings, and civil litigation. Overall, the Assistant City Attorney must combine advanced legal expertise with strategic leadership, sound judgment, and exceptional communication skills to support the City's legal and operational objectives. HOW TO APPLY & EXAM PROCESS Interested candidates must submit an online application and resume at www.TorranceCA.Gov/Jobs

First review of applications will be those received by July 26, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Application submission will remain open until the position is filled. Only those candidates who best meet the City and Department's needs will be invited to participate in the examination process which will consist of the following components: Panel Interview (Weighted 100%): Tentatively scheduled on August 5, 2026 Department Interview: Tentatively scheduled on the week of August 24, 2026 The tentative test dates will be based on a sufficient number of qualified applications received by the first review date

If a sufficient number of applications are not received by the first review date, there is the possibility that the interview date may change to a later date. SPECIAL NOTES Visit www.TorranceCA.Gov to find out more information about the City of Torrance. Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact Human Resources prior to the examination date(s)

If you have a disability for which you require an accommodation, please contact us at (310) 618-2915 prior to the test date. As a condition of employment, candidates must pass a background check. The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.

City of Torrance Inclusion Statement The City of Torrance is a welcoming and culturally-rich community. As a pillar of public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a talented workforce where people of diverse backgrounds, cultures, religions, and lifestyles are valued. Our mission is to create an inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and contribute towards making a positive impact.

The City is an equal opportunity employer and works towards building collaborative teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. Come join us to help cultivate a workplace that welcomes and celebrates the diversity of our employees!