Advisory Attorney (Assistant City Attorney III–IV)

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Advisory Attorney

(Assistant City Attorney III–IV)

ABOUT THE CITY

At the City of Santa Barbara, the best part of our organization is our people. As a City of Santa Barbara employee, you will work in an environment with other motivated individuals who are passionate about their work. We strive to provide employees with the support they need to thrive. Discover more about us, our values and our organizational culture here.

CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE

The City Attorney's Office is responsible for all legal representation and advice for the City Council, Boards, Commissions and all City officers and staff in all matters of law pertaining to the City as well as all City code enforcement and litigation services. Learn more about the City Attorney’s Office here.

The office is staffed by seven full-time attorneys (the City Attorney, Chief Assistant City Attorney, Assistant Prosecutor, and four Assistant City Attorneys), one investigator, one business manager, and five professional support staff who work as a close and collaborative team.

THE POSITION

The City Attorney’s Office seeks an experienced and collaborative attorney to serve as an Assistant City Attorney III or IV in an advisory capacity. The position provides legal counsel on a broad range of municipal law matters and works closely with City departments, the City Administrator’s Office, the City Council, boards, and commissions.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Provide timely, practical legal advice to City departments, the City Council, and City leadership.
• Advise on the Brown Act, Public Records Act, conflict-of-interest laws, ethics rules, and other laws governing public agencies.
• Draft, review, and negotiate ordinances, resolutions, contracts, leases, MOUs, policies, and other legal documents.
• Provide legal guidance on public contracting, procurement, competitive bidding, RFPs, contract administration, and risk allocation.
• Advise on water law, environmental regulations, utility operations, conservation programs, water supply, and interagency agreements.
• Research and analyze complex legal issues; prepare legal opinions, staff reports, and other written work.
• Attend City Council and board or commission meetings to provide legal advice and assist with meeting procedures.
• Present legal analysis and recommendations clearly to officials, City staff, and the public.
• Collaborate with attorneys across the office to ensure consistent and coordinated legal advice.
• Monitor changes in law and advise City officials on operational and policy impacts.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• Juris Doctor from accredited law school
• Active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California

Assistant City Attorney III:
Typically, seven or more years of progressively responsible experience in civil, municipal, or public agency law, preferably involving governmental clients. Annual salary range based on experience: $193,013 - $234,609.

Assistant City Attorney IV:
Typically, ten or more years of experience advising on complex municipal law matters, including significant experience in public contracting, land use, public works, or general municipal advisory practice. Annual salary range based on experience: $212,314 - $258,070.

IDEAL CANDIDATE
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
• Excellent legal research, writing, and analytical skills
• Sound, practical judgment
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities
• Effective time management and the ability to balance competing deadlines
• Collaborative problem-solving and commitment to client service
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

BENEFITS

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• CalPERS retirement
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Deferred compensation (457 plan)
• Flexible spending accounts
• Life and disability insurance
• Ability to work remotely up to three days a week

Applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed, and the most qualified candidates will be invited for an interview. Applications should fully describe relevant education, training, and experience. Final candidates will undergo a background investigation and meet all pre-employment requirements.

COMMUNICATION
Applicants will receive updates via the email address listed on their application. Please check email and spam folders regularly. Status updates may also be viewed by logging into your governmentjobs.com account.

OPEN & CONTINUOUS RECRUITMENT
This recruitment is open until filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as the filing period may close at any time.