Assistant City Attorney

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Position Overview

Are you looking for an Assistant City Attorney role where your work visibly strengthens the community while offering purpose, stability, and work-life balance? In the City of Champaign’s council-manager form of government, you’ll support elected officials, City leadership, and staff through impactful, hands-on municipal legal work. This role provides broad exposure across diverse legal areas in a collaborative environment that values service and practical problem-solving.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you’ll apply your legal expertise in a mission-driven environment where your work has a real, daily impact on the community. Our Assistant City Attorneys gain broad exposure to many areas of law, handle meaningful work early on, and collaborate in a supportive, team-oriented environment that provides professional stability, work-life balance, and the chance to make a visible difference.

Core responsibilities include:

• Advising City officials and departments on local government law, including the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Open Meetings Act (OMA), and municipal governance issues.

• Managing, evaluating, and litigating cases involving ordinance enforcement, small claims, workers’ compensation, and civil rights defense.

• Researching issues and preparing clear, well-reasoned written legal opinions to support City decision-making.

• Drafting, reviewing, and interpreting legal documents such as contracts, legislation, resolutions, real estate documents, and materials related to municipal regulation.

• Leading or supporting contract creation, review, and negotiation, including participation in labor negotiations.

• Conducting real estate transactional work, including acquisitions, dispositions, and related documentation.

• Supervising or managing assigned staff as appropriate.

• Collaborating with colleagues across the organization to solve problems, support community initiatives, and contribute to a broad range of municipal projects

Required Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois, or ability to obtain licensure within a timeframe approved by the City Attorney.
• Experience practicing the law.
• Superior interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated critical thinking and analytical skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Substantial experience in government law at the State, federal, or local level