City Attorney Jobs

City attorney jobs are open across municipal governments, counties, and public agencies, at every level from staff attorney to city attorney general, with specializations in municipal law, land use, and labor and employment. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.

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Overview

Open roles95
Top stateCalifornia
Top employerStinson Leonard Street
Top citySan Francisco, CA
Work type57% Hybrid
Top industryGovernment

Showing 5 of 95+ City Attorney jobs

City and County of Denver
Entry Level Assistant City Attorney - Prosecution and Code Enforcement
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City and County of Denver
New 17h ago
Entry Level Assistant City Attorney - Prosecution and Code Enforcement
City and County of Denver
Denver, Colorado
Business Development
Partnerships & Business Development
Sales
$87k - $143k/yr
Hybrid
10,000+

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CITY OF SANTA MONICA
Deputy City Attorney
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CITY OF SANTA MONICA
Added 1d ago
Deputy City Attorney
CITY OF SANTA MONICA
Santa Monica, California
Compliance & Legal
Legal Counsel
$144k - $275k/yr
Hybrid
None

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State of Missouri
Deputy District Defender (Assistant Managing Attorney) - Jefferson City
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State of Missouri
Added 1d ago
Deputy District Defender (Assistant Managing Attorney) - Jefferson City
State of Missouri
Jefferson City, Missouri
Customer Service
Customer Support
Hospitality & Guest Services

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Provo City Corporation
Assistant City Attorney (PT)
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Provo City Corporation
Added 1d ago
Assistant City Attorney (PT)
Provo City Corporation
Provo, Utah
Compliance & Legal
Consulting & Professional Services
Legal Counsel
$46.65 - $69.25/hr
501-1,000

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City of Saratoga Springs
Assistant City Attorney III
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City of Saratoga Springs
Added 1d ago
Assistant City Attorney III
City of Saratoga Springs
Saratoga Springs, Utah
Business Development
Customer Success
Program Management
Project Management
$104k - $124k/yr

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City Attorney Job Market

Who's Hiring

Stinson Leonard Street
Stinson Leonard Street7 open roles
City of Fort Worth
City of Fort Worth3 open roles
City and County of Denver
City and County of Denver3 open roles

Top Industries Hiring

  • Government & Public Sector
  • Law & Legal Services

What Employers Look For

The qualifications that appear most often in city attorney jobs.

  • Active state bar membership in the jurisdiction of employment
  • Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school
  • Experience advising government agencies or municipal clients
  • Knowledge of municipal law, zoning, and land use regulations
  • Litigation experience in state or federal court proceedings
  • Familiarity with public records, open meetings, and administrative law

Tips for Your City Attorney Job Search

Tailor your resume to municipal practice

City attorney roles prioritize public-sector legal experience over private-firm credentials. Highlight any work advising government bodies, drafting ordinances, or representing municipalities in litigation, even if it came from a prior in-house or public defender role.

Get bar admission in target states first

Most city attorney postings require active bar admission in the state where the municipality sits, not just any state. Confirm your standing before applying, and note any pending reciprocity or waiver applications directly in your cover letter.

Apply early to roles that fit

Migrate Mate lists city attorney openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.

Demonstrate your ordinance drafting chops

Hiring panels for city attorney positions frequently test drafting ability. Include two or three anonymized writing samples in your application: a code amendment, a council resolution, or a formal legal opinion addressed to a city department or board.

Prepare for panel interviews with elected officials

City attorney interviews often include council members or commissioners who are not lawyers. Practice explaining complex legal risks in plain language, and anticipate questions about how you would handle public records requests or open-meetings compliance.

Negotiate scope of authority, not just compensation

Before accepting an offer, clarify whether the city attorney reports to the mayor, the council, or both, and what outside counsel approval looks like. Ambiguous reporting lines and budget authority are common friction points that are far easier to address before you start.

City Attorney Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions

Which companies are hiring the most city attorneys?

Stinson Leonard Street, City of Fort Worth, and City and County of Denver are hiring the most city attorneys right now, with openings concentrated in California, Texas, and Missouri, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Demand is highest in fast-growing municipalities managing infrastructure expansion and land use disputes.

How many city attorney jobs are remote?

About 71% of city attorney openings are fully remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting the in-person nature of most public-sector legal roles. Sub-specialties such as policy drafting, contract review, and advisory work are most likely to offer partial remote flexibility, while litigation and council attendance remain predominantly on-site.

How do you become a city attorney?

Earn a Juris Doctor from an accredited law school, then pass the bar exam in the state where you plan to work. Build experience in public-sector law, municipal litigation, or government contracting, ideally through a staff attorney or assistant city attorney role. Demonstrating competence in ordinance drafting and interagency negotiation strengthens candidacy for a top city attorney position.

Can you get hired as a city attorney with little experience?

Entry-level candidates typically break into municipal law as assistant or deputy city attorneys rather than going directly into the city attorney role. Clerkships with local government courts, internships with a city law office, or prior work in administrative law all help. Smaller municipalities often hire less-experienced attorneys who demonstrate strong research and drafting skills and a genuine interest in public service.

What does the city attorney interview process look like?

Most city attorney searches involve an initial screening by the human resources or city manager's office, followed by a panel interview that includes elected officials or department heads. Finalists are often asked to complete a written exercise, such as analyzing a legal issue facing the city or drafting a mock opinion. Background checks and reference calls with prior government supervisors are standard before an offer is extended.

Where can I find and apply to city attorney jobs?

You can find and apply to city attorney jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from municipalities and public agencies across the United States. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience level and practice area, then apply directly to each one that fits.

See All 95 City Attorney Jobs

Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.

Find City Attorney Jobs