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City Attorney positions rarely offer visa sponsorship as they typically require U.S. citizenship or permanent residence due to security clearances and oath requirements. Most municipalities restrict these roles to citizens only, making H-1B visa and other work visas unavailable for this career path. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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About the Santa Monica City Attorney’s Office
The mission of the Santa Monica City Attorney is to do excellent legal work efficiently and cost-effectively. As advisors to City officials and staff, to provide timely and complete assistance. As advocates, to represent the City and its employees vigorously and fairly. As prosecutors, to diligently and justly enforce the law on behalf of the People of California.
Per the Santa Monica City Charter, the City Attorney’s Office represents and advises the City Council and all City officials pertaining to their official duties. The City Attorney’s Office also prosecutes criminal cases against those accused of committing state and local misdemeanor offenses. The City Attorney’s Office also defends the City, City employees, and Councilmembers in civil lawsuits.
The office currently consists of 26 attorneys and 20 administrative professionals and is part of the citywide Realignment Plan that is working to restore Santa Monica to one of the premiere destination City’s in the region. As part of the Realignment Plan, in October 2025, the City Council adopted recommendations that included a series of new investments and policy actions designed to transition the City from organizational stabilization toward economic revitalization. Since the Plan was adopted more than six months ago, the City has delivered measurable results across its five strategic priorities.
The City Attorney’s Office is pleased to be well-positioned to sustain and grow its team in support of the City’s evolving needs.
Join the Santa Monica City Attorney’s Office as Chief Deputy of the Municipal Law Division
The Municipal Law Division advises the City Council, the City’s Boards and Commissions, and all City Departments on a wide range of municipal law issues under Federal, State and local laws, including, but not limited to, the Ralph M. Brown Act, California Environmental Quality Act, Political Reform Act, Public Records Act, housing, economic development, land use, real estate, public safety, labor and employment, public contracting, municipal finance, election law, and constitutional issues. The Division is also responsible for drafting resolutions, ordinances, and ballot measures, reviewing and drafting contracts, and drafting legal pleadings and responses.
The Santa Monica City Attorney's office seeks an attorney with at least 8 years of experience to serve as Chief Deputy City Attorney of the Municipal Law Division. The Chief will manage and oversee the Municipal Law Division and be responsible for accomplishing objectives and goals within guidelines established by the City Attorney. This will include providing legal advice on various complex and sensitive legal matters, drafting ordinances, resolutions and documents, and preparation of legal opinions. The Chief will also be advising the City Council, boards and commissions, department directors and staff. The Municipal Chief should expect to attend all City Council meetings, ensure all municipal actions are legally sound and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and provide input on policy and personnel matters. The Chief supervises attorneys in the division, works closely with the office leadership team, and is expected to use sound judgement, discretion, and diplomacy.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum of 8 years’ relevant experience in general municipal law practice.
- High ethical standards, professional integrity, and commitment to public service.
- Substantial experience providing legal counsel directly to elected officials or executive municipal leadership, including advising during closed sessions, legislative processes, and high-impact municipal decisions.
- Substantial experience drafting legal memoranda, motions and pleadings, ordinances, resolutions and contracts.
- Superior written and oral communication skills with the ability to communicate complex legal issues with clarity to support informed and transparent decision-making.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain collaborative relationships across departments, elected bodies, external agencies, and the public.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, prioritize competing demands, and exercise sound legal and strategic judgment under pressure.
- Ability to foster a collaborative, accountable, and service-oriented culture.
- Adaptability in a dynamic municipal environment with rapidly shifting legal and political landscapes.
- Commitment to continuous learning and professional development in emerging areas of municipal law and public sector management.
- License to practice law in the State of California.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience in supervising attorneys.
- Complex municipal transactions, such as commercial leasing, property acquisition and sale, development agreements, and public-private partnerships.
- Litigating high stakes matters in state and federal courts, including defense of ordinances and government agency decisions in writ proceedings.
- Leading significant litigation and claims, developing proactive risk mitigation strategies, and ensuring alignment between legal strategy and citywide priorities.
- Managing multidisciplinary teams and delegating authority effectively.
Division work assignments are subject to change based on the operational needs and workload of the City Attorney’s Office overall. The hours of the position are 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, and 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on alternate Fridays. This is a 9/80 work schedule. Hybrid remote work schedule is currently available but not guaranteed, with a minimum of three days in the office. Evening and weekend duties may be required to attend City Council meetings, Boards and Commission meetings, and other public meetings or events.
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample of no more than ten pages, and the names of three references (will not be contacted prior to interview). These materials should be submitted in a single pdf document by email to CAO.Opportunities@santamonica.gov with the subject line: “Application – Chief Deputy City Attorney, Municipal Division.” Candidates must apply by Monday, May 4, 2026, when consideration of applicants will begin.
A background check will be required prior to beginning employment. Salary is dependent on qualifications and experience, excellent benefits. Salary range is Steps 1-5, $251,926 to $311,028. This position is at will and receives the benefits of the Public Attorneys Union.
Equal Opportunity Employer. See the EEO Policy on the City Attorney’s Office website.
Job Summary
About the Santa Monica City Attorney’s Office
The mission of the Santa Monica City Attorney is to do excellent legal work efficiently and cost-effectively. As advisors to City officials and staff, to provide timely and complete assistance. As advocates, to represent the City and its employees vigorously and fairly. As prosecutors, to diligently and justly enforce the law on behalf of the People of California.
Per the Santa Monica City Charter, the City Attorney’s Office represents and advises the City Council and all City officials pertaining to their official duties. The City Attorney’s Office also prosecutes criminal cases against those accused of committing state and local misdemeanor offenses. The City Attorney’s Office also defends the City, City employees, and Councilmembers in civil lawsuits.
The office currently consists of 26 attorneys and 20 administrative professionals and is part of the citywide Realignment Plan that is working to restore Santa Monica to one of the premiere destination City’s in the region. As part of the Realignment Plan, in October 2025, the City Council adopted recommendations that included a series of new investments and policy actions designed to transition the City from organizational stabilization toward economic revitalization. Since the Plan was adopted more than six months ago, the City has delivered measurable results across its five strategic priorities.
The City Attorney’s Office is pleased to be well-positioned to sustain and grow its team in support of the City’s evolving needs.
Join the Santa Monica City Attorney’s Office as Chief Deputy of the Municipal Law Division
The Municipal Law Division advises the City Council, the City’s Boards and Commissions, and all City Departments on a wide range of municipal law issues under Federal, State and local laws, including, but not limited to, the Ralph M. Brown Act, California Environmental Quality Act, Political Reform Act, Public Records Act, housing, economic development, land use, real estate, public safety, labor and employment, public contracting, municipal finance, election law, and constitutional issues. The Division is also responsible for drafting resolutions, ordinances, and ballot measures, reviewing and drafting contracts, and drafting legal pleadings and responses.
The Santa Monica City Attorney's office seeks an attorney with at least 8 years of experience to serve as Chief Deputy City Attorney of the Municipal Law Division. The Chief will manage and oversee the Municipal Law Division and be responsible for accomplishing objectives and goals within guidelines established by the City Attorney. This will include providing legal advice on various complex and sensitive legal matters, drafting ordinances, resolutions and documents, and preparation of legal opinions. The Chief will also be advising the City Council, boards and commissions, department directors and staff. The Municipal Chief should expect to attend all City Council meetings, ensure all municipal actions are legally sound and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and provide input on policy and personnel matters. The Chief supervises attorneys in the division, works closely with the office leadership team, and is expected to use sound judgement, discretion, and diplomacy.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum of 8 years’ relevant experience in general municipal law practice.
- High ethical standards, professional integrity, and commitment to public service.
- Substantial experience providing legal counsel directly to elected officials or executive municipal leadership, including advising during closed sessions, legislative processes, and high-impact municipal decisions.
- Substantial experience drafting legal memoranda, motions and pleadings, ordinances, resolutions and contracts.
- Superior written and oral communication skills with the ability to communicate complex legal issues with clarity to support informed and transparent decision-making.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain collaborative relationships across departments, elected bodies, external agencies, and the public.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, prioritize competing demands, and exercise sound legal and strategic judgment under pressure.
- Ability to foster a collaborative, accountable, and service-oriented culture.
- Adaptability in a dynamic municipal environment with rapidly shifting legal and political landscapes.
- Commitment to continuous learning and professional development in emerging areas of municipal law and public sector management.
- License to practice law in the State of California.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience in supervising attorneys.
- Complex municipal transactions, such as commercial leasing, property acquisition and sale, development agreements, and public-private partnerships.
- Litigating high stakes matters in state and federal courts, including defense of ordinances and government agency decisions in writ proceedings.
- Leading significant litigation and claims, developing proactive risk mitigation strategies, and ensuring alignment between legal strategy and citywide priorities.
- Managing multidisciplinary teams and delegating authority effectively.
Division work assignments are subject to change based on the operational needs and workload of the City Attorney’s Office overall. The hours of the position are 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, and 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on alternate Fridays. This is a 9/80 work schedule. Hybrid remote work schedule is currently available but not guaranteed, with a minimum of three days in the office. Evening and weekend duties may be required to attend City Council meetings, Boards and Commission meetings, and other public meetings or events.
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample of no more than ten pages, and the names of three references (will not be contacted prior to interview). These materials should be submitted in a single pdf document by email to CAO.Opportunities@santamonica.gov with the subject line: “Application – Chief Deputy City Attorney, Municipal Division.” Candidates must apply by Monday, May 4, 2026, when consideration of applicants will begin.
A background check will be required prior to beginning employment. Salary is dependent on qualifications and experience, excellent benefits. Salary range is Steps 1-5, $251,926 to $311,028. This position is at will and receives the benefits of the Public Attorneys Union.
Equal Opportunity Employer. See the EEO Policy on the City Attorney’s Office website.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a City Attorney
Target federal attorney positions instead
Federal agencies like DOJ, EPA, or Treasury sponsor H-1B visas for attorney positions more readily than municipal governments with citizenship requirements.
Research state-level opportunities
Some state attorney general offices or public defender programs may sponsor visas, though most still prefer citizens for government legal roles.
Build immigration law expertise
Specializing in immigration law can make you more attractive to firms that regularly sponsor visas and understand the process firsthand.
Network through bar associations
Join local and state bar associations to connect with attorneys who've navigated visa sponsorship and can provide referrals to sponsor-friendly employers.
Consider contract-to-hire positions
Some municipalities hire attorneys as contractors initially, which may lead to permanent positions once you obtain a green card through other means.
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Find City Attorney JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can international lawyers work as City Attorneys?
Most City Attorney positions require U.S. citizenship due to oath requirements and security clearances. International lawyers should focus on private practice, corporate counsel roles, or federal positions that may sponsor work visas instead of municipal government positions.
What degree requirements apply to City Attorney roles?
City Attorney positions require a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school and bar admission in the relevant state. Foreign law degrees typically need evaluation and additional U.S. legal education to meet these requirements.
Do any government legal positions sponsor H-1B visas?
Federal agencies occasionally sponsor H-1B visas for attorney positions, but municipal and state governments rarely do due to citizenship preferences. The Department of Justice, EPA, and Treasury are more likely sponsors than local government entities.
Can City Attorneys transfer to private practice for visa sponsorship?
Yes, attorneys can transition from government work to private practice where H-1B and O-1 visa sponsorship is more common. Large law firms and corporations frequently sponsor experienced attorneys, especially those with government legal experience.
What alternatives exist for foreign lawyers in government work?
Foreign lawyers can pursue roles as legal analysts, paralegals, or policy advisors in government while working toward permanent residence. These positions may not require citizenship and can provide government experience before transitioning to attorney roles.
How to find City Attorney jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find City Attorney positions with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international legal professionals with sponsoring employers. Focus your search on large municipal governments, metropolitan areas, and cities with significant immigrant populations, as they commonly sponsor H-1B and O-1 visas for experienced attorneys with government law expertise.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored City Attorney jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.
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