Assistant City Attorney

Full Job Description

The City of Eugene City Attorney’s Office is seeking an Assistant City Attorney responsible for focusing on providing legal services with a focus on civil litigation and providing counsel on a wide range of legal issues confronting City departments, City management, employees and official City boards and commissions.

Application Deadline: Friday, February 27, 2026, at 5:00 pm PT

Accepting Online Applications Only

Information on How to Apply

Classification: This position may be filled at either the Assistant City Attorney 1 or Assistant City Attorney 2 Level.

Salary:
Assistant City Attorney 1: $97,614.40 - $131,809 Annually

Assistant City Attorney 2: $132,059.20 - $178,297.60 Annually

The City of Eugene determines starting pay within the range based on relevant education and experience as provided by the applicant in their application materials. This process is consistent with the Oregon Equal Pay Act (OEPA).

Department, Division: Central Services Department, City Attorney’s Office

Position Information: Non-Represented, Exempt

Work Location: Eugene City Hall, 500 E. 4^th Ave., Eugene, OR

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. with flexibility per business need.

Benefits: The City of Eugene offers robust and competitive benefits. For more information, select the Benefits Tab, or view benefits summaries as well as see information about all employee benefits.

Bilingual Pay Benefit: This position qualifies for up to an additional 5% of base salary for bilingual pay. Please see “Supplemental Information” at the end of the posting for more information.

Living & Working in Eugene: Information about living in Eugene, how the City of Eugene operates, and more can be found on our website.

Requirements

Key Areas of Responsibility:

This position will represent the City in civil litigation, primarily tort and section 1983 actions.

The City is self-insured and attorney would be responsible for defending the City in civil litigation cases and, as needed, working in partnership with outside legal counsel in defense of the City.

Attorney would appear on behalf of the City, prepare and argue motions, respond to and conduct discovery, try cases and participate in appeals as time allows.

Provides expert legal services to risk managers about claims and settlement evaluations; represents the City and its employees in administrative hearings, litigation and appeals; and performs related duties as assigned.

Additional responsibilities can be found in the Assistant City Attorney 1 and Assistant City Attorney 2 classification descriptions.

Qualifications

Key Qualifications/Skills:

The Successful candidate will have demonstrated skills and experience in the following areas:

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description.

We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes with relevant transferrable skills from a variety of sources and experiences.

If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

When screening your application, the City will consider an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to meet minimum qualifications for this position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Assistant City Attorney 1

Experience:

Some experience in the practice of civil defense law, preferably in Oregon.

Training:

Juris doctor degree from an accredited law school. A judicial clerkship after graduation is desirable.

Assistant City Attorney 2

Experience:

Five years of increasingly responsible experience in the practice of civil defense law in Oregon, preferably in a governmental setting.

Training:

Juris doctor degree from an accredited law school. A judicial clerkship after graduation is desirable

License or Certificates:

• Admission to the Bar of the State of Oregon; admission to practice law before State of Oregon courts.
• Completion of on-going continuing legal education in accordance with the requirements of the State Bar.
• Possession of or ability to obtain, and maintain an appropriate, valid Oregon driver's license.

Background:

Must pass a background check and have the ability to obtain a CJIS level 3 certification within 90 days of hire.

Additional Information

Selection Process:

Applicants wishing to be considered for this role must complete a City of Eugene on-line application and attach a recent resume.

What to Expect from our Selection Process: Applicants are screened based upon their relevant knowledge, abilities, skills, experience, and training.

The selection process varies according to the position and can include such things as screening of supplemental questionnaires, written or skill tests, ability or fitness tests, interviews, and assessment processes.

In addition, background investigations and records checks may be required.

Some positions also require applicants to have a psychological evaluation and/or physical examination and a drug test prior to employment.

Marijuana use is evaluated consistent with current state law regulations. PLEASE NOTE: Once the posting closes, the process can take 4-6 weeks to complete.

Non-Represented Retirement Program: Upon eligibility, the City will contribute an employee contribution of 6%, as well as the employer contribution, to a retirement program administered by the Oregon Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS).

In addition, the City will pay a 3% contribution to a deferred compensation program if the employee contributes at least 1%.

From January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2034, most retirees may work for a PERS-participating employer for an unlimited number of hours while continuing to receive their pension benefit based on HB 2296.

If you have questions about your specific situation, including any restrictions to hours, please refer to the PERS: Work After Retirement page.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The City of Eugene is committed to a respectful work environment. We value the cultural, educational, and life experiences of each employee.

We believe that a diverse workforce enables us to deliver culturally responsive services to all members of our community.

As part of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion we desire to welcome, respect, and create a sense of belonging for a wide range of identities and experiences in our workforce.

Women, people with disabilities, and persons of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

The City of Eugene complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Any applicant with a qualified disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request accommodation by contacting an employment coordinator at (541) 682-5061.

In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the City of Eugene will request all eligible candidates who accept employment with the City to provide documentation to prove they are eligible for employment in the United States.