Possibly Stale

Posted: December 1, 2025 (45 days ago)

Added to FreshGovJobs: December 5, 2025 (41 days ago)

This job has been posted for over a month. It may already be filled.

City Attorney

City of Santa Monica

City Attorney

Stale

Location

Salary

$26,686 - $32,946

per month

Type

Closes

January 16, 2026

Job Description

Summary

The City Attorney serves as the top legal advisor for the City of Santa Monica, guiding the city council and staff through tough legal and political challenges while promoting fair and transparent decisions.

This role involves leading a legal team, fostering collaboration, and supporting the city's goals for growth, innovation, and community preservation.

A strong candidate would be an experienced lawyer with a passion for public service, excellent judgment, and the ability to build trust in a dynamic coastal city environment.

Key Requirements

  • Active license to practice law in California
  • Extensive experience in municipal or government law
  • Proven leadership in managing legal teams or departments
  • Strong skills in providing independent, apolitical legal advice
  • Diplomatic and collaborative approach to navigating political landscapes
  • Expertise in areas like sustainable development, economic vitality, and equitable growth
  • High emotional intelligence, integrity, and innovative problem-solving abilities

Full Job Description

City Attorney

City of Santa Monica, California

Annual Salary: $320,232 – $395,352 DOE/DOQ

The City of Santa Monica, California, is seeking a principled, visionary, and collaborative City Attorney to serve as its chief legal officer and trusted advisor to the City Council.

This leader navigates complex legal and political landscapes with fairness, foresight, and balance, strengthening organizational stability, fostering trust, and ensuring transparent, defensible decision-making.

The ideal candidate is an accomplished municipal law expert who blends sharp legal judgment with innovation, diplomacy, integrity, and emotional intelligence.

As a stabilizing presence, the City Attorney provides clear, independent, apolitical counsel; cultivates teamwork; and leverages technology to enhance accountability and efficiency.

Driven by the City’s commitment to economic vitality, equitable growth, and downtown revitalization, this leader will help shape sustainable development strategies that preserve community character while promoting innovation and prosperity.

This role offers a unique opportunity for a mission-driven attorney with sharp analytical skills, proven leadership, and unwavering dedication to shape the legal direction of one of California’s most dynamic and forward-looking coastal cities.

Serve the City of Santa Monica through ethical legal leadership, apply today!


View the full recruitment brochure here: https://indd.adobe.com/view/2b6297e7-aaba-4b82-aebd-de3924dd2590


SALARY AND BENEFITS

This position will receive an annual salary of $320,232 – $395,352 DOE/DOQ,PLUS a competitive benefits package.


HOW TO APPLY

For first consideration, apply by January 15, 2026 at: https://wbcp.applicantpool.com/jobs/1264597-300215.html


View the WBCP Job Board:https://wbcpinc.com/job-board


SAVE THE DATES

Round one virtual interviews will take place on February 6, 2026. Finalists will move forward to round two in-person interviews on February 21, 2026. Selected candidates must be available for both dates.


QUESTIONS?

Please contact your recruiter, Terri Maus-Nisich, with any questions:



Check your resume before applying to catch common mistakes

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Posted on NEOGOV: 12/1/2025 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 12/5/2025

Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-santamonica-5160982