Position Title:
Senior City Attorney
Job Description:
Under the general administrative direction of the City Attorney, incumbent performs highly responsible and complex legal work in the City Attorney's Office. Works independently and applies professional judgment in providing legal advice and support, including the preparation and presentation of cases. Requires complex problem solving and skillful legal strategy in dealing with complex and politically charged issues. May instruct and direct subordinate professional and clerical employees. Work is performed in accordance with general policies and in close collaboration with the City Attorney or Deputy City Attorneys.
About the Position:
The Salt Lake City Attorney's Office is seeking a Senior City Attorney to serve as legal counsel to various City departments. The office is comprised of approximately 20 civil attorneys, and this position reports directly to the City Attorney and Deputy City Attorney. The Office provides legal representation and advice to the Mayor's Office, City Council, and various City Departments.
This position will primarily involve representing the City and its employees in civil litigation in federal and state courts and administrative proceedings. Work may include defending the City in matters of general litigation, including civil rights, personal injury, employment, land use, code enforcement, subrogation, condemnation, contracts, and appeals. Other assignments may include reviewing ordinances and resolutions; preparing legal opinions; reviewing contracts; and advising elected officials, department directors, City boards and commissions, and employees on legal matters. The successful applicant will be able to run cases independently with minimal supervision, draft motions and other briefs, perform legal research, conduct all aspects of fact and expert discovery, and argue effectively in court and administrative proceedings. Prior experience representing government entities and a familiarity with governmental immunity and/or GRAMA are an advantage.
About the Team:
The Civil Division of the City Attorney's Office serves as legal counsel to the elected officials and various departments of Salt Lake City Corporation. There are 20 attorneys in the division with 5 serving as litigation counsel to the City. In addition to the attorneys, there are 3 paralegals and 4 administrative support staff who assist in the handling of legal matters.
Attorneys from the office come from a variety of different backgrounds: private practice, local and federal government, and public interest organizations. While litigation counsel are expected to run their cases independently, the office values and fosters collaboration and consultation among attorneys to deliver the best advice and work product. The office also encourages attorneys to become involved in professional organizations to promote career development.
Position Salary Range:
$156,848 - $198,816
Total Compensation Estimator available at https://tools.slc.gov/totalcompensation/
This position is eligible for full city benefits, including:
Health Insurance (95% of premium paid by city)
Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
Paid vacation and personal leave
Six to Twelve weeks of paid parental leave from day 1 of employment
Retirement contributions toward a pension plan and/or 401(k)
A robust Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)
Up to $4,000 tuition reimbursement annually
Discounted supplemental benefits like pet insurance and legal services
IMPORTANT: Open until filled. Early application submittal is encouraged. Interviews may begin the week of September 25. Position may be filled and close at any time without notice.
Key Responsibilities:
Prepares ordinances, resolutions, contracts, and memoranda for study and consideration by City Attorney and/or other City officials.
Represents the city in civil proceedings in all federal and state courts and in administrative agencies.
Prepares and reviews legal opinions and advises city officials, department heads, boards, commissions, and employees on legal questions. Represents the city through the mayor and city council, as well as department heads and other employees.
May be assigned to any legal work in the City Attorney's Office. Responsible for highly complex legal work. May instruct and direct subordinate professional and clerical employees. Majority of assignments are usually specialized and involve specific assignments and responsibilities for advising a particular department or in a specialized area of legal expertise.
Performs related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications:
Graduation from a recognized college of law with a JD or LL.B degree and one of the following: (1) a minimum of six years of full-time paid employment in the practice of law (which may include working as a full-time, paid judicial clerk), (2) a minimum of five years full-time paid employment in the practice of law (which may include working as a full-time, paid judicial clerk) with at least three of those years working for a municipality (3) a minimum of 6 years full-time paid employment working for a municipality or governmental entity advising on and/or implementing policy, ordinances, or legislation, with demonstrated use of the JD degree in the role(s).
Must be a member in good standing of the Utah State Bar or have the ability to become a member within a reasonable amount of time, depending on the circumstances and as determined by the City Attorney.
Ability to analyze, appraise and organize facts, evidence and proceedings, and to effectively present such material orally and in writing.
Demonstrated skill in organizing, analyzing and retaining familiarity with large numbers of complex court cases and/or transactional matters. Demonstrated ability to rapidly assimilate facts; respond impromptu; examine witnesses effectively; argue persuasively, all under sometimes confrontational and stressful circumstances. Ability to effectively present such material orally and in writing.
Demonstrated ability to acquire and retain familiarity with sophisticated and rapidly changing principles of law and apply legal principles to complex factual situations.
Extensive knowledge of principles of civil law, judicial procedures and rules of evidence.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with members of the City Attorney's Office, other employees, court officials, and the public.
Ability to train and develop subordinate professional employees in legal research, writing and presentation methods and proceedings.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Extensive knowledge of law affecting municipal corporations.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Comfortable working positions, handling light weights, intermittent sitting, standing and walking.
Frequent exposure to stressful situations as a result of human behavior, workload and consequence of decisions.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required of personnel so classified.
All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
POSITION TYPE
Full-Time
POSITION SALARY RANGE
$156,848 - $198,816
DEPARTMENT
Attorney's Office
Full Time/Part Time:
Full time
Scheduled Hours:
40
Salt Lake City is a place where your skills and dedication directly contribute to the community. With a team serving over 200,000 residents, we take pride in delivering meaningful work-from maintaining infrastructure to shaping public programs-with integrity and professionalism.
We value experience, accountability, and results. Our organization recognizes talent and rewards contribution, offering employees opportunities to grow, lead, and make a lasting difference.
If you're driven by public service and want to help shape the future of our city, we'd love to work with you.
Salt Lake City offers a competitive and well-rounded benefits package designed to support your health, financial future, and professional growth. To learn more, visit our Benefits & Wellness (https://www.slc.gov/hr/benefits-and-wellness/) site.
Health & Wellness
95% City-paid medical insurance
Dental, vision, life insurance
HSA (with $1,000-$2,000 City contribution)
Wellness clinic for employees & families
Robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Financial Perks
Tuition reimbursement (up to $4,000/year)
Retirement contributions (pension and/or 401(k))
Discounted pet insurance, legal services, and more
Thinking about applying or weighing another offer?
Use our Total Compensation Calculator (https://tools.slc.gov/totalcompensation/) to see the true value of your job offer-including salary, benefits, retirement, and more.
We know time away from work is essential for rest, personal needs, and family life. Salt Lake City offers generous paid leave to help you recharge and stay balanced. To learn more, visit our Benefits & Wellness (https://www.slc.gov/hr/benefits-and-wellness/paid-leave/) site.
12 vacation days to start
12 paid holidays + 1 personal holiday
Up to 80 hours personal leave annually
6 - 12 weeks of paid parental leave
Bonus leave credit for eligible rehires & public sector transfers
Our Recruitment Team is ready to assist you throughout the entire hiring process-from questions about job openings to application support. Reach the Recruitment Team at 801-535-6699Or email: careers@slc.gov
The City is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Salt Lake City will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Human Resources at 801-535-7900.
Salt Lake City is proud to be a partner of the Utah Patriot Program, providing employment opportunities for Veterans, Military and spouses. We are also a proud National Service Partner.
