Deputy City Attorney
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Deputy City Attorney
Salary
$110,768.76 - $138,754.14 Annually
Location
Charlottesville (22902), VA
Job Type
Regular Full-Time
Job Number
260500002
Department
City Attorney's Office
Opening Date
05/04/2026
Closing Date
Continuous
Bargaining Unit
N/A
Description
Benefits
Questions
General Summary
The Deputy City Attorney professionally and responsibly renders legal services, counsel, representation, and regular guidance to an assigned portfolio of City agencies, departments, boards, and/or commissions. Provides legal advice on matters related to land use, real estate, transactional work, procurement, public works, utilities, and general municipal law. Prepares legal documents and represents the City in civil litigation. Works under the general direction of the City Attorney and collaborates with other attorneys in the City Attorney's Office to support the City's legal needs.
To learn more about the Charlottesville City Attorney's Office, please visit: https://www.charlottesville.gov/172/City-Attorney
The preferred hiring amount for this position is between $110,768.76 - $138,754.14 Annually. Starting offer is based on applicable education, experience, and internal equity. This full-time, exempt position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including 13 paid holidays plus one floating holiday, vacation and sick leave, health insurance with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, gym membership reimbursement, tuition assistance, and professional development opportunities. This position is also eligible for the following benefits:
Up to 80 hours of discretionary administrative leave per calendar year
Choice of retirement plan:
Defined Benefit Pension Plan: Provides a monthly benefit upon retirement, calculated using a defined formula based on earnings history, years of service, and age. The plan includes a 5-year vesting period and requires an employee contribution of 5% of salary.
Defined Contribution 401a Plan: Employer makes fixed contributions to an individual account, which are invested, and returns are credited to the account. The account balance is used to provide retirement benefits. Vesting occurs at 33% after one year, 67% after two years, and 100% after three years of service. No salary contribution is required.
Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
Eligibility to purchase prior service credit under the Defined Benefit Plan
The City of Charlottesville manages its own retirement system and does not participate in VRS; however, a Portability Agreement is available for eligible employees. For additional details, please refer to the "Benefits" tab within this posting or visit the City's Employee Benefits webpage (https://www.charlottesville.gov/1047/Employee-Benefits) .
Note: This job opportunity is advertised with a closing date of "Continuous." If interested in being considered, an application should be submitted as soon as possible. Applications may no longer be considered once a reasonable number of applications has been received or once a candidate to fill the position is identified. Applications may be evaluated on a continuous basis and interviews may be conducted as soon as possible during the recruitment. This job announcement may close at any time after 7 calendar days.
Essential Responsibilities and Duties
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations will be considered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The essential functions of the job are not limited to those listed in the job description. The City retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.
Serves as legal advisor to an assigned portfolio of City agencies, departments, and boards; providing legal review and guidance.
Depending on assignment, provides legal review and counsel on land use and zoning applications, site plans, Building Code and permits, zoning ordinance and comprehensive plan amendments, proffer agreements, zoning interpretations, and development proposals. Assists with due diligence and legal issues related to property or easement acquisition, title reviews/searches, land disposition, and infrastructure development.
Depending on assignment, may represent the Charlottesville Department of Social Services in proceedings.
Conducts legal research and prepares formal and informal opinions and memoranda on federal, state, and local laws affecting City operations.
Drafts, reviews, and/or negotiates a wide range of legal documents including but not limited to ordinances, resolutions, contracts, easements, deeds, leases, grant agreements, MOUs, and other instruments.
Prepares formal legal opinions for the signature of the City Attorney.
Monitors, reviews, and analyzes proposed and passed legislation from sessions of the General Assembly.
Represents the City government, its boards, commissions, officials, and employees before federal, state, and local courts.
Defends civil litigation brought against the City and its officials, agencies, departments, and employees by evaluating claims, circumstances, legal issues, and relevant materials; determining and drafting appropriate responsive pleadings, performing research, drafting briefs, documents, and legal memorandum; preparing and presenting arguments, as well as preparing/interviewing witnesses and presenting evidence; conducting negotiations; handling appellate procedures.
Performs trial duties, including completing discovery; scheduling and taking depositions; attending the trial settlement conference; preparing exhibits; conferring with witnesses; preparing documentation, jury instructions and exhibits; handling voir dire; making post-trial motions and other related duties.
Supports city staff with statutory interpretations, regulatory enforcement, and/or public records requests in accordance with FOIA. Reviews and responds to subpoena duces tecum requests and other legal inquiries. Provides information and answers inquiries from the public.
Attends meetings of boards and commissions as assigned, including those held after-hours, and provides real-time legal guidance.
May have responsibility for establishing procedures to minimize and pursue the collection of delinquent taxes and other accounts.
Responsible for appropriate use and maintenance of City equipment, tools and other resources, including work time.
Regular and reliable attendance.
Other Duties
Collaborates with other attorneys to support the City's legal needs and strategic initiatives.
Performs additional duties to support operational requirements as apparent or assigned.
Education, Experience and Skills
Education and Experience:
Graduation from accredited law school with a Juris Doctorate AND at least 4 years of experience in the practice of law.
OR
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the specific requirements listed above.
Preferred:
Prior experience in the practice of municipal law or advising a public agency in the assigned portfolio of focus.
Certifications/Licenses/Other Requirements:
Licensed to practice law in Commonwealth of Virginia (or eligible to be admitted to practice law under the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia Part 1A, Rule 1A:1.)
Required to successfully pass a pre-employment background check and pre-employment drug screen.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics:
Job Knowledge
Comprehensive knowledge of municipal, state, and federal laws, torts, contracts, civil rights, administrative process, and real property.
Thorough knowledge of the principles, methods, materials, practices, and references utilized in legal research.
Knowledge of civil litigation and juvenile court procedure and/or real estate, land use, zoning, and contracts law.
Thorough knowledge of legal office procedures and practices.
Reading
Advanced: ability to read and understand complex books, reviews, scientific or technical journals, abstracts, financial reports, and/or legal documents.
Writing
Advanced: ability to research and prepare legal documents with proper documentation, reporting, record keeping and compliance with federal, state, and local laws, regulations, policies, and procedures. Ability to tailor writing to specific audiences and explain complex thoughts and ideas in writing.
Math
Intermediate: ability to deal with number systems; simple formulas, practical application of fractions, percentages, ratios/proportions and measurement.
Communication Skills
Advanced: recommendations regarding policy development and implementation are made and/or recommended. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public officials, City administration, and the public. Contact may involve support of controversial positions or the negotiation of sensitive issues or important presentations. Evaluates customer satisfaction, develops cooperative associations, and utilizes resources to continuously improve customer satisfaction. Provide oral and written presentations in public.
Independence and Decision-Making
Requires Limited Direction: normally completes work according to their own judgment, requesting supervisory assistance occasionally. Special projects are managed with little oversight and assignments may be reviewed upon completion. Performance reviewed periodically.
Technical Skills
Basic: uses standard technical skills appropriate to the assigned and apparent job responsibilities. Demonstrated skill in computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets and statistical databases to enter data, maintain records and generate reports; uses of computer technology for legal research.
Fiscal Responsibilities
No budgetary/fiscal responsibilities.
Supervisory Responsibilities
No responsibility for direction or supervision of others.
Other Characteristics
Time pressure.
Frequent change of tasks.
Working closely with others as part of a team.
Performing multiple tasks simultaneously.
Constant interruptions and requests for service.
Must work effectively with sensitive and confidential materials and issues.
May require dealing with angry, frustrated and/or upset individuals.
May be required to work additional hours outside of normal schedule, including weekends and/or nights.
Physical Conditions & Additional Information
Physical Demands:
Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
Must be able to frequently remain in a stationary position.
Must be able to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
Must occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc. Must constantly position self to maintain files in file cabinet.
Ability to observe at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Machines, Tools, Equipment, Software and Hardware:
Typically requires use of standard office equipment and telephone, and related software and hardware; and any other equipment as appropriate or as assigned.
Work Environment:
Work is performed in an office environment where there may be exposure to computer screen for extended periods of time, monitor glare and dust.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
The City of Charlottesville is an Equal Opportunity Employer and supports workforce diversity at all levels of the organization. The City prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. The City is dedicated to this with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, access to facilities and programs, and general treatment during employment.
Requests for reasonable accommodation by individuals with disabilities may be requested by contacting Human Resources at (434) 970-3490 or hr@charlottesville.gov.
The City of Charlottesville conducts job related background checks, reference checks, and pre-employment drug tests, in accordance with federal, state, and local law, of applicants who reach the final stages of the employment selection process. The City's policy has not changed because of the decriminalization of marijuana in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Marijuana remains an illegal drug under federal law, and it continues to be a violation of the US Department of Transportation regulations and the City's policy prohibiting employees from testing positive for marijuana.
SUMMARY OF EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Updated February 9, 2026
Benefits cited represent those for regular 40-hour employees and may differ for Management Level, Part-Time, and/or Library positions. Long-term temporary employees are eligible for all benefits except retirement. Interns, temporary, seasonal, substitute, and relief employees are not eligible for benefits.
LEAVE:
Vacation: Need some time off? Use it, you earned it:
Years Worked
0 -
3 -
Hours Accrued Biweekly
3.09
3.85
4.62
5.4
6.16
6.93
7.7
Sick: Under the weather? Earn 4.62 hours biweekly, approximately 120 hours a year, with no limit on accumulation to be used to care for yourself and qualifying family members.
Holidays: Enjoy 13 paid holidays per year. Including 1 Floating Holiday, which must be taken during the Fiscal Year (July 1 - June 30):
OBSERVED CITY HOLIDAYS
New Years Day
Dr. Martin Luther King Day
Presidents' Day
Liberation & Freedom Day
Memorial Day
Juneteenth Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Veterans Day
Thanksgiving Day
Friday after Thanksgiving
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
1 Floating Holiday
Volunteer Leave: Paid leave for participating in an authorized event as a volunteer, subject to Section 9-3, Code of Ethics & Conflicts of Interest. Regular full-time employees receive up to 8 hours and all regular part-time employees are eligible to receive pro-rated leave each available each calendar year.
INSURANCE:
Aetna Medical Plans: Coverage is effective on the first of the month following date of hire.
Choose from two options:
Select HMO with City-funded HRA ($0 premium for employee-only coverage)
Choice POS ($13.02 biweekly premium for employee-only coverage)
Prescription Card: ($10 generic, $30 lower cost name brand,$55 higher cost name brand, 20% up to $150 for specialty drugs)
Mail Order Maintenance Prescription Drug Program ($20 generic, $60lower cost name brand, $110 higher cost brand) not available for specialty drugs)
Delta Dental Plan:
Diagnostic and Preventative-100% of allowable charge; Basic Dental Care-80%; Major Dental Care- 50%
Primary - $50 deductible, 80/20; Prosthetic and Complex Restorative -$50, 50/50
$1,500 Annual benefit maximum
$1,000 Orthodontic benefit (children to age 19)
MetLife Vision Plan: (Optional)
$2.50 premium paid bi-weekly for employee-only coverage. Dependent care coverage also available.
Eye health exam, dilatation, prescription and refraction of glasses covered after $10 co-pay
$130 allowance for frames, after co-pay, plus additional discounts where accepted.
Life Insurance: In the event of your death, your beneficiary will receive twice your annual salary. Supplementary policies for you and your dependents are available.
Long-Term Disability: U pon approval for along-term illness or injury, you can receive up to 60% of your earnings after a 90-day wait period.
Voluntary Benefits: Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity insurance; Short-Term Disability; Identity Theft Protection
RETIREMENT:
Pension:
Choose from two (2) options:
A Defined Benefit Pension plan pays a monthly benefit in retirement using a defined formula based on the employee's earnings history, tenure of service, and age. Our plan has a 5-year vesting period and an employee contribution of 5% of salary.
A Defined Contribution 401a plan in which fixed contributions are paid into an individual's account by the employer, the contributions are invested, returns (positive or negative) are credited to the account, and the account balance is used to provide retirement benefits. The vesting schedule for our 401a plan is 33% after one year of service, 67% after two years of service, and 100% vesting after three years of service. There is no required contribution from salary. (Note: the Defined Contribution retirement plan is the only plan available for Library employees).
Supplement: Deferred Compensation 457 available for you to invest your own money for additional retirement savings.
VOLUNTARY:
Wellness:
Gym Membership Reimbursement Program (up to $34.00 per month)
Bicycle Commuter Program: Reimbursement up to $20 per month for reasonable bicycle commuting expenses
Online wellness resources and Lunch-and-Learn Sessions
Employee Assistance Program:
A variety of confidential, personal professional services for you and your family available 24 hours a day.
Tuition Reimbursement:
Up to $1,500 for job-related certificates, trade programs, undergraduate coursework or up to $3,000 for graduate level courses per fiscal year for career-related courses.
Flexible Spending Accounts:
Expense accounts available for healthcare, dependent care and parking/mass transit.
01
Have you graduated from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree?
Yes
No
02
Please indicate your level of experience in the practice of law? (Must be verifiable in reference to the Work History section of your online application.),
No experience.
Less than four (4) years.
Four (4) to less than six (6) years.
Six (6) years or greater.
03
Are you Licensed to practice law in Commonwealth of Virginia (or eligible to be admitted to practice law under the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia Part 1A, Rule 1A:1.)?
Yes
No
04
To be considered, qualifying education and experience, including City of Charlottesville employment, must be clearly documented in the education, work history, and additional information sections of the employment application. Resumes can be attached but should not be used as a substitute for the required information on the application. I understand that an attached resume may not be accepted in place of a completed employment application and that my qualifications should be stated on the employment application itself.
Yes
No
05
I certify that the information above is true and correct, and I certify that it can be verified with reference to the information in my basic application. I understand that my application may be rejected if the responses to supplemental questions do not match my basic application.
Yes
No
Required Question
Employer
City of Charlottesville
Address
P. O. Box 911 605 East Main Street Charlottesville, Virginia, 22902
Phone
(434) 970-3490
Website
http://www.charlottesville.gov/jobs
