City Attorney

Job Description:

City Attorney

Description

Job Summary

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:

• terri@wbcpinc.com
• 866-929-WBCP (9227) toll-free
• 541-664-0376 (direct)

The City's liberal fringe benefits for full-time employment include sick leave, holiday and vacation pay, the Public Employees Retirement System, medical, dental and vision insurance, credit union, deferred compensation, tuition reimbursement, Dependent Care Assistance Plan and priority enrollment consideration at Hill & Dale Family Learning Center, Marine Park Child Development Center, and Santa Monica Early Childhood Lab School.

Closing Date/Time: 1/15/2026 5:30 PM Pacific

Salary:

$320,232.00 - $395,352.00 Annually