Description
ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY- LITIGATION
This recruitment is open until the position is filled.
First review of applications will occur on 8/21/25
Apply under Current Job Openings by clicking here.
Pay Grade: 118
Annual Salary Range: $106,500 - $157,000
The successful candidate’s placement in the salary range will depend upon previous experience in a similar role. The placement shall not exceed the midpoint of the salary range, which is $131,800.00 annually.
The City of Tempe offers a comprehensive benefits package including:
13 Paid Holidays and 1 Personal Day
Vacation Accrual starts at 9.33 hours/month. Higher monthly vacation accrual rates may be available with prior ASRS service.
Sick Leave Accrual; 8 hours/month
Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits
Tuition Reimbursement; $6,500/year
Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) Defined benefit plan with mandatory employer and employee contributions currently at 12% which includes a Long-Term Disability benefit
Supplemental Retirement Plans through Nationwide; 457, 401K, and Employer contribution
Position is eligible for up to 24 hours of floating holiday leave
To view the employee benefit summary, please visit:
Employee Benefit Summary
Department / Division:
City Attorney’s Office
Job Type:
Full-Time Regular
Schedule:
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Monday through Friday
Job Number: RC# 902327
DESCRIPTION
This position provides legal representation for the City, its officers, and its employees in various litigation matters across federal and state courts, including areas such as civil rights, torts, contracts, and employment law, while adhering to regulations of the State Bar of Arizona. Offers pre- and post-litigation advice to the City Council, departments, and employees; drafts policies and contracts, and handles disputes related to social media and public arts. Reviews and advises on legal risks, creates internal policies, and keeps City staff informed of regulatory and legislative changes.
Duties include, but are not limited to the following:
Reviews, evaluates, defends, and/or pursues legal claims involving the City; conducts legal research and drafts and responds to significant pleadings, including complaints, answers, motions to dismiss and motions for summary judgment.
Supervises paralegals, legal assistants, and externs as required by the State Bar of Arizona, while supporting the functions of the City Attorney's office; participates in the selection, training and evaluation of professional personnel; assigns work activities, projects and programs; monitors workflow; reviews and evaluates work product, methods and procedures.
Advises on and drafts City contracts and other related documents, position statements, legal memoranda, and other legal documents. Represents the City, its officers, and employees at mediations, settlement conferences, and arbitrations.
Analyzes defenses to notices of claim that may become lawsuits and litigate lawsuits involving the City, boards, Council and employees, including gathering facts and documents from the client. Analyze and review complex and large document and data files.
Represents the City, its officers and employees in state and federal court through all stages of civil litigation from case assessment through appeal, if necessary.
Drafts and responds to written discovery; takes and defends depositions, including expert witness depositions; prepares filings and legal documents, and performs related activities on behalf of the City.
Provides backup and support throughout the City Attorney's Office as needed.
Participates in interdepartmental group meetings to draft new ordinances and amendments to existing City ordinances.
Monitors new legislation and recently decided case law, attends continuing legal education seminars, and provides updates to others in the office and departments, as applicable.
May perform responsibilities of a similar nature and level as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS
Experience:
Requires 1 year of experience in litigation, or related experience.
Candidates must have the minimum amount of work experience. Years of experience are based upon a full-time work schedule (2,080 hours per year). The sum of an applicant’s full-time and/or part-time qualifying work experience must meet or exceed the stated minimum qualification. Education will not substitute for the required work experience; however, related unpaid and/or volunteer work experience may be used as qualifying work experience.
Education:
Doctoral/advanced degree in Juris Doctorate
Requires a Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
The term “equivalent” means that directly related work experience exceeding the required work experience will substitute in equal one-year increments for college-level education (2 additional years for an associate degree and 4 additional years for a bachelor’s degree).
Professional Licensure and/or Certifications:
Membership in good standing with the State Bar of Arizona.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Applicants considered for this job classification must pass the following:
- Criminal history review
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
For a complete list of City of Tempe job descriptions go to:
Job Descriptions | City of Tempe, AZ
This position is FLSA Exempt which means employees are not eligible for overtime compensation and/or compensatory time.
Employees in this position are part of the Confidential Non-Supervisory group (CNS)
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: The City of Tempe is an Equal Opportunity / Reasonable Accommodation employer. The City does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, familial status, age, disability, and United States military veteran status. Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will make a reasonable accommodation(s) during the recruitment & selection process. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation by contacting Human Resources at 480-350-8276. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.
