What are the responsibilities and job description for the City Attorney position at City of La Mesa?
JOB TITLE: City Attorney
AGENCY: City of La Mesa
LOCATION: La Mesa, CA
FILING DEADLINE: June 30, 2026
SALARY RANGE: $250,000 - $320,000 Annually
THE POSITION
The City Attorney position provides a wide range of professional legal services to the City Council, City Manager, City departments, various boards, and commissions. It is imperative for the City Attorney to foster cooperative working relationships among City departments, intergovernmental and regulatory agencies, and various public and private groups. This position oversees, directs, and participates in all activities of the City Attorney’s Office.
The City Attorney consults with the City Manager in a variety of administrative, coordinative, analytical, and liaison capacities. Successful performance of the work requires knowledge of municipal policies and functions, including the role of the City Council, and the ability to
develop, oversee, and implement projects and programs in a variety of areas. Responsibilities include coordinating the activities of the City Attorney department with those of other departments and outside agencies, managing and overseeing complex and varied activities, being accountable for accomplishing departmental planning and operational goals and objectives, and advancing City goals and objectives within general policy guidelines.
The current City Attorney served as City Attorney for 29 years and will be retiring. The next City Attorney will benefit from an experienced leadership team composed of collaborative department directors that will work closely with the City Manager and City Council to advance the City’s strategic priorities.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate will be a proactive, solution-oriented problem solver and consensus builder, who can work independently and foster strong relationships with City Council and staff. This hands-on, “working” City Attorney will engender a high level of trust and credibility through excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and articulate complex legal issues in easy-to-comprehend terms. Expertise includes demonstrated experience in planning/ community development, zoning, building, subdivision land use,Brown Act, California Political Reform Act, California Public Records Act(PRA), California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), employment and laborrelations, code enforcement, elections, public safety (police and fire), and public works.
The ideal candidate possesses demonstrated experience working efficiently and effectively with special counsel if and when the need arises.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited school of law
- Ten years of increasingly responsible professional experience in municipal law
- California State Bar Admission
THE COMMUNITY
Founded in 1912 and centrally located in the rolling hills of San Diego County with a population of approximately 60,000, La Mesa is known as the Jewel of the Hills. A near-perfect climate, tree-lined streets, walkable neighborhoods, easy access to retail and commercial areas, and a quaint Downtown Village make La Mesa a highly desirable community.
For more details about this opportunity, please visit the job brochure at: https://koffassociates.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Rev8-La-Mesa-CA.pdf
To be considered, please submit a resume, cover letter, and five work-related references to: https://koffassociates.com/la-mesa-city-attorney. References will only be contacted following candidate approval. Resumes should reflect years and months of positions held.
For additional information, please contact:
Frank Rojas
(510) 495-0448
Frank_Rojas@ajg.com
Website: https://koffassociates.com/
Salary : $250,000 - $320,000