City Attorney

The City of Redding seeks an exceptional, experienced legal professional to serve as our next City Attorney. The City Attorney serves as a key member of the City’s leadership and as the City’s chief legal advisor, reporting directly to the City Council. The City of Redding is the region’s third-largest employer, maintaining a solid reputation as a great place to work, and provides its community with a full array of services, including public safety (police and fire), highways and streets, planning and zoning, parks and recreation, airport operations, public transportation, utilities (electric, water, wastewater, storm drainage, and solid waste) and general administrative services. A welcoming and family-friendly community, Redding enjoys a high quality of life with affordable housing, reputable schools, and abundant natural beauty. Situated on the banks of the Sacramento River, the community is the service and economic center for the Shasta-Cascade region.

Compensation and Benefits

• The annual salary range for the City Attorney is $280,000-$310,000.
• CalPers Retirement Program
• Medical, Dental, and Vision with family healthcare from $199.38/pay period or a high-deductible plan available at no cost.
• Vacation, Sick, and Administrative Leave
• 13.5 Paid Holidays per year
• Great Work Environment!

Responsibilities

• Provide counsel to the City Council and City staff on a wide range of municipal matters, including land use and development, personnel and employment issues, contract review and negotiation, real property transactions, environmental regulations, and election law.
• Supervise Assistant City Attorneys and other staff.
• Provide leadership and administrative responsibilities such as developing departmental goals and priorities, managing the City Attorney’s Office budget, overseeing contracts and legal documents, providing employment law guidance, mentoring staff, and maintaining strong communication with government officials, courts, agencies, and professional organizations.
• Represent the City in all legal proceedings in which it is a party or has an interest, including prosecuting violations of the Redding Municipal Code and other applicable ordinances.

Qualifications

• Broad knowledge of municipal law and proven experience working in or with a local government agency.
• A Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school and membership in the State Bar of California.
• Ten (10) years of relevant experience in the practice of law and four (4) to five (5) years of municipal law experience.
• Politically astute, capable of navigating conflict respectfully, and skilled at maintaining productive professional relationships.
• Calm temperament under pressure, an approachable demeanor, and a sense of humor.
• Networking within the legal profession and collaborating effectively with colleagues.
• Core areas of expertise include land use and economic development, conflict-of-interest law and Brown Act compliance, contract drafting and review, public works and code enforcement, and employment law.
• Strategic and calculated thinker with a record of successful litigation and sound risk assessment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, emotional intelligence, confidence, and credibility.
• The ability to build strong, respectful relationships across the organization and with the City Council, including clearly explaining complex legal issues so all members are equally informed.
• The ability to mentor and develop staff, including two full-time Assistant City Attorneys, while managing a high workload that requires both speed and precision.
• The position involves leveraging outside expertise when appropriate and collaborating with the City’s joint risk pool for litigation support.