City Attorney (Non-Classified*)

Job Description:

City Attorney (Non-Classified*)

Description

The Position

The City Attorney recruitment is being facilitated by WBCP, Inc.

City Attorney Recruitment Brochure

To apply, please visit WBCP, Inc. Job Board . The final submission date is August 8, 2025.

The City of Riverside, California is seeking a strategic, principled, and visionary legal professional to serve as its next City Attorney. As the chief legal advisor to the City Council and executive leadership, the City Attorney plays a pivotal role in guiding major initiatives and protecting the City’s legal and operational integrity. They oversee a talented legal team of 45.5 staff members and the City Attorney’s Office budget of $7.9 million, manage high-profile litigation and complex contracts, and provide trusted counsel on matters that influence the organization and community at every level. The ideal candidate is a respected legal strategist who thrives in a complex civic environment, and possesses strong public sector legal expertise, sound and ethical judgment, and a reputation for fairness, discretion, and clear, collaborative communication. Drive legal stewardship for a thriving, forward-looking City, apply today!

* This position is designated as Non-Classified and is exempt from the classified service. The Incumbent shall be appointed "at-will" and serve at the pleasure of the City Council.

Previous negotiated salary set at $361,776 per the City’s salary schedule; final determination of salary and benefits will be based on qualifications and experience.

Work Performed

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Represent and advise the City Council and all City officers in all matters of law pertaining to their office.
• Direct and participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies and priorities.
• Plan and direct drafting of ordinances, resolutions, contracts, deeds, leases and other legal documents.
• Direct the preparation of cases for trial and the investigation of claims or complaints by or against the City; try the more important cases before higher courts.
• Attend all regular meetings of the City Council.
• Approve the form of all contracts made by and all bonds given to the City, endorsing same.
• Direct the preparation of legal opinions for City departments, the City Council, boards and commissions.
• Oversee services provided by outside legal specialists engaged by the City for special legal problems.
• Represent the City before other governmental bodies and agencies to promote the interests of the City.
• Represent the City in the community and at professional meetings.
• Direct the preparation and administration of the department budget.
• Direct the coordination of legal activities with other City departments and divisions and outside agencies.
• Select, supervise, train and evaluate assigned staff.

Qualifications

Education:
Must possess a Juris Doctor Degree from an ABA-accredited or California-accredited law school and be in good standing of the California State Bar.

Experience:
A minimum of ten years of responsible professional legal experience in municipal law, with at least five years in a City Attorney's office.

Necessary Special Requirement:
Licensed to practice law in the State of California and engaged in the practice of law for at least five years prior to appointment.

Selection Process

To apply, please visit WBCP, Inc. Job Board.

The final submission date is August 8, 2025. Two rounds of in-person interviews are anticipated to take place in late September.

For additional information or questions, p lease contact the recruiter, Terri Maus-Nisich:

• Email: terri@wbcpinc.com
• 541-664-0376 direct
• 866-929-9227 toll-free

Resumes will be screened by WBCP, Inc. and candidates with the most relevant qualifications will move forward in the recruitment process. The City of Riverside City Council will select candidates to participate in panel interviews.

Extensive reference and background checks will be completed on the selected candidate.

Executive

The City offers an attractive benefits package, the central provisions of which are as follows:

• Retirement for Classic Members - For employees hired after 1/1/2013 who are CLASSIC MEMBERS of California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) or a reciprocal agency as of 12/31/12 and have not been separated from service from such agency for six months or more, the retirement benefit shall be 2.7 % @ age 55; 3-year final compensation. The required employee contribution is 8%. The City does not participate in Social Security; thus, employees do not bear this additional 6.2% expense.
• Retirement for New Members - For employees hired 1/1/2013 or later and who ARE NOT a member of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) or a reciprocal agency as of 12/31/12, or those who have been separated from a public agency which contracts with CalPERS or a reciprocal agency for six months or more, the retirement benefit shall be 2% at age 62; 3 year final compensation. The required employee contribution is 50% of the normal cost. And is subject to change per CalPERS every fiscal year. The City does not participate in Social Security; thus, employees do not bear this additional 6.2% expense.
• Health Insurance - The City offers six health insurance plans and contributes up to $1,734 per month for HMO plans (family coverage).
• Dental Insurance - The City provides three dental insurance plans and contributes up to $45 per month.
• Vision Insurance - The City provides vision coverage through Vision Service Plan (VSP) for employees and their dependents that are enrolled in medical coverage.
• Life Insurance - The City provides and pays for term life insurance with accidental death and dismemberment equal to two times the annual salary rounded to the next highest $1,000 up to a maximum of $700,000 plus AD&D. Additional Life Insurance is available and voluntary for employee and eligible dependents (up to $300k).
• Deferred Compensation - The City contributes $100 per month with a minimum employee contribution of $12.50 per check. Participation in the deferred compensation plan is optional.
• Leave Benefits - Includes vacation, sick leave, bereavement leave, and holiday benefits. Please refer to the Fringe Benefits and Salary Plan for specific details. .
• Flexible Spending Account - The City offers a Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Plan for optional participation.
• Long Term Disability - The City offers optional enrollment in the Long-Term Disability Plan.
• LegalEase Plan - Optional legal services plan for employees and eligible dependents.
• Critical Illness Plan - Optional critical illness insurance plan for employees and eligible dependents.
• Administration Leave- 80 hours a fiscal year
• Vacation - Varies and may be reflected in individual contracts.
• Auto Allowance - $500 per month

For additional benefits information, please visit the following website: https://www.riversideca.gov/human/employee-hub/benefits/about-1

For part-time, benefitted positions the insurance and other benefits (leave accruals, holidays, etc.) are pro-rated based on ½ or ¾ time status.

Closing Date/Time: 8/8/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

Depends on Qualifications