Assistant City Attorney Senior

City of Gresham•Gresham, OR

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The City of Gresham's City Attorney’s Office is seeking to add an entry-level or experienced municipal attorney with interest or experience in two or more of the following practice areas: construction contracting and disputes; public contracting; real estate and eminent domain law; environmental law; complex land use matters; labor and employment law; enforcement of city codes; public safety and law enforcement; civil rights and nondiscrimination; and/or general governmental law with a desire to learn new subject areas as the need arises. The successful candidate may be hired as an Assistant City Attorney or as a Senior Assistant City Attorney depending upon years of relevant experience, demonstrated expertise and skills, education, and other qualifications. The annual salary range for the Assistant City Attorney position is $113,739.00 to $147,835.00. The annual salary range for the Senior Assistant City Attorney position is $132,631.00 to $172,371.00. Initial placement in either salary range is dependent upon work experience, skill set, education, relevant certifications/licenses, and pay equity requirements. Promotion from the Assistant to Senior Assistant level is based upon performance and years of experience. Gresham offers a robust benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, City paid 6% PERS contribution, monthly HRA-Veba contribution, and more. You can find more information here: Employee Benefits | City of Gresham (greshamoregon.gov) Please contact City Attorney Ellen Van Riper for more information about this opportunity at [email protected] . This job announcement will remain posted until the position is filled. First review of applications will occur on August 3, 2026.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school
Active member in good standing in the Oregon State Bar or ability to become an Oregon State Bar member through reciprocity within six (6) months of hire.
Three (3) or more years relevant legal experience
Knowledge of laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and collective bargaining agreements affecting City policies and operations
Knowledge of City government administration, organization, functions, and services
Knowledge of practices, principles, procedures, regulations, and techniques of local government law, administrative law, public contracting, and other relevant areas of law
Knowledge of court procedures and rules of evidence
Knowledge of techniques for effectively representing the City with government agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, regulatory, and legislative organizations
Knowledge of communication principles, practices, and techniques
Knowledge of modern office practices and methods, computer equipment, and software applications
Ability to exercise professional judgment and discretion in confidential and sensitive matters
Ability to analyze and evaluate routine factual legal issues and organize, interpret, and apply legal principles
Ability to conduct complex legal research and review and prepare legal documents
Ability to interpret, apply, and ensure compliance with applicable policies, procedures, laws, and regulations
Ability to effectively represent the City, either independently or under supervision, in court and at administrative hearings
Ability to analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, assess consequences of proposed actions, apply legal principles, and prepare legal documents
Ability to influence and gain cooperation when there are competing or conflicting priorities; conduct effective negotiations and represent the City
Ability to develop and implement goals, objectives, policies, procedures, work standards, and internal controls
Ability to apply equitable program practices to diverse and complex City services
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all internal and external contacts
Ability to operate office equipment and technology tools including personal computers, laptop computers and printers, and presentation equipment
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; present information, proposals, and recommendations clearly and persuasively

Nice To Haves

Five (5) or more years of relevant legal experience to include three (3) years of direct experience in local government law
Demonstrated experience and expertise in one or more of the following practice areas: complex land use matters; labor and employment law; construction contracting and disputes; public contracting; real estate and eminent domain law; environmental law; enforcement of city codes; public safety and law enforcement; civil rights and nondiscrimination; and/or general governmental law

Responsibilities

Provides senior-level expertise and support in a variety of legal services to the City Council, City Manager, Department Directors, and City Staff.
May represent the City in legal proceedings, hearings, litigation matters, and negotiations.
Serves as lead legal counsel for one or more of the City’s primary Departments: Environmental and City Services, Budget and Finance, Police, Fire, Human Resources, Community Development and Livability, or Information Technology.
Works under limited guidance from the City Attorney or the Deputy City Attorney.
Performs work for several City Departments that includes regular collaboration with City Staff.
Provides mentorship of less experienced attorneys.
Works under the supervision of the Deputy City Attorney and/or a Senior Assistant City Attorney with some supervision by the City Attorney.