Assistant City Attorney Senior

City of Gresham•Gresham, OR

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The City of Gresham is hiring an entry-level or experienced municipal attorney for its City Attorney’s Office. Depending on relevant experience, demonstrated expertise and skills, education, and other qualifications, the successful candidate may be hired as an Assistant City Attorney or Senior Assistant City Attorney. The office provides legal counsel on a broad range of municipal matters, including public safety, land use and development, urban renewal, real estate, economic development, public works, public contracting, employment and labor law, constitutional law, and general governmental law. The attorney may work in two or more practice areas such as construction contracting and disputes; public contracting; real estate and eminent domain; environmental law; complex land use; labor and employment; city-code enforcement; public safety and law enforcement; civil rights and nondiscrimination; or general governmental law. The City Attorney’s Office is described as supportive, collaborative, and evolving, and values work-life balance and flexibility. Work combines in-office work with some remote work, consistent with business needs. The office includes the City Attorney, Deputy City Attorney, Assistant and Senior Assistant City Attorneys, risk-management professionals, and support staff. The legal team supports City departments and operations and collaborates regularly with City staff. At the Assistant City Attorney level, the position is the entry-level classification in the City Attorney series and works under the supervision of the Deputy City Attorney and/or a Senior Assistant City Attorney, with some supervision by the City Attorney. The office emphasizes mentorship and professional development. The annual salary range is $113,739 to $147,835. At the Senior Assistant City Attorney level, the attorney has greater experience and municipal-law knowledge, is typically an expert in one or more relevant practice areas, and exercises substantial independence and professional judgment. The position works under limited guidance from the City Attorney or Deputy City Attorney, provides senior-level legal support to City leadership and staff, and may represent the City in proceedings, hearings, litigation, and negotiations. The Senior Assistant City Attorney serves as lead legal counsel for one or more primary City departments. The annual salary range is $132,631 to $172,371. Initial placement in either range depends on work experience, skills, education, relevant certifications or licenses, and pay-equity requirements. Promotion from Assistant to Senior Assistant is based on performance and years of experience. The City seeks employees who support fairness, access, respect, and accountability; contribute to an inclusive workplace; and help ensure equitable outcomes in City services. Employment offers are contingent on successfully completing a criminal background check. The job announcement remains open until the position is filled, with the first application review scheduled for August 3, 2026.

Requirements

Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
Active membership in good standing in the Oregon State Bar, or ability to become an Oregon State Bar member through reciprocity within six months of hire.
Three or more years of 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 local government law, administrative law, public contracting, and other relevant areas of law.
Knowledge of court procedures and rules of evidence.
Ability to exercise professional judgment and discretion in confidential and sensitive matters.
Ability to analyze and evaluate factual legal issues and organize, interpret, and apply legal principles.
Ability to interpret, apply, and ensure compliance with policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external contacts.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing, and present information and recommendations clearly and persuasively.
Ability to operate office equipment and technology tools, including computers, printers, and presentation equipment.

Nice To Haves

Five or more years of relevant legal experience for the Senior Assistant City Attorney role, including three years of direct experience in local government law.
Demonstrated experience and expertise in one or more of these areas: complex land use matters; labor and employment law; construction contracting and disputes; public contracting; real estate and eminent domain law; environmental law; city-code enforcement; public safety and law enforcement; civil rights and nondiscrimination; or general governmental law.
Interest in or experience with two or more of the listed municipal law practice areas.
Desire to learn new subject areas as the need arises.

Responsibilities

Provide legal counsel on municipal matters, including public safety, land use and development, urban renewal, real estate, economic development, public works, public contracting, employment and labor law, constitutional law, and general governmental law.
Work with City departments and collaborate regularly with City staff.
Conduct complex legal research and review and prepare legal documents.
Represent the City, independently or under supervision, in court and administrative hearings.
Analyze legal issues, identify alternatives, assess consequences, and apply relevant legal principles.
Conduct negotiations and represent the City where priorities compete or conflict.
For the Senior Assistant City Attorney role, provide senior-level legal expertise and support to the City Council, City Manager, Department Directors, and City staff.
For the Senior Assistant City Attorney role, potentially represent the City in legal proceedings, hearings, litigation matters, and negotiations.
For the Senior Assistant City Attorney role, serve as lead legal counsel for one or more primary City departments.
Apply equitable program practices to diverse and complex City services.
Develop and implement goals, objectives, policies, procedures, work standards, and internal controls.