Attorney - Napa

THE OPPORTUNITY

This is a rare opportunity for an accomplished municipal law leader to serve as the City of Napa’s chief legal advisor while rebuilding and shaping the City Attorney’s Office for the future. Following a period of transition driven by retirements and other career advancements, the City has been operating with contracted legal services and is now intentionally bringing its legal function fully back in-house, beginning with the appointment of a new City Attorney.

The next City Attorney will have the opportunity to hire staff and lead a high-performing municipal law office that reflects Napa’s values, operational needs, and long-term goals. Working closely with a high-functioning City Council and a collaborative executive team, this role calls for a hands-on leader who can balance legal rigor with practical problem-solving – protecting the City’s interests while enabling effective governance, modernized processes, and organizational momentum.

For a City Attorney energized by building teams, strengthening institutions, and leaving a lasting imprint, Napa offers a uniquely meaningful and visible leadership opportunity.

THE CITY OF NAPA

The opportunity is described with Napa’s character and regional context. Napa is nestled in Northern California’s wine-country region yet just an hour from the Bay Area’s tech-hubs, offering a blend of small-city charm and global relevance. The population is around 78,000–80,000 with a median household income over $100,000 and a median age near 41. The city comprises 26 distinct neighborhoods and sits at the heart of a world-renowned wine region with over 475 wineries, alongside a culinary industry with Michelin-starred restaurants and farm-to-table venues.

What stands out about Napa is the quality of life: a nearly year-round mild climate, walkable downtown, and easy access to nature and open space. The local economy extends beyond tourism and hospitality to include healthcare, manufacturing, professional services, and retail alongside wine production. For someone relocating, Napa offers community-scale living with regional access, strong education and income markers, a work‑and‑life balance, and a place that values its history and future.

THE CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE

The City Attorney’s Office provides sound legal advice and support to City officials, working collaboratively to implement policies set by City Council, and diligently advocating the City’s interests. The Office advises the City Council, appointed commissions, and City staff in the conduct of City business and the preparation of legal documents, and represents the City’s interests in civil litigation and administrative proceedings.

The Office also advises on actions necessary to establish, implement, and enforce City laws and policies, and prepares legal documents to implement those laws and policies, including ordinances, resolutions, regulations, and contracts. The City-related entities represented by the City Attorney include the Housing Authority of the City of Napa and the Public Financing Authority of the Napa Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District.

With a budget of $1.9 million, the City Attorney’s Office provides its services through a staff of six positions: the City Attorney, two Assistant City Attorneys, a Deputy City Attorney, a Legal Analyst, and a Legal Assistant.

THE POSITION

The City Attorney serves as the chief legal advisor to the City of Napa, working under the policy direction of the City Council. As a key member of the City’s executive leadership team, the City Attorney plays a vital role in shaping policy, mitigating risk, and ensuring that all municipal activities align with applicable laws and regulations. This is a hands-on leadership position that oversees the full scope of legal services for the City, including civil litigation, administrative hearings, and risk management.

The City Attorney provides legal counsel to the City Council, City Manager, City departments, and various boards and commissions. The role also involves extensive collaboration with external counsel, partner agencies, and the broader community. Key areas of responsibility include leading and…