Attorney - Napa, CA

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.

Nestled in Northern California’s wine‑country region yet just an hour from the Bay Area’s tech‑hubs, Napa offers a blend of small‑city charm and global relevance. Its population hovers around 78,000–80,000, with a median household income over $100,000 and a median age near 41. The city is composed of 26 distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character, from historic Victorian homes near downtown to more suburban‑style enclaves on the outskirts.

Napa is the heart of the region’s world‑renowned wine region, which is home to over 475 wineries, as well as a culinary industry boasting several Michelin‑starred restaurants and farm‑to‑table venues. What stands out about Napa is the quality of life. Residents benefit from nearly year‑round mild Mediterranean climate, a walkable downtown, and easy access to nature and open space. The local economy is anchored not just in tourism and hospitality but in a skilled workforce, giving the community stability beyond just being a destination.

That economic diversity means the city is more than just its vineyards – it’s home to healthcare, manufacturing, professional services, and retail alongside wine production. For someone considering relocating, Napa checks a lot of boxes: community scale living with regional access, high educational and income markers, a lifestyle oriented toward both work and play, and the chance to be part of a place that values both its history and its future.

In short: it’s a community that’s growing and evolving – not standing still.

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 interest in civil litigation and administrative proceedings.

In addition, the City Attorney’s Office advises City officials regarding actions that are authorized or required to establish, implement, and enforce City laws and policies; and prepares legal documents to implement those City 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 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…