Attorney; Non-Classified

Overview

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 guides major initiatives and protects the City’s legal and operational integrity. The Office oversees a legal team and budget, manages high-profile litigation and complex contracts, and provides trusted counsel on matters that influence the organization and community at every level.

Drive legal stewardship for a thriving, forward-looking City.

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. Final determination of salary and benefits will be based on qualifications and experience.

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.

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.

To apply, please visit the WBCP, Inc. Job Board. For first consideration, apply by March 11, 2026. Two rounds of in-person interviews are anticipated to take place in mid-April. For additional information or questions, please contact the recruiter, Terri Maus-Nisich:

• Email:
• direct
• 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.

The City offers an attractive benefits package, including:

• Retirement information for Classic Members of CalPERS or reciprocal agencies (see details in original description) with defined benefit terms.
• Retirement information for New Members with CalPERS or reciprocal agencies (see details in original description).
• Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, and optional Life Insurance for dependents.
• Deferred Compensation and optional participation.
• Leave Benefits, Flexible Spending Accounts, Long Term Disability, Legal Ease Plan, Critical Illness Plan, and Administration Leave.
• Vacation, Auto Allowance, and other benefits as described in the official plan.

For additional benefits information, please visit the City of Riverside benefits website. For part-time, benefitted positions, benefits are pro-rated based on ½ or ¾ time status.