City Attorney
City of Tuscon, AZ
THE OPPORTUNITY
The City of Tucson is seeking a seasoned legal strategist and trusted advisor to serve as its next City Attorney – a rare opportunity to shape the future of one of the most culturally rich and community-driven cities in the American Southwest. This is a role for a principled leader who combines sharp legal acumen with a collaborative spirit, and someone who sees the law not as a constraint but as a tool to empower good governance. Reporting directly to the Mayor and Council, the City Attorney will guide complex legal decisions that impact Tucson’s residents, protect its resources, and uphold its values. For those drawn to meaningful public service, bold civic leadership, and the chance to make a lasting impact in a city that celebrates innovation, equity, and cultural heritage, this is more than a job – it’s a calling.
ABOUT TUCSON
Tucson blends centuries of Hispanic, Native American, and Anglo heritage into a vibrant and authentic cultural landscape that is steeped in cultural history. With more than 4,500 years of inhabitation, Tucson’s ancestral inhabitants – the Tohono O’odham Nation and the Pasqua Yaqui Tribe – continue to have a presence and influence in Tucson. With its population over 40% Latino, Tucson’s culture is enriched through vibrant traditions, culinary excellence, family-centered values, and a deep sense of community that shapes the city’s identity and spirit.
As the 33rd largest city in the country, and the first U.S. city designated a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, Tucson offers exceptional culinary experiences alongside a rich mix of art, music, and outdoor recreation—from hiking and cycling to world-class stargazing. With 330 days of sunshine annually and mountain ranges in every direction, Tucson is a year-round outdoor playground. The Loop, a 131-mile network of paved, shared-use paths, provides safe and scenic routes for walking, running, and biking across the city. Whether you’re drawn to the stunning desert surroundings, the inclusive and caring community, or the city’s forward-thinking approach to public service, Tucson offers an exceptional place to live, work, and lead.
CITY GOVERNMENT
The City of Tucson is a charter city that has a Council-Manager form of government, with the Mayor serving as the Chief Executive Officer and the City Manager having general supervision and direction of the administrative operation of the city government. The Council is composed of a Mayor elected at large to four-year terms without limits, and six Council Members elected by Wards to four-year staggered terms without limits. The City Council appoints the City Manager, City Attorney, City Clerk and City Magistrates. The City Manager oversees approximately 4,500 dedicated employees and an annual operating budget of $2.4B.
THE CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
Led by the City Attorney, the City Attorney’s Office has an annual budget of $13.3 million and 94 employees, organized into two divisions: Civil and Criminal.
Civil Division: With 29 assigned staff, the Civil Division provides legal advice and representation to the Mayor and Council, the City Manager, and all City departments, and serves as the City’s representative in courts of law and administrative proceedings to help ensure the lawfulness of the official business of the City of Tucson and avert litigation contrary to the City’s interest for all civil cases.
Criminal Division: As the largest division with 62 employees, the Criminal Division prosecutes misdemeanor and civil code violations, supports offender rehabilitation through specialty courts, provides victim assistance, and responds to citizen inquiries regarding City Court cases.
THE POSITION
Reporting to the Mayor and Council, the City Attorney serves as the chief legal advisor to the City Council, City Manager, and all City departments. This executive position directs the strategic planning, operations, and legal oversight of all functions within the City Attorney’s Office, including both Civil and Criminal Divisions. The City Attorney exercises broad discretionary judgment and serves as the final legal authority for the City of Tucson. Key responsibilities include legal counsel to City leadership; strategic leadership and planning; supervision and staff development; legislative and policy advising; litigation and trial oversight; ordinance review and development; and representation and advocacy.
QUALIFICATIONS
The following are the minimum requirements for the position of City Attorney:
Education: Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
Experience: Five years experience as a practicing attorney including three years of experience representing a public entity and one year of experience supervising a professional staff.
Licensure: Licensed to practice law in the State of Arizona.
Residency Requirement: Residency within the City of Tucson is required.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The City Attorney position has a salary range of $173,472 - $260,208, depending on qualifications. In addition, the City provides an excellent executive benefit plan including a generous defined benefit pension plan, with five-year vesting, the ability to transfer from other Arizona pension plans and the ability to purchase service credit. Full details are available here. The City also offers a voluntary 457(b) plan as an additional retirement investment vehicle.
Relocation assistance may be available and is subject to negotiation with the selected candidate.
For a full list of benefits, click here.
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply no later than Thursday, August 14, 2025. Submit a comprehensive résumé and compelling cover letter online at:
Confidential inquiries are welcomed to:
Greg Nelson | greg@mosaicpublic.com | (916) 550-4100
