Applications reviewed upon receipt.

Located in the San Joaquin Valley, the heart of California, the City of Merced is the County’s largest city, and serves as the County seat. Merced is a dynamic community of 90,971 people, with friendly small town living in a mid-size city. Residents enjoy the City’s proximity to the San Francisco Bay Area, Monterey Bay, and the Sierra Nevada mountains.

The City Attorney’s Office provides expert legal advice and advocacy to and on behalf of the City Council, the Public Financing Authority, their committees and commissions, as well as to the City Manager and all city departments, so that policies are established and programs are administered within the guidelines established by city, state, and federal laws. The City of Merced is seeking a solution oriented and forward-thinking candidate to serve as the next City Attorney. The ideal candidate must be approachable and collaborative, with the ability to properly interpret and make decisions in accordance with laws, regulations, and policies. The new City Attorney must demonstrate leadership and offer stability, while diligently preparing and protecting the City Council by providing guidance and recommendations in support of City goals. A proactive, patient, honest, and creative candidate is essential.

Qualified candidates possess a Juris Doctorate Degree from an American Bar Association or California State accredited school of law; as well as eight (8) years of broad and extensive experience, in all major phases of municipal law including California land use, redevelopment, liability, discrimination, Americans with Disabilities Act, Workers’ Compensation, California Public Contract Code, public sector labor law, federal, state, and local ordinances, civil litigation, criminal issues, and administrative law, including two (2) years of responsible management and administrative experience. Active membership in the California State Bar is required. The annual salary for the City Attorney is up to $275,000 annually. Placement is dependent on qualifications and experience. The City also offers a generous benefits package.