Located just 55 miles north of San Francisco and 30 miles east of the Pacific Ocean, Santa Rosa is the seat of Sonoma County and the center of trade, government, commerce, and medical facilities for the North Bay area. The surrounding area is home to over a hundred wineries and vineyards, many beautiful parks and recreational facilities, as well as 16 golf courses. Incorporated in 1868, Santa Rosa is a charter city operating under a Council-Manager form of government. Policy-making and legislative authority are vested in the City Council, consisting of seven members, all of whom are elected at-large on a non-partisan basis and serving four-year overlapping terms.

By City Charter, the City Attorney is appointed by the City Council to serve as the chief legal advisor on legal issues affecting the City of Santa Rosa. The City Attorney’s Office is committed to providing the highest quality legal services and support for elected City officials, departments, boards and commissions, and to defending the City in all litigation and claims against the City. The City Attorney is appointed by and reports directly to the Santa Rosa City Council. The City Attorney’s Office has a total staff of 15 positions consisting of eight attorneys and seven support staff. The City of Santa Rosa is seeking an experienced and confident legal professional who thrives in an active and complex environment. Known as someone who builds relationships and wins people over, this candidate will be expected to be strategic, proactive, and an innovative leader. The Council is looking for a municipal attorney who is well-rounded with strong generalist skills complemented by a passion for public service and participation. The incumbent City Attorney’s salary is currently $257,908. The salary for the incoming City Attorney is negotiable and dependent upon experience and qualifications. The City of Santa Rosa also offers an attractive benefits package.