Principal Assistant City Attorney

Posting Close Date: 

Applicants must submit their completed application by 05-13-2025 at 11:59 p.m. MST

Application and Special Instructions

An uploaded letter of intent along with your resume is required for this application. Any application submitted without the required documents will be considered incomplete.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be evaluated on the education and work experience in their employment profile.

The most qualified applicants will then be invited to participate in a panel interview and will be required to provide a legal writing sample composed within the last 3 years, no larger than 10 pages.

ABOUT THIS JOB

Position Specific Summary

The Principal Assistant City Attorney position in the Tucson City Attorney’s Office provides advanced-level legal services within the Internal Litigation Unit of the Civil Division. Performs advanced-level legal work in assigned areas of practice, in particular for cases in active civil litigation. Attorneys at this level work with a high level of autonomy and provide guidance and mentoring to lower-level attorney personnel.

Work is performed in accordance with general policies and established standards of the legal profession and is reviewed by the City Attorney or their designee. This position does not supervise.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Litigates complex legal matters in federal and state courts in assigned area of practice, primarily tort litigation and federal civil rights (Section 1983) litigation. Supports litigation efforts in those matters by performing research, preparing and filing pleadings, making court appearances, trying cases, etc.

• Engages in legal analysis and provides advice to support the City’s Risk Management efforts; advises Risk Management and various City departments to reduce the City’s liability exposure.

• Serves as litigator as part of the City’s litigation team (the ILU) for the City in State and Federal Courts. Identifies, analyzes, and discusses legal issues associated with cases, working closely with other ILU attorneys, paralegals and legal secretaries.

• Performs all other duties and tasks as assigned. Any one position may not include all the duties listed. This job classification specification identifies the responsibilities and tasks typically associated with the performance of the position.

Working Conditions

Mostly office environment.

All duties and responsibilities listed are subject to change.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:
Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school
Experience:
Five (5) years of directly related experience
License/Certifications:
Member in good standing of the State Bar of Arizona.
Valid and unrestricted Arizona Class D Driver License - Arizona Department of Transportation - Motor Vehicle Division

Preferred Qualifications
Civil and/or criminal law. Government law practice; including a working knowledge of the legal subject matters involved with civil litigation in a municipal law practice.

Civil Litigation experience.

POSITION DETAILS

Job Profile

J0619 - Principal Assistant City Attorney

To view the full job profile including classification specifications and physical demands click here.

Compensation Grade

G113

Hourly Range

$47.08 - 70.61 USD

The City of Tucson considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.

FLSA

Exempt

Position Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time

Department

City Attorney

Department Link

https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Tucson-City-Court/City-Attorneys-Office

Background Check:  This position has been designated to require a criminal background check. 

ABOUT US

Benefits: The City of Tucson offers a generous benefits package for benefit-eligible positions. The comprehensive, flexible, and affordable coverage is designed to optimize health and well-being, security and future, and peace of mind. Benefits begin with medical, dental, v