City Attorney

THE OPPORTUNITY

Step into a defining leadership role at a pivotal moment for the City of Chandler, Arizona. As City Attorney, you will serve as a trusted strategic partner to elected officials and executive leadership, shaping policy, guiding high-impact decisions, and safeguarding the legal integrity of one of Arizona’s most dynamic and fast-growing communities. This is more than a legal position – it's an opportunity to influence the future of a city known for innovation, economic vitality, and exceptional quality of life. The ideal candidate will bring not only deep municipal legal expertise, but also vision, sound judgment, and the ability to navigate complex challenges with clarity and confidence. If you are motivated by public service, energized by collaboration, and ready to make a lasting impact, Chandler offers a platform where your leadership will truly matter.

ABOUT CHANDLER

Chandler, Arizona, is a forward-thinking community built on entrepreneurial spirit and innovation that enriches the lives of its residents through quality development and infrastructure, excellent job opportunities, outstanding public safety and expansive opportunities for art, culture and recreation. Chandler is part of the Greater Phoenix area and has become the fourth largest city in Arizona with a population of more than 292,000. Outdoor enthusiasts can find plenty of places to explore in Chandler, with 70 parks, six aquatic centers and pools, six recreation centers, 349 miles of bike lanes, and 10 miles of shared‑use paths. Residents enjoy an active arts and culture scene with a museum, performing arts center, two art galleries, multiple golf courses, and an entertaining downtown area.

THE LAW DEPARTMENT

The Law Department is led by the City Attorney who serves as the legal advisor to the City Council, City Manager, and all City departments and represents the City in all legal proceedings. The Law Department is comprised of three divisions. The Civil Division is responsible for some civil court proceedings in various state and federal courts and for all areas of the law. The Prosecutorial Division is responsible for the prosecution of criminal misdemeanor cases in City Court and appeals to the Superior Court, Court of Appeals, and State Supreme Court. The Liability Litigation Division is responsible for the operation of a comprehensive risk management program, including defending the City in risk management cases. The Department has 34 FTE’s who are supported by an approved FY 2025‑26 operating budget of $14.2 million. Reporting directly to the City Attorney is the City Prosecutor, an Assistant City Attorney (Civil), and a Deputy City Attorney (Liability Litigation/Risk).

THE POSITION

The City Attorney serves as the chief legal advisor to the City Council, City Manager, boards, commissions, and all City departments. This position provides legal guidance on municipal operations, represents the City in legal matters, drafts and reviews ordinances and contracts, and ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. The City Attorney is appointed by the City Council and directs the overall legal function of the organization. represent the City in litigation, administrative hearings, negotiations, and managing outside legal counsel; provide guidance on compliance with open meeting laws and public records requirements; advice on labor and employment matters, including personnel policies and investigations; review claims and coordinate with insurance carriers and risk management; oversee the department budget; provide legal advice on municipal law, City of Chandler Charter, Arizona Revised Statutes, land use, contracts, procurement, and risk management. The ideal candidate must be an effective leader of the City Attorney’s Office, who brings clear judgment to workload management, streamlines processes, sets priorities, and creates an open, approachable office culture; ability to create and maintain highly collaborative partnerships that keep the City organization moving; ability to translate complex legal concepts into plain language for elected officials, staff, and community members; a strong foundation in municipal law, paired with judgment to know when work should be handled in‑house and when to engage outside counsel; and be a balanced, solution‑oriented advisor to elected officials and executive leadership.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The Chandler City Council will negotiate a highly competitive salary and executive benefits package with the selected candidate that is considerate of the candidate’s experience and qualifications. An excellent executive benefit package is provided including retirement provided through participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). A voluntary 457(b) plan is also offered by the City with a City contribution of up to 4%. Up to $20,000 is available for relocation assistance per City policy. Residency within the Chandler city limits is required within one year of appointment.

QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of related education, experience, certifications, and licenses that will result in a candidate successfully performing the essential functions of the job is qualifying. The most attractive candidates will possess the following: Education : A Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school. Experience : Ten (10) years of progressively responsible legal experience, including municipal law experience. Residency : Residency in the City of Chandler, within one year of appointment, is required per the City Charter. Licensure : Active membership in good standing with the State Bar of Arizona is required by the time of hire. #J-18808-Ljbffr NACBA