The City of National City is pleased to announce an exceptional career opportunity for a dynamic, experienced, and community-focused legal professional to serve as our next City Attorney.

National City is a vibrant, diverse, and historic community located in the heart of the San Diego region. The City is deeply committed to:

THE CITY:

The City of National City is a full-service, state-governed city serving a vibrant and socioeconomically diverse community. Its diverse population, mild climate, and central location make National City a great place to live, work, play, and do business. The City takes great pride in its rich history, strong bi-national relationships, and deep commitment to its residents, schools, neighborhoods, and thriving business districts.

As San Diego County’s second-oldest city, National City is truly at the center of it all. Located within a dynamic bi-national region of more than five million consumers, the City’s competitive advantage lies in its central location, robust transportation network, and diverse business industry. National City is just minutes from downtown San Diego, local beaches, San Diego International Airport, the U.S.–Mexico border, San Diego State University, and other colleges and universities.

National City is served by Interstates 5 and 805, as well as State Route 54, providing convenient access for residents, businesses, and visitors throughout the region and into Mexico. Public transit options are readily available through the San Diego Trolley and the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), which serve National City seven days a week.

For more information on the City please visit our website at: www.nationalcityca.gov.

Connect with us on social media: National City Facebook | National City Instagram

THE POSITION

The City Attorney is the legal counsel for the City and advises the City Council, boards and commissions, and City staff. The City Attorney’s Office consists of a team of 3 and prepares and reviews ordinances, resolutions, contracts, and other documents. The City Attorney and staff serve as City Prosecutor in the adjudication of violations of City ordinances and represents the City and its officials and employees in civil litigation, and/or supervises outside counsel in handling such litigation. The City Attorney manages a budget of $2.7 million.

In general, the City Attorney’s Office provides the legal services necessary to accomplish the programs of the City’s policy makers according to legal requirements. The City Attorney reports to and serves at the will of the City Council and has the following duties:

• Attends all meetings of the City Council and certain designated commission and board meetings as requested by City officials.
• Is responsible for the preparation for approval of all legal documents brought before the City Council for its consideration.
• Renders legal advice to the City Council and the various City department heads or staff members upon request or in the best interests of the City.
• Represents the City at various meetings with citizens, community groups, or individuals doing business with the City.
• Participates in labor negotiations, investigations, and other employee related matters.
• Appears in court as the City’s legal representative in all actions for or against the City.
• Attends special proceedings in which the City may be legally interested.
• Furnishes legal counsel to City officials as needed or when directed by the City Council.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Experience

A typical candidate will possess at least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in the practice of civil and/or criminal law, with at least 5 years of experience as City Attorney, Assistant City Attorney or public law senior management position in a comparable California city, county or special district agency.

Education

Candidates for this position must possess a juris doctorate degree from an accredited law school and maintain active membership in the State Bar of the California and admission to practice before State of California and federal courts is required.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The City of National City is seeking a hands-on, “working” City Attorney of impeccable reputation who will provide the Council with a full and impartial picture of the City’s standing on legal issues. As a member of the City’s Executive Team, the ideal candidate will work closely with the City Manager and department heads to advance the Council’s work plan and goals.

Highly qualified candidates will possess the following attributes:

• A demonstrated track record of sound legal advice regarding contractual, regulatory, and litigation issues;
• Expertise in municipal law, particularly in the areas of the Brown Act, California Political Reform Act, and the California Public Records Act (PRA) and subsequent State constitutional amendments; land use; the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); employment and labor relations; code enforcement; and municipal elections;
• An aptitude for strategic planning, forecasting, and creative problem-solving;
• Keeps the Council and city staff abreast of changes in the law and the impact on National City as well as legal trends and upcoming policies/legislation;
• Ability to effectively and sensitively communicate in a political context, especially in circumstances where the legality of a planned action is in question;
• Energetic and adept at working in a fast-paced environment;
• A willingness to exercise independent judgment and initiative, always keeping the best interests of National City, its residents, and the organization paramount;
• An open, engaging, transparent, and collaborative individual who will work closely with the Council, City Manager, and department heads to proactively address challenges and opportunities city-wide and to guide City personnel regarding pertinent legal issues;
• Demonstrated background in mentoring and managing staff and will be skilled at creating and maintaining a team oriented, problem solving environment; and
• Visible, approachable and community centric.

APPLICATION PROCESS

To be considered, please submit your resume and cover letter electronically via the online portal (NEOGOV). Resumes received March 16, 2026, will receive first consideration. The position is open until filled.

For additional information or questions, please contact Alicia Hicks, Director of Human Resources.

City Attorney – Job Opportunity, City of National City

The City of National City is an equal opportunity employer, values workforce diversity and seeks to create an environment and culture that embraces employee differences. All qualified applicants are considered.