THE OPPORTUNITY

The City of Lodi offers an excellent opportunity for a municipal attorney with land use experience who wishes to work in an organization characterized by a friendly, productive, and collegial team environment. This is a very exciting time to join the Lodi team as the City is keenly focused on its future strategic growth and evolution.

THE CITY OF LODI

The historic, charming, and unique City of Lodi is home to over 67,000 residents and is ideally located adjacent to Highway 99 and Interstate 5, 34 miles south of Sacramento, two miles north of Stockton, and 90 miles east of San Francisco. Residents of Lodi take immense pride in their community that is surrounded by lush parks, wineries, museums, a lake, and open space. The City is committed to quality growth while striving to protect its historical, small-town ambiance. A revitalized downtown boasts unique shops, fine restaurants, and a movie theater. Lodi is known for its authentic wine region heritage with over 85 wineries in the greater Lodi region. Lodi is also a safe city, as crime rates are low and community pride reigns high, reflecting active community engagement and a strong public safety infrastructure. By all measures, the quality of life in the City of Lodi is exceptional and provides an ideal location in which to live, work, and play.

THE CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE

The City Attorney’s Office will operate on a FY 2024-25 budget of $1.32 million which includes a staffing level of 7 FTE’s. The Council-appointed City Attorney leads the team and is supported by an Assistant City Attorney, a Deputy City Attorney, two administrative support staff, and three Risk Management staff members.

THE POSITION

Under general direction from the City Attorney, the Assistant City Attorney will possess a legal generalist skillset in municipal or civil law. The Assistant City Attorney will serve as legal staff to the Planning Commission and will be intimately involved with issues related to land use planning and development projects, affordable housing, the Subdivision Map Act, CEQA, and the City’s Housing Element. Additionally, experience with transactional legal matters, contract review and drafting, and support of the public works department would be preferable for this role. Familiarity with litigation is desirable, although most cases are handled by outside counsel.  Shared oversight of contract litigators may be an aspect of this role based on the successful candidate’s litigation expertise.

The ideal candidate will be committed to the City and be passionate about providing exceptional legal service to the local community. The Assistant City Attorney will be readily accessible, highly adaptable, flexible, and politically astute in dealing with the expectations of modern city government. Excellent communication and listening skills are expected, with an operational style that incorporates high levels of teamwork, collaboration, and a hands-on orientation is expected. In addition, land use experience in a municipality or in a law firm providing that type of legal service to municipal clients; LAFCO and CEQA experience; and experience in contract management, general contracting, and Public Works legal oversight would be beneficial for success.

QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is considered qualifying. The most qualified candidates will possess the following:

• Education: A Juris Doctorate degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association or the California Bar Association is required.

• Experience: At least five (5) years of experience in the active practice of municipal or civil law in California. Prior public agency experience is highly desirable.

• Licensure: Membership in good standing with the California State Bar Association is mandatory for this position.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for the Assistant City Attorney is $180,315 to $219,174, with placement in the range dependent on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. This position is scheduled for a 4% salary increase in January 2025.

The City offers a comprehensive benefits package including retirement provided through CalPERS – New employees receive 2% @ 62, with the employee paying the employee share based on actuarial evaluation as defined under PEPRA, plus 6% of the employer share. Classic employees receive 2% @ 55 and pay 7% of the employee share and 6% of the employer contribution. The City does not participate in Social Security and offers deferred compensation with a 3% match of the employee’s base salary.

The City follows a 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off. Limited remote work may be negotiated with the City Attorney upon hire.

For additional benefit information, interested candidates are encouraged to review the detailed recruitment brochure by clicking on the .pdf link on this page.

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS

To be considered for this position, interested candidates must submit a cover letter and résumé below. Candidates are encouraged to apply immediately, as this recruitment will close once a sufficiently strong pool of stellar candidates has been established.

Confidential inquiries are welcomed to:

Bryan Noblett | bryan@mosaicpublic.com | (916) 550-4100

Greg Nelson | greg@mosaicpublic.com | (916) 550-4100