Assistant / Senior Assistant City Attorney

Assistant / Senior Assistant City Attorney

Salary

$135,886.40 - $199,451.20 Annually

Location

City Hall - 710 NW Wall St, Bend, OR

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

20260116

Department

Legal

Division

0I52

Opening Date

09/18/2026

Closing Date

10/8/2026 12:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits

About the Role

The City of Bend is accepting applications for one (1) full-time Assistant City Attorney or Senior Assistant Attorney position, commensurate with experience. The City is open to filling the position at either classification level, and applicants who meet the qualifications for either level are encouraged to apply, This is a FLSA exempt (overtime in-eligible), non-represented position. The City may use this job posting to create an eligibility list for future hiring purposes. Please review the entire job posting, including the application requirements at the end.

The Assistant / Senior Assistant City Attorney plays a key role in helping shape the future of one of Oregon's fastest growing and most vibrant communities. In this position, you will provide legal counsel to the City Council, City Manager, City staff, and City advisory bodies; conduct legal research; draft a variety of legal documents, pleadings, and opinions; and represent the City in courts, administrative proceedings, and other forums. As part of a collaborative and high-performing organization, you will work on a diverse range of complex and impactful legal matters. Staff in the City Attorney's Office are integral members of the City's leadership team. The City Attorney's Office prides itself on providing excellent legal services as well as critical thinking and strategic advice to the entire City organization.

Classification Framework:

• To view the full Assistant City Attorney Classification, click here
• To view the full Senior Assistant City Attorney Classification, click here

What Youll Do

Assistant City Attorney:

• Provide professional legal services to the City under direction and guidance of the City Attorney, Deputy City Attorney, and Senior Assistant City Attorneys.
• As directed by the City Attorney, attend City Council, Planning Commission and other City committee/board meetings and work sessions to address legal issues and provide advice on compliance with public meetings, records and ethics laws, and meeting/hearing procedures.
• Participate in meetings with City staff, applicants/developers, community members and other agencies relating to City business.
• Provide legal advice to staff regarding implementation of Council goals and City and department strategic plans.
• Assist or take lead in competently drafting contracts, ordinances, resolutions, intergovernmental agreements, property transaction documents and legal memoranda.
• Provide day-to-day legal advice to the City Manager, City department heads and staff including Community Development, Engineering, Police, Fire, Finance, Accessibility & Equity, Communications, City Recorder, Code Enforcement, Procurement, Water Services, Transportation & Mobility, Airport, and Affordable Housing.
• As directed by the City Attorney, participate in litigation involving the City, including proceedings in Municipal Court, Land Use Board of Appeals; Circuit Court, District Court and Appellate Court. Typical duties include research and trial preparation, drafting of pleadings, motions and briefs.

Senior Assistant City Attorney:

• All duties and responsibilities outlined in the Assistant City Attorney role.
• Senior Assistant City Attorney may have leadership and mentoring opportunities and responsibilities.
• Attend City Council, Planning Commission and other public meetings or work sessions as directed by the City Attorney; provide legal advice as requested and provide advice on compliance with public meetings, records and hearings procedures.
• Act as lead attorney for various departments as assigned by the City Attorney.
• Review documents, assist in drafting and developing contracts, agreements, ordinances, resolutions, intergovernmental agreements, property transaction documents, and legal memoranda, to assure legal protection for the City in conformance with applicable local, state and federal laws.
• As directed by the City Attorney, participate in civil litigation involving the City, including matters before the Land Use Board of Appeals, Municipal Court, Circuit Court, District Court and Appellate Court as assigned.
• Research, prepare, and/or defend cases, draft pleadings, motions, and briefs, and recommend decisions regarding litigation strategy.
• Work closely with the City Attorney and City Manager to provide legal advice to all City departments, implement City strategic planning and Council goals. Attend Council meetings as lead attorney when City Attorney is not available.
• Fundamentally, advance and protect the interests of the City and its citizens in all matters in a growing, increasingly complex city.

Ideal Candidate

Assistant City Attorney:

• A highly qualified candidate is a collaborative, service-oriented attorney who combines strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills with the ability to provide practical, solution-focused advice in a fast-paced municipal environment. This individual is experienced in reviewing and drafting a variety of legal documents, including contracts, pleadings, ordinances, resolutions, and intergovernmental agreements, and demonstrates sound judgment when advising elected officials, City leadership, and staff.
• The successful candidate is comfortable navigating public law issues such as public meetings, public records, land use, ethics, and administrative procedures while effectively managing litigation support and court-related matters or demonstrates the ability to quickly gain these skills. They are adaptable, responsive, and committed to advancing the Citys goals through high-quality legal counsel, professionalism, and a strong commitment to public service.

Senior Assistant Attorney:

• A highly qualified candidate demonstrates the attributes of the Assistant City Attorney classification and is a skilled municipal attorney and trusted strategic advisor who possesses extensive experience in public sector law, complex legal analysis, litigation, and governance matters.
• The successful candidate excels at balancing legal risk with organizational objectives, confidently represents the City in administrative and judicial proceedings, and is effective in presenting legal guidance during public meetings and hearings. With exceptional communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills, the Senior Assistant City Attorney proactively advances and protects the Citys interests, supports strategic initiatives, and helps navigate the legal complexities associated with a growing and evolving community.

Skills & Abilities: The following skills and capabilities are required to perform the essential functions of this position.

• Knowledge of legal principles and understanding of Oregon law, or ability to learn quickly;
• Researching, interpreting and credibly explaining policies, procedures, codes, laws, and regulations; Making persuasive legal presentations and arguments;
• Problem solving and risk assessment (analyzing situations, identifying alternative solutions, projecting consequences of actions, and recommending appropriate actions);
• Communicating effectively, both orally and in writing, with staff, department heads, contractors, other agencies, public officials, courts, administrative tribunals and the general public;
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with employees, public officials, other agencies and the general public;
• Participating in a team approach to analyzing and solving legal problems and issues;
• Drafting and interpreting legal documents and making presentations;
• Taking initiative and being innovative in approaches on legal issues under the direction of the City Attorney;
• Seeing connections between clients and providing proactive advice; helping clients think long-term;
• Working effectively in a public and political setting, particularly with the City Council;
• Establishing and maintaining the confidence and trust of public officials and varied clients in multiple City departments;
• Working independently and comfortably in areas of responsibility;
• Modeling and promoting trust, integrity and professionalism;
• Handling multiple tasks simultaneously and prioritizing work effectively;
• Quickly learning and grasping new concepts without a great deal of training;
• Ability to coordinate and participate in litigation; and
• Perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Assistant City Attorney

Minimum Required Qualifications:

• Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an accredited school of law
• Recent graduate or newer attorney (0-5 years) or equivalent experience that provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Member in good standing of the Oregon State Bar Association or ability to obtain within a reasonable amount of time following appointment.
• Current and valid Drivers license per City policies outlined in the Employee Handbook.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least one year of experience as a practicing attorney.
• Some municipal or public sector law experience.

Senior Assistant City Attorney

Minimum Required Qualifications:

• Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an accredited school of law
• 4 or more years of experience as a practicing attorney, or equivalent experience that provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Member in good standing of the Oregon State Bar Association or ability to obtain within a reasonable amount of time following appointment.
• Current and valid Drivers license per City policies outlined in the Employee Handbook.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Municipal or public sector law experience, specifically in the areas of land use, construction (capital improvements) and procurement, real property and property acquisition, eminent domain, general advice work for government, or similar work for private entity clients that engage in public contracting or interact with governmental entities.
• Some experience at the Land Use Board of Appeals, municipal, state, and/or federal court is desirable, but not required.

What to Know Before Applying

Application Deadline: Applications received by Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 12:00 PM (Noon) Pacific Time will be included in an initial review and considerations for interview; however, the position will remain open until filled. Initial interviews will take place virtually the week of Monday, October 19, 2026.

Application Requirements: To be considered for this position, applicants must have a complete application that includes all of the following attachments (failure to include required attachments may result in disqualification):

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Attach valid Credentials, Certifications and Licensing (if applicable)

Veterans' Preference: Applications seeking Veteran's Preference as a qualified veteran or disabled veteran must attach appropriate documentation to their application. For more information click here.

Equity Statement: The City of Bend remains committed to building a workforce that advances diversity and inclusion within our community and all we do. We recognize that not everyone starts from the same place, and that gender, race, ability, sexual orientation, and other identities face different barriers. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are dedicated to creating an inclusive, safe, and respectful workplace where employees can thrive without these barriers. A more extended version of the City of Bend's Organizational Equity Statement is available upon request.

Benefits: The City of Bend offers an excellent competitive benefits package for Employees and Dependents for health and dental coverage, retirement benefits, and a robust paid leave program. Details are available on the benefits tab of the job posting.

Starting Compensation: Starting compensation is determined based on a pay equity analysis considering the candidate's education, applicable work experience, and internal equity. Please include all relevant information on your application.

Assistant City Attorney Total Compensation:

Senior Assistant City Attorney Total Compensation:

Diversity & Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The City of Bend is committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion. At the City of Bend, we dont just accept differences; we value them. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and support the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act (ADAAA) and the Oregon Equal Pay Act.

Employee Benefit Overview

August 1, 2025 - July 31, 2026

Regular Full Time Benefits:

Coverage is effective on the first day of the month, coinciding with or following date of hire.

(If the first day of work is on the first calendar day of the month, coverage is effective that day.)

High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)

Medical, Vision and Prescription Coverage

Underwritten by PacificSource Health Plans

Full-time employees currently pay 10% of the total monthly premium. Benefit-eligible part-time employee premiums are pro-rated according to their regularly-scheduled hours, either at 50% (employees working 20-29 hours per week) or 75% (employees working 30-39 hours per week) of the full monthly premium.

Employee monthly premium:EmployeeEmployee & DependentsFull-time Employees$71.48$178.70Part-time 1 Employees (30-39 hours per week)$178.72$446.77Part-time 2 Employees (20-29 hours per week)$357.43$893.54

Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)

Third Party Administrator -- PacificSource Administrators (PSA)

This is an employer-funded account designed to reimburse employees for IRS-qualified medical expenses. Reimbursements are tax-free, and any unused HRA Comp-A fund amounts at the end of the plan year are transferred to the employee's VEBA account following first full year of employment (see below for VEBA account information). Coinsurance (Med-G) funding remaining at plan year end is forfeited and does not roll to the VEBA.

Employee monthly premium portion:

Employee

Employee & Dependents

Full-time EmployeesHRA (Comp - A)

Coinsurance (Med - G)$2,000

$1,250$4,000

$1,250Part-time 1 Employees (30-39 hours per week)HRA (Comp - A)

Coinsurance (Med - G)$1,500

$937.50$3,000

$1,335.75Part-time 2 Employees (20-29 hours per week)HRA (Comp - A)

Coinsurance (Med - G)$1,000

$625$2,000

$890.50

Employees also have the option to self-fund a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for unreimbursed medical expenses to offset potential out-of-pocket liability under the medical/dental plans and potentially shelter their HRA Comp-A account to allow for larger rollover to their VEBA account at plan year end.

First Stop Health - Telemedicine: The City of Bend provides First Stop Health (FSH) telemedicine benefits for FREE to all medical-enrolled employees and up to seven (7) of their immediate family members.

Dental Plan

Underwritten by MODA

$2,000 calendar year benefit maximum per covered individual includes $1,000 one-time orthodontia benefit.

Full-time employees currently pay 10% of the total composite monthly premium.

Part-time benefit-eligible employee premiums are pro-rated according to their regularly scheduled work hours (50% for employees working 20-29 hours per week; 75% for those working 30-39 hours per week).

Employee composite monthly premium:

Employee with/without Dependents

Full-time Employees$15.40

Part-time 1 Employees (30-39 hours per week)$38.53

Part-time 2 Employees (20-29 hours per week)$77.05

VEBA Plan

Administered by HRA VEBA

Individual employee account that receives tax-free rollover amounts from the City-funded HRA Comp-A account remaining at the end of each plan year. The account belongs to the employee and may be invested in mutual funds similar to deferred compensation. The account can grow, tax free, and be used for future medical expenses and can be used either while still employed or after separation/retirement.

Flexible Spending Plan (FSA)

Administered by PacificSource Administrators (PSA)

Participation in the City of Bends Flexible Spending Plan is voluntary and allows employees to pay for IRS-approved health care-related expenses and dependent care through pre-tax payroll deduction.

Life, Personal Accident (AD&D) & Long-Term Disability Plans

Underwritten by New York Life

Group Basic Term Life Insurance: Benefit-eligible employees working at least 20 hours per week are eligible for a coverage amount of one times the employees annual salary, to a maximum benefit of $150,000, with a minimum benefit of $50,000. Coverage includes person accident coverage for loss of life and/or limb, per scheduled benefit package amounts.

Group Long-term Disability Insurance: Benefit-eligible employees working at least 20 hours per week are eligible for a a benefit of up to 66.67% of employee's covered earnings to a maximum of $9,000 per month.

Voluntary Life and AD&D: Active, full time employees of the City of Bend regularly working a minimum of 20 hours per week are eligible for additional voluntary coverage for the employee, spouse/domestic partner and dependent children.

Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)

The City of Bend participates in the PERS Retirement System. Employees become PERS members after working six full calendar months in a qualifying position requiring at least 600 hours worked per 12-month period. Contributions on the employee's behalf begin following completion of the six-month waiting period. The City makes "employer" contribution based on the employee's Tier I, II or OPSRP member status. The City also makes the "employee" member contribution of 6% of salary. For complete PERS program details, visit the website http://www.oregon.gov/pers

Employee Assistance Program

Underwritten by Canopy

This City-provided, confidential service helps employees privately solve problems that may interfere with work, family and life in general. Services are free to employees, their dependents and household members.

The City of Bend also offers the following voluntary benefit programs which are elective and funded through payroll deduction:

• AFLAC Supplemental Insurance (various plans are offered)
• MASA ground and air ambulance membership
• 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plans sponsored by Nationwide Retirement Solutions & Mission Square Retirement

___

Temporary Medical Only Benefits:

Coverage is effective on the first day of the month, coinciding with or following date of hire. (If the first day of work is on the first calendar day of the month, coverage is effective that day.)

High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)

Medical, Vision, Prescription coverage

Underwritten by PacificSource Health Plans

Full-time, temporary employee(s) currently pay 10% of the total employee(s) monthly premium. Full-time, temporary employees are eligible for employee-only medical coverage. However, there is family coverage available should the employee choose to enroll and assume financial responsibility for the difference of premium.

Employee composite monthly premium:

EmployeeEmployee & DependentsFull-time Employees$71.48$1,143.69Deductible$2,000$4,000

Flexible Spending Plan (FSA)

Administered by PacificSource Administrators (PSA)

Participation in the City of Bends Flexible Spending Plan is voluntary and allows employees to pay for IRS-approved health care-related expenses and dependent care through pre-tax payroll deduction.

Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)

The City of Bend participates in the PERS Retirement System. Employees become PERS members after working six full calendar months in a qualifying position requiring at least 600 hours worked per 12-month period. Contributions on the employee's behalf begin following completion of the six-month waiting period. The City makes "employer" contribution based on the employee's Tier I, II or OPSRP member status. The City also makes the "employee" member contribution of 6% of salary. For complete PERS program details, visit the website http://www.oregon.gov/pers

Employee Assistance Program

Underwritten by Canopy

This City-provided, confidential service helps employees privately solve problems that may interfere with work, family and life in general. Services are free to employees, their dependents and household members.

The City of Bend also offers the following voluntary benefit programs which are elective and funded through payroll deduction:

• MASA ground and air ambulance membership
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plans sponsored by Nationwide Retirement Solutions and Mission Square Retirement

If you have Federal student loan debt, (private student loans not included), or are considering going back to school, you may benefit from the Student Loan Forgiveness Program.

• If you make 120 qualifying payments on your Federal student loan while working full-time for a qualifying employer, your Federal student loan debt may be forgiven.

Always check the loan servicer and type of loan you have to ensure you qualify.

Employer City of Bend

Address 710 NW Wall Street

Bend, Oregon, 97701

Phone 541-388-5525

Website http://www.bendoregon.gov