Principal Assistant City Attorney: Internal Litigation Unit

Posting Close Date

Applicants must submit their completed application by 09-13-2026 at 11:59 p.m. MST

Application and Special Instructions

As part of the application process, all applicants must submit a chronological resume and a cover letter at the time of application. Applications that do not include both documents by the recruitment closing date will be considered incomplete and will not receive further consideration for this recruitment.

This position is on-site at City Hall. Remote or hybrid arrangement may be available.

Applicants must submit a legal writing sample created within the last three years, not to exceed ten pages. The sample may be submitted with the application or must be provided prior to the panel interviews.

Interview Information
Highest-scoring applicants will be invited to a panel interview to be held in-person at City Hall on September 28, 2026.

Candidates who perform successfully in the panel interviews will be invited to an in-person second interview on October 7, 2026, at City Hall.

The eligibility list established from this process may be used to fill positions as they become available over the next six (6) months.

Recruiter Contact Information
If you have any questions, please contact Noelle Smith at LBS_HR@tucsonaz.gov.

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 of the Tucson City Attorney’s Office. 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Performs other duties and tasks as assigned. 

Working Conditions

Mostly office environment.

All duties and responsibilities listed are subject to change.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Juris doctorate degree (JD)

Experience

Five (5) years of relevant experience

Equivalency

Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.

License/Certifications

Preferred Qualifications

Member in good standing with the State Bar of Arizona
License/Certifications: A valid and unrestricted driver’s license with two (2) years of licensed driving is required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Government law practice including a working knowledge of the legal subject matters involved with civil litigation in a municipal law practice.
At least 5 years civil and/or criminal practice, to include jury trial experience.
Civil litigation experience.

POSITION DETAILS

Job Profile

J0619 - Principal Assistant City Attorney

View full job profile including classification specifications and physical demands at https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Human-Resources/Tucson-Talent.

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.

Fair Labor Standards Act (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. The City of Tucson is a Second Chance Employer.

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, vision, life, disability, and FSA coverage, surpassing your standard 401(k) program by offering a rich pension plan plus optional Roth and pretax deferred compensation savings. With your well-being in mind, our paid time off program provides new hires with 38 paid days off in the first year of employment, with time off increasing steadily in subsequent years. We offer twelve weeks of paid parental leave, paid tuition reimbursement, student loan repayment, off- and on-the-job training, and opportunities to forge connections with peers and the community through employee resource groups and paid volunteer hours. You can learn more about our benefits at https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Human-Resources/Employee-Benefit-Snapshot.

Citizenship

The City of Tucson employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.  The City of Tucson does not offer visa sponsorship.

The City of Tucson is an Equal Opportunity/AffirmativeAction/Veterans/Disability Employer

The city does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and pregnancy), national origin, veteran status, age, disability, genetic testing, or any other protected status. If you believe you have been a victim of discrimination, you may file a complaint with the City of Tucson's Office of Equal Opportunity Programs, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or Arizona Attorney General's Office of the Civil Rights Division (ACRD). 

ADA Accessibility Compliant Form

The City of Tucson is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities or who require religious accommodation; please contact Human Resources at

EmployeeLeaves@tucsonaz.gov

.

Recruiter Name

Noelle Smith

Recruiter Email

LBS_HR@tucsonaz.gov

For general Human Resources questions please contact 520-837-4190.