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Summary

THE OPPORTUNITY 

This is a rare opportunity for an accomplished municipal law leader to serve as the City of Napa’s chief legal advisor while rebuilding and shaping the City Attorney’s Office for the future. Following a period of transition driven by retirements and other career advancements, the City has been operating with contracted legal services and is now intentionally bringing its legal function fully back in-house, beginning with the appointment of a new City Attorney. The next City Attorney will have the opportunity to hire staff and lead a high-performing municipal law office that reflects Napa’s values, operational needs, and long-term goals. Working closely with a high-functioning City Council and a collaborative executive team, this role calls for a hands-on leader who can balance legal rigor with practical problem-solving – protecting the City’s interests while enabling effective governance, modernized processes, and organizational momentum. For a City Attorney energized by building teams, strengthening institutions, and leaving a lasting imprint, Napa offers a uniquely meaningful and visible leadership opportunity. 

Job Description

 THE CITY OF NAPA 

Nestled in Northern California’s wine-country region yet just an hour from the Bay Area’s tech-hubs, Napa offers a blend of small-city charm and global relevance. Its population hovers around 78,000–80,000, with a median household income over $100,000 and a median age near 41.  The city is composed of 26 distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character, from historic Victorian homes near downtown to more suburban-style enclaves on the outskirts. Napa is the heart of the region’s world-renowned wine region, which is home to over 475 wineries, as well as a culinary industry boasting several Michelin starred restaurants and farm-to-table venues. 

What stands out about Napa is the quality of life. Residents benefit from nearly year-round mild Mediterranean climate, a walkable downtown, and easy access to nature and open space.  The local economy is anchored not just in tourism and hospitality but in a skilled workforce, giving the community stability beyond just being a destination.  That economic diversity means the city is more than just its vineyards - it’s home to healthcare, manufacturing, professional services, and retail alongside wine production. For someone considering relocating, Napa checks a lot of boxes: community scale living with regional access, high educational and income markers, a lifestyle oriented toward both work and play, and the chance to be part of a place that values both its history and its future. In short: it’s a community that’s growing and evolving - not standing still. 

THE CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE 

The City Attorney’s Office provides sound legal advice and support to City officials, working collaboratively to implement policies set by City Council, and diligently advocating the City’s interests. The Office advises the City Council, appointed commissions, and City staff in the conduct of City business and the preparation of legal documents and represents the City‘s interest in civil litigation and administrative proceedings. In addition, the City Attorney’s Office advises City officials regarding actions that are authorized or required to establish, implement, and enforce City laws and policies; and prepares legal documents to implement those City laws and policies, including ordinances, resolutions, regulations, and contracts. The City-related entities represented by the City Attorney include the Housing Authority of the City of Napa, and the Public Financing Authority of the Napa Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District. 

With a budget of $1.9 million, the City Attorney’s Office provides its services through a staff of six positions: the City Attorney, two Assistant City Attorneys, a Deputy City Attorney, a Legal Analyst, and a Legal Assistant. 

THE POSITION 

The City Attorney serves as the chief legal advisor to the City of Napa, working under the policy direction of the City Council. As a key member of the City’s executive leadership team, the City Attorney plays a vital role in shaping policy, mitigating risk, and ensuring that all municipal activities align with applicable laws and regulations. This is a hands-on leadership position that oversees the full scope of legal services for the City, including civil litigation, administrative hearings, and risk management. The City Attorney provides legal counsel to the City Council, City Manager, City departments, and various boards and commissions. The role also involves extensive collaboration with external legal counsel, partner agencies, and the broader community. Key areas of responsibility include leading and managing the City Attorney’s Office; advising the City Council and staff on complex legal issues and emerging risks; representing the City in legal proceedings and administrative matters and overseeing outside counsel as needed; serving as a resource and educator to City staff and officials through in-house training and legal updates; and drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a wide range of legal documents, including contracts, ordinances, resolutions, and development agreements. 

SALARY & BENEFITS 

The Napa 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. The salary range for the position is $216,731 to $316,200, depending on qualifications. The City offers an outstanding benefits package which includes retirement benefits provided by CalPERS. In addition to the CalPERS retirement benefit, the City will contribute $1,322 monthly to a 401(a) retirement plan with an employee match of $300 monthly. 

For additional benefit information, interested candidates are encouraged to review the detailed recruitment brochure at www.mosaicpublic.com/careers and the benefits overview. 

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS 

Apply Immediately – This recruitment will close once a strong pool of candidates is established. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit a cover letter and résumé online at: 

www.mosaicpublic.com/careers 

Confidential inquiries are welcomed to: 

Greg Nelson | greg@mosaicpublic.com | (916) 581-1426  

Job Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS 

Any combination of education and experience that is likely to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities for the position is qualifying. The following is a typical way to qualify: 

Education: Equivalent to graduation from a college or university with a Juris Doctorate degree 

Experience: Five years of experience in the active practice of public law in the State of California. Extensive experience in a municipal setting in the active practice of law, including litigation, is desirable. 

License: Active membership in the State Bar of California and admittance to practice before all State and Northern Federal District Courts in California is required.