Located between San Francisco and San Jose, the City of Palo Alto (pop. 68,000) is a full-service Charter City with a council-manager form of government. The City Attorney is appointed by the City Council and supported by a FY 26 budget of $5.1 million and 12 full-time professionals, including nine attorneys.  

 Palo Alto seeks an accomplished municipal legal advisor who can lead a talented team in a complex, fast-paced environment. This well-rounded legal professional will bring a breadth of experience and exceptional problem-solving skills. The ideal candidate is an excellent people manager with a calm, supportive demeanor, contributing to a culture that maintains high standards. 

 Executive or senior-level experience in municipal law serving as a City Attorney, Assistant City Attorney, or equivalent is highly desirable. A Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and active membership in the California State Bar are required.  

The City Council is committed to being competitive with the market while providing a fiscally responsible salary (incumbent salary: $365,000). Salary is supplemented by a competitive benefits package. Closes: 11:59pm on Sunday, December 14, 2025.